Boho/Alt Mother of Groom outfit

[damekindness]

My DS is getting married the end of May. The wedding is going to be a relaxed barn/field/festival vibe.

I’m mid 60s size 12. My usual style is very casual and I like to feel a bit alternative without actually standing out and looking like a slightly bonkers ageing hippy.

Where might I start looking for something that fits this admittedly fairly narrow spec?

If you can tell us what you like and don’t like, we might then be able to offer more specific suggestions. Where do you like to shop usually?

Do you know anybody who can sew? They could make you an amazing statement skirt in a fabric of your choice, with money left over probably.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I quite like the Gudrun Sjoden layered looks - and particularly their colour palette. Equally there’s also some lovely Anthropologie dresses I’ve seen - this one has caught my eye

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/by-anthropologie-sleeveless-v-neck-tiered-a-line-midi-dress

Not terribly keen on kaftan style dresses and I like a long midi length or a well above ankle maxi

What about something like a lovely jumpsuit in a solid colour, or a plain dress, but with a gorgeous kimono/duster type coat over the top? One hundred stars does them but there’s also lots on Etsy. The vibe would be glorious- relaxed, looking glam but feeling casual, and just alternative enough.

What about Ancient Earth? Gorgeous wrap dress that flatter any size/shape/age.
There's a new collection about to be released, plus some on Vinted.
There's also a fab FB group with a thread specifically for reselling AE clothes.
Https://uk.ancientearthclothing.com

This kind of thing (colours whatever you like, probably not brown but maybe a nice soft green or blue) for the jumpsuit:
https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/c/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits/jumpsuits12759734

and this kind of thing over the top:
https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/kimonos-one-hundred-stars/products/grande-kimono-acer-red

@CreepingCrone i thought of AE too!

I think the Anthropologie dress isn’t very special. A bit sludge coloured and there’s much nicer available. I think you would find this a bit too dowdy on the day. If it was going to a bbq at a friends house - fine. A wedding? I’d get something with better fabric and detail (not to mention design).

Jump suits? Had their day really.

Not loving the Anthropology one, sorry. It’s very quiet and dull; it doesn’t look boho or alternative, but just like it wants to hide in a corner.

But if you’re after that layered look, I can’t help, sorry. Hope you find something to love.

When is the wedding? If you can wait a bit boho is a massive trend for SS26 so you’ll have more options as those collections come in

Agree that the dress you’ve posted is far too casual - the kimono idea is worth a look. Or what about separates - a boho lace maxi skirt and top that you feel is appropriate for yourself?

Or, start with the sort of shoes you’d be willing to wear - I find that planning an outfit around a pair of shoes or coat can be easier

Throwing this in at random because it caught my eye, is a bargain and only a 12 left. Might be way off, but it could potentially be very pretty and not too dressy, buy also not 70s fancy dress or festival esque.

https://www.johnlewis.com/ted-baker-alhie-abstract-midi-skirt-multi/p114338713

Yes, but not everyone can afford an investment piece either, unless manage in the sales.
And nothing wrong with high street is there? Some absolutely lovely summer dresses land in the UK every year.

Ewa I Walla if you like the lagenlook!

I'd look at NRBY- I came across them at the weekend. They said Joanna Lumley buys from them and they do have a slightly boho look.
There are some lovely dresses there which may suit you.
Also, don't rule out places like Jigsaw or Me&Em, especially their sale stuff.

@Happyjoe No. I think mother of the groom is a special day though. Not a high st dress day that’s worn every day of the week and you can see everywhere. I tend to think the mother of the groom is a prominent person and should at least go for a good fabric and design.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-florence-linen-blend-dress-blue-enchanting-bouquet-d1541blu?variant=42914114142417&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=x&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=21672377956&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21662153007&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sC-tpXekgMVJKNQBh0WGCmhEAQYAyABEgKRIfD_BwE

I was just about to post that dress as well!

That Elsa blue dress is stunning.

Not sure any of these would work for you, but I'm sure you'll find something lovely whatever you go for. Anyway food for thought (some are slightly over budget 😬)

Katie Yellow Dress | Raishma | Wolf & Badger https://share.google/GVBSFR6YQRRMuuzqp

Flowery Black Jumpsuit – FARM Rio https://share.google/EdDOB0o5zO6COFxiR

Black Palms Party Short Sleeve Maxi Dress – FARM Rio https://share.google/LC4hlZy5ud59REd4c

Multicolor Bandana Dream Midi Shirtdress – FARM Rio https://share.google/89vb1FG8ST1MM2gbe

Off-White Boho Glam Midi Dress – FARM Rio https://share.google/DF0FDw6EVB07VCAMr

Have a look at Aspiga - they have some nice long dresses in their sale. I got a midi dress from there for a September wedding (maxi on me because I’m short). I wore it with a Levi denim jacket and sparkly white trainers.

Yes, that's your opinion and it's valid. So is the OP's, who clearly stated a budget, twice. Would we not be better to respect her wishes and look for nice, mother of the groom dresses that she asked for?

Not sure if this one has been mentioned already?

https://rixolondon.com/products/elsie-starry-night-navy

Edited to say £157 in the sale.

@Freda69 As mother of the groom?

I do take the point on budget but it’s low. Sometimes people need a nudge and think a bit more about style and quality, or we would all look very similar. Cutting down on something can usually provide extra money but obviously not seeing this as a special
purchase for a special day is a shame.

Look up the brand “little lies “ OP

https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-frill-sleeve-thigh-split-open-back-maxi-dress-in-green-scenic-print/prd/207704627#colourWayId-207704628

https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-frill-sleeve-thigh-split-open-back-maxi-dress-in-red-navy-print/prd/209860543#colourWayId-209860545

https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-midi-tea-dress-with-peplum-waist-in-pink-print/prd/207958239#colourWayId-207958240

https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-frill-sleeve-thigh-split-open-back-maxi-dress-in-red-multi/prd/207958119#colourWayId-207958133

https://tracylondon.com/products/alina-soleil

https://www.debenhams.com/product/gwd-by-george-w-davies-rya-maxi-floral-print-dress_p-977827ec-b14a-45d9-a4a3-0711871a78cc

https://www.debenhams.com/product/coast-organza-floral-placement-lace-trim-midaxi-dress_bcc07080

https://www.debenhams.com/product/monsoon-vanna-frill-floral-print-midi-dress-ivory_p-4e76412c-22f6-4456-94a6-b24558783f04

https://www.debenhams.com/product/izabel-london-floral-border-print-v-neck-maxi-dress_p-a4c8fad0-d947-43c5-ac24-fbe8b13156d6

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/one-hundred-stars-crane-print-midi-dress-natural-70021100170.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/one-hundred-stars-primula-print-midi-dress-black-70009050001.html

https://www.hobbs.com/product/belmond-silk-floral-ombre-dress/0225-5034-3642L00-CREAM-MULTI.html

https://www.boden.com/products/women-irene-puff-sleeve-dress-multi-botanical-flourish-d1662mil