Stepmother of groom outfit needed

[mrsmogg]

I feel like I am going round in circles trying to find the right look so hoping for some inspiration!
Summer wedding , church then marquee at the family home. Dress code is morning suits preferred so I need a hat too.

I am 40, size 10, 5'3 so would prefer midi length but I will get the dress tailored. Not yellow. I am brunette and fairly pale, jewel colours suit me. Would like something classy and contemporary, bonus points if I can wear it again for the races etc. budget up to £1000, would prefer to spend less and happy to buy on vinted etc as well.

What about this one? https://alessandrarich.com/products/bows-print-silk-dress-with-collar-fabx4113-f4595-1844-navy-blue-white?_gl=1yvlgf3_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA18DMBhDeARIsABtYwT2DS8-5bXI9ob-RVPiTZB3XYsghcYoA4TczsKEcpdy9bYlXK4ZJ_HQaAqtyEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAA9hQ9Sqb2eaF3C1JCzUN897stsTiS

Ooh, the Victoria Beckham one is nicer than the one I suggested.

The burgundy I linked to was just there to give a general feel. I love black in summer too though.

How much?!!!! To channel Lady Di maternity style?!

Is this a joke?

I hate these just as much as I hate the Handmaid one tbf. They look very dated to me.

Liberty have some beautiful ones but the ones I like the best are very wintery - dark green silk etc.

I’m surprised they’re considered “old” my most stylish colleague who is a size 8 and in her 30s is often in Hobbs and everyone always comments on how put together she looks. I owned a lot of LK Bennett and Hobbs in my 30s and wore outfits from both to Ascot, weddings, and smart garden parties. So maybe it’s a more recent thing it’s now aimed at an older customer. Anyway, I hadn’t realised that the OP was looking for fashionable rather than classic as that only came out later in the thread.

My beautiful stylish daughter (30) often hires dresses for weddings.

Might be worth a look?

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/the-vampire-s-wife-s-black-the-toto-gypsy-midi-dress

I love a lot of them - they’re glam and slightly architectural while still being wearable. The monsoon dress you find beautiful I think looks like it belongs in a bargain bin from 2010. SP are fine (the navy taffeta dress linked is beautiful) but they’ve been regurgitating the same lace and boucle stuff for years.

Well, I reckon I too belong in a bargain bin (from 1999) and I’m fine with that. 😂

This comes in electric blue too https://thefoldlondon.com/product/salerno-crepe-dress-berry/

https://saloniworld.com/products/gwen-c-dress-in-hosta-trellis

https://www.safiyaa.com/products/flora-dresses-in-periwinkle

There are some stunning prints on this website- truly beautiful.

OP, 2 suggestions. The style of dress that Victoria Beckham wore to the Ramsey wedding would look fabulous on you.

My DSis was a guest at her nephew’s black tie ‘cathedral then castle ‘ wedding at Christmas. She wore a skirt and top.

Skirts are very high fashion at the moment - see the Chanel show. As a fellow 5’3’’ I would wear a very dramatic skirt with a plain silk top in the same colour. DSis wore a very beautiful midi taffeta skirt and a silk beaded halter neck top. It looks more modern than a dress. And gives you more options to find the exact type of top half snd bottom half that suits your style.

Jesus God, imagine galumphing into a wedding wearing that!

😆😆😆 Brilliant! I am of a similar mind. Who’d shell out 450 quid to look like a pilgrim?!

I would go to Selfridges or a similar type of store and use the personal shopping service. They will be able to discuss your height and shape with you as well as colour choices and you are likely to get much more idea of what you want. A lot of the suggestions on here are lovely but don’t always look suitable for the type of occasion you’re describing.

Thanks for all suggestions, I am going through them. Hadn't thought of separates, good shout,

Nothing wrong at all with LK Bennett and the like, but they tend to be more my work wear wardrobe rather than the striking look I'm looking for this time 😀

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su870450/y15737

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su513665/h47851

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su824880/w95646

Lipsy have got some nice dresses. I find Phase 8 extremely dull and predictable.

I’d try a vintage shop or eBay vintage.

Well I did and as I said it got masses of compliments.

Most of the Self Portrait stuff is meh. Monsoon lost its way years go

What are you referring to as glam and architectural? Self Potrait? SP is bland and safe.

Are you trying to outshine the mother of the groom?