Where should a 70 year old bride get a dress from?

[WonkyConk]

My DM is getting married in a few months and is struggling to find a dress.

She was married young the first time around (in the 70s), and had a cheap dress, this time she’d like something classy, money isn’t an object if it’s the right one.

However she’s 70, short and round 🤣, so struggling to find the right thing. 5’3” and probably a size 16 to be more specific. She’s also open to trousers possibly. No real preference re colours or patterns. Any suggestions?

@Allseeingallknowingoops! Forgot that. Self Portrait is out then.

Probably a tiered dress then.

What do old people clothes look like?
Tweed skirts, polyester trousers elastic waist, and beige jackets?

Is she not a bit young for that?

Its still worth booking an hour with a personal shopper see if they can find something to suit her shape - regardless of her age!

My grandmother got remarried at a similar age, we arrange someone to help her at John Lewis, she loved it!! Bought a really lovely silvery/blue dress and jacket and hat. They even sorted undies to match (yes grandma!! You need to wear a bra!!) Then she had a makeup trial. She was really happy with the whole day!!

I had an 80yr old friend who got married and we went all over trying to find her an outfit. She was 5ft and a size 20. We ended up in a bridal shop and she got a gorgeous purple dress.

Anywhere that sells nice dresses that suit her shape. Her age is irrelevant. I’m older than her and shop anywhere.

Avoid a bride look? She’s literally the bride! She should be able to wear a full-on meringue if she wishes, 70 or not.

Why? Because she’s a lady of a certain age? What an ageist comment. Anyone of any age can wear what the hell they like!

Whatever the bride wears will literally and inevitably be a ‘bride look’ - because she’s the bride …

A few here, what’s her normal
style op?
https://www.harveynichols.com/zimmermann/rebellion-floral-belted-linen-midi-dress-59736-cmot-cream-aviary-240670/

https://www.harveynichols.com/self-portrait/tailored-boucle-and-chiffon-midi-dress-62765-crem-cream-242618/

I really dislike those RenliSu outfits @PhaedraWas
People's tastes are all so different.

@Needspaceforlego I find some of these comments utterly bizarre! I’m 70! I haven’t turned 100. Im lively and understand fashion and know brands. DM shape here isn’t easy, but clearly there is a need to look wider than her standard shops. Working out the best style of dress is the first priority. Then look for suitable fabrics and colours.

https://rixolondon.com/products/clarice-dress-pearl
https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-kim-plait-neck-floral-silk-dress-/0225-5983-3793L04-CREAM-MULTI.html

https://rixolondon.com/products/dahlia-dress-bouquet-devore-cream

https://rixolondon.com/products/evie-daisy-jacquard-champagne

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/tilliana-midi-dress-100126110616.html

https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/the-kooples-lace-embroidered-puff-sleeve-silk-maxi-dress_R04562118/

https://uk.slipintosoft.com/products/womens-jacquard-lace-silk-maxi-dress-long-sleeve-silk-dress?currency=GBP&country=GB&variant=46468073619681&stkn=632e6429b5e1&cmp_id=22965050562&adg_id=&kwd=&device=m&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22965051774&gbraid=0AAAAAC3Ejt_Ok9wDjVrTq1nwl3brjxmJI

https://www.suzannah.com/products/gabriella-dress-white-floral-cloque

Its the comment that she was looking for older styles in JL that got me.
The older ladies I know all shop in JL and M&S so I don't really know what sort of styles shes looking for that suit older people.

Ok maybe not a mini you can't sit down in (had one or two of them in my youth) But most other fashions don't really have an age thing going on.

I’ve never heard of Slipintosoft @daffsarethebest
Have you ordered from them ?
What is the quality like ?

I haven’t ordered as yet. Just checked them out https://www.trustpilot.com/review/slipintosoft.com
Not UK so not sure about returns

Try here.... they have all sorts and some of the MoB dresses could also be suitable.
Wedding Dresses & Bridal Gowns | JJ's House UK

I love them but perhaps not for a bride. I’d be all over them as a wedding guest in an unbridal colour. I’m coincidentally 72.

I was 46 when we were married and didn’t want anything overtly bridal because it was a second marriage. If it were me I’d choose something plain and simple in a pale colour (I wore dove grey) and hire a knock em dead hat.

https://katyawildman.com/products/gold-and-cream-brocade-maxi-shirt-dress
I love this Katya Wildman dress. It would be very appropriate IMO and could be tailored.

That’d only ever look good one someone slim!!

@WonkyConk, this is what I came to say.
Lovely dresses and can be tailored.
Well worth splashing out on.

I dislike most bridal stuff. I've no problem spending £100s or more on an outfit but I've never bought a one off dress.

The incident in John Lewis is odd. There's little, if anything in JL which couldn't be worn by any adult woman of any age. Maybe the assistant was so flummoxed by the question she couldn't think.

Take a look at Wolf & badger

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/eabha-ivory-dress/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/deva-dress-2/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/elegant-frayed-jacquard-dress/

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/melody-midi-lace-wedding-dress-in-ivory/

Why? She is the bride and seems to want to look like one.

Hobbs is always a good bet.. maybe something like this

https://www.hobbs.com/product/olivia-coat/0124-3926-9845L00-SAGE-GREEN.html

The sales assistants are usually very helpful

Absolutely this. I'm the same age and don't go looking for 'old people's clothes'.