Grandmother of the Groom, where do we start?

[LoveBeingAMum555]

Hi

My son gets married late summer this year. Never mind dilemmas over my own outfit, Mum is already fretting that I haven't taken her shopping yet. What shops would you go to? Mum is 85 years old, 5ft 1 size 14-16, hates shopping and getting dressed up, but will want something smart without spending a fortune. I thought Phase Eight might be a possibility, any other ideas?

Are you anywhere near John Lewis? A session with one of their personal shoppers could take care of it. Give them a budget and any preferences ( elastic waist, jersey or stretchy or not etc ) and let them do the work.

Where does she usually get her clothes? As a starting point, it might be worth looking at the nicest versions of whatever those stores do.

Thanks I thought about that but the nearest John Lewis is 50 miles away and the logistics of getting her there would be tricky. She would be tired and stressed before we even started!

Thanks, she lives in jeans or comfy trousers and a jumper, she does quite like M&S but will they have anything suitable? I maybe need to go and do some research on my own first.

David Nieper have lovely dresses which are in soft fabrics many with elasticated waists. https://www.davidnieper.co.uk/?utm_source=%7Bgoogle%7D&utm_medium=%7Bcpc%7D&utm_keyword=david%20nieper&utm_campaign=%7BUK-Brand%7D&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=177149056&gbraid=0AAAAAD_SZjYqp9OdJl5RFH2V84Mux16lY

When DS got married a few years ago, MIL wore the Windsmoor two piece she wore to.our wedding in 1991 . It was fine. Mother bought herself a very simple navy and cream silk shirt dress from her nearest department store and wore it with a cream jacket she had already.

They were both about 84/5 at the time. I don't think they could make a wedding in London now, so just let her make the most of it and if she's happiest in a pair of comfy trousers and a nice top, then let it be.

I wondered if Jaegar at M&S might have anything suitable, but it all looks pretty awful on a quick look.

My friend just ordered clothes from M&S for her grandmother and did a fashion show at home. She was happy with the result. You just send the rest back

Is Jacques Vert still a thing? Remember my grandmothers talking a lot about it 20 years ago! Or Windsmoor, as a pp said.

At 5'1, she's going to need something from a petite line..try Next or maybe Boden?

Agree with the previous suggestion about M&S , in the petite section there are quite a few dresses, Hobbs, Crew that you could order for her to see.

Super comfortable wide leg trousers ( M&S JLewis Boden )
A silky blouse or loose kaftan style top ( Boden East Wyse etc)
Flat sandal or pumps in a metallic
Nice jewellery
If you can get her make up and hair done all well and good
If she’s in her 80s the couple will be just pleased she’s there.
No frumpy frocks from Hobbs Phase 8 etc they are so old fashioned & rubbish fabrics
Luxury fabrics
Jewel colours
Hope she enjoys her day

I would help her order stuff online and try it on at home. A nice trouser suit would be good by the sound of it.

Eastex my husband’s gran wore to our wedding

M&S will likely have something, they carry multiple ranges at different price points and to suit different needs. If she prefers trousers, comfortable trousers with a nice blouse would work perhaps, being comfortable is really important as weddings are all day. My mum ended up buying 3 dresses for my DD’s wedding, but ended up in a per Una (M&S) one she had taken up as too long, it wasn’t ultra weddingy and will get worn again but was smart flowing and suited her

How about JD Williams or maybe the Lorraine edit at Bon Marche. Roman have petites. It depends if natural fibres are needed, if not then any of the above may have options.

Something like this? Paired with plain top and trousers or pull-On maxi skirt? https://www.johnlewis.com/chesca-garland-floral-kimono-violetta-pink/p109261436?size=18&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1w5J05ramN67F0opLzksZqxy&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz6TmvaeCkwMVVJRQBh303h7_EAQYCCABEgJk1_D_BwE

Gina Bacconi sell similar 3-piece outfits but around £250-£300 unless you can find one on Vinted

M&s or lewis

This is similar and a bargain, giving you cash to splash on a Jacket ? https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/p/ii665?optionSize=18

This is a nice outfit- petite trousers, pretty but not overly fussy jacket www.hobbs.com/product/petite-mel-wide-trousers/0225-8937-9322L04-NAVY.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=clothing-trousers&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=petite&prefv1=Petite&pid=0225-8937-9322L04-NAVY&pos=2

M&S or Windsmoor, Eastex and similar. Does she prefer to see clothes in person rather than on screen? Is there a department store nearby? Or a boutique with brands?

I prefer this out of all the options given. Unless she likes navy and would wear the others again.

I came here to say the same thing.
Much less stressful to try a selection at home. I hate shops and do this myself.

That's absolutely awful. Why does being 85 mean having that foisted on you?

The Hobbs jacket and trousers are far nicer.

I think this is horrible and can’t see it looking (or feeling) nice on anybody tbh.