Outfit for mother of the groom

[SirChenjins]

Help me, oh wise, less than wise, and everything inbetween MNetters. I need an outfit for my son's wedding in the summer - thought I'd found one from Hobbs (navy Tess shirt dress) but it was a very odd fit and not as nice looking in RL as it is in the photos. I need something special that's suitable for a relaxed and informal wedding, but nothing too formal or dressy that makes me look like I'm trussed up like a chicken.

What I need:
Around £300-400
Petite - very important. I am five foot 1. I don't want to have to spend a fortune altering something that will look very different when altered. It's not just the length that has to be taken into account, it's shoulder width, sleeve length, waist position, torso length and neck line.
I'm 10/12 on top, 12/14 on the bottom.
Blonde hair, hazel eyes, so something that looks good with that

I don't want:
Anything Scandi-architect type thing - it's meant to be a happy occasion
Lots of frills and frou-frou
Anything maxi length or above the knee. Midi is best
Nothing too florally and floaty

Thanks

Those I've just posted are all originals.

This one is repro vintage - but done very well I think, in cotton with a great print & you can choose your exact size.

https://www.voluptuousvintage.com/products/valentina-olive-garden-dress

Also this repro one.

https://www.voluptuousvintage.com/products/cindy-easter-parade-dress

https://www.voluptuousvintage.com/products/lucy-ti-amo-dress

https://www.voluptuousvintage.com/products/valentina-verona-dress

https://www.whistles.com/product/satin-twist-waist-midi-dress-40540.html

https://www.whistles.com/product/satin-short-sleeve-jumpsuit-40546.html

https://www.aliestreet.com/uk/occasionwear/item/ASPSOMPPF/Sophia-Maxi-Dress-Petite-(Petal-Pink-Floral).html

https://www.thereformation.com/products/petites-maven-dress/1318899.html

https://www.thereformation.com/products/petites-woodson-dress/1313883.html

https://www.thereformation.com/products/petites-naira-dress/1316319.html

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/rosaire-silk-crepe-dress-navy/?_gl=114e4a5b_upMQ.._gaNjc0MTMyODc0LjE3NzE3NzEyNjI._ga_M8JV53WLST*czE3NzE3NzEyNjIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzE3NzEyNjIkajYwJGwwJGg2MDM1ODQ1NTU.&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7-rMBhCFARIsAKnLKtDhqhGBolWMDJ2qjhpWL0faQSEfLlkADIptyvuTsdLKttSHlVZQEyEaAi71EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADvgiGrbMTHsZ6lf_N13ODVaEwc0Q

https://hannahsophiaengland.com/products/petite-classic-elizabeth-navy-polka-navy-reversible-knee-length-short-sleeves-dress

https://www.johnlewis.com/forever-new-petite-primrose-midi-dress/p113572723

https://rixolondon.com/products/novara-dress-watercolour-floral-pink

https://rixolondon.com/products/evie-dress-milos-floral-blue

https://uk.slipintosoft.com/products/glossy-silk-retro-floral-dress-100-pure-silk-dress-short-sleeves-dress-midi-silk-dress?variant=44655486697697&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_content=sag_organic&cmp_id=22530461430&adg_id=&kwd=&device=m&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22536846611&gbraid=0AAAAAC3Ejt8lRsPu5vY_qSZewlb0MUcDi&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7-rMBhCFARIsAKnLKtDxUEt6rS99u3oVFE2tVU0QRNCRx2DXlKCHucIoLANbPp6XB0eer5UaAol6EALw_wcB

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/garden-poem-floral-dress/

https://www.tedbaker.com/en-gb/products/utala-white

@SirChenjins I presume you looked at Rixo? A different retro vibe - more 30s so different shapes too, but they do quite a few petite dresses. Don't think they're what you're after - bias-cut so more clingy - but in case you decide to change vintage decade ...!!!

www.sosandar.com/jade-green-gold-fleck-print-wrap-dress

This would 'wedding up' with the right accessories, the quality of their clothes is really good.

Thanks everyone Loads to look through there (I'm loving Voluptuous Vintage!) and I have a few shopping trips planned to the Edinburgh vintage stores. Will also try the high street for pieces that are more along the lines of what I'm looking for - if I can find petite. If not, it'll be the alterations shop for me, but would rather buy something that is already cut for my height if I can.

It's a really nice website isn't it? And they sound as if they really know their stuff.

I was looking again at Karen Millen, as I was impressed by them using linen-mix organdie in the shirt dress you liked - it's a lovely fabric. They have both other organdie dresses, as well as other shirtwaisters.

This one is quite similar (though out of stock in the pretty lilac/mauve shade). It's the same linen organdie (whereas others are polyester organdie).

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-organdie-tie-neck-woven-midi-dress_bkk26093

If the green version of the first dress from
KM that you liked is out, then it might be worth keeping an eye out on eBay/Vinted for the mauve - if you are not bothered by that?! I am not, as I feel like it's a great triumph when I locate something I've been after!!!! And when someone admires it I can say "Thanks, £25 from Vinted" rather smugly ... 😁

Not always in the petite version - but then you'll have saved money to have it altered ...!

Another KB vintage-style one - on eBay in 12 though maybe not petite. V pretty though.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277367001997

Oh I'm certainly up for Vinted/vintage/charity shops, and like you, love telling people about my bargains! One of my favourite things to do with DD is to spend a Saturday trawling Stockbridge and Morningside, with a couple of stops for lunch and coffee. Love that purple KM one - the pink and cream one is very pretty too, but I'd lose too much of the lovely print in the alterations.

I'll keep my eyes peeled on Vinted for the KM ones - keep your fingers crossed for me!

Good luck with everything - I've probably passed you some weekends doing similar!!! Hope it all turns out splendidly & do update us on your finds!!

We probably have! I tend to stick to those 2 areas for charity shops - are you the same? Nothing better than finding an absolute bargain 😊

Thank you and again for all your help!

Skirt and top of your choice?

https://uk.chicwish.com/lavender-peony-print-embossed-midi-skirt.html

They're definitely the best for clothing - mostly modern but I have found the odd vintage gem in the charity shops.

I also like the ones on Leith Walk - especially at the top on Haddington Place - for vintage/antique crockery etc. And Carnivale & Pascal & Co are further down, for proper vintage clothing & accessories (plus a couple more like Epocha & 5th Season, which are mostly 80s onwards "vintage").

Tollcross & Dalry have a few charity shops as well that sometimes have treasure - but it's mostly Stockbridge for me, as I live there!! Which can be quite problematic at times ...!!!

On a general vintage/antique front - have you been to Drum Farm Antiques or The Old Barn near it? They're fun for a rummage. As are Duncan & Reid near the Botanics, & Friday St antiques in Portobello. Furniture/homeware etc though, not dresses except very rarely!

Oh, forgot about Skinny Pig in Stockbridge - occasionally has a few gems - not all vintage though. Plus Aquarius (off Lothian Rd near Herman Brown & the original branch of Carnivale). Sometimes has lovely vintage clothes too. As did The Courtard antiques on Causewayside.

Not been to the Edinburgh antiques centre for a long time so I'm not sure what it might have to offer. There are other branches in Doune & near Dundee - lots of individual sellers so worth a look if you're passing.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head!! You'll probably come home with a four-poster bed, a tiara & a dinner set for 20 ... but no dress 😁!!!

All have petite fit/length

https://www.depop.com/products/xomissy1-hobbs-petite-ann-blue-and/

https://www.depop.com/products/allienaan-abercrombie-drop-waist-blue-satin/

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/a-and-f-giselle-convertible-maxi-dress-61956841-1005

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/long-sleeve-hardware-maxi-dress-62219830-1005

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/long-sleeve-hardware-maxi-dress-62219830-1005

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/a-and-f-bra-free-2-in-1-convertible-maxi-dress-62198343-1005

Boden petite options, there might be something that would work. Summer stuff is coming in now so might be worth re-looking at Hobbs, Phase Eight, Coast etc

https://www.boden.com/collections/womens-petite-dresses