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?

I'd start with the shoes. She'd be an exceptional 85yo if she feels comfortable in heels, and the older you get the more likely there will be problems with the feet, varicose veins, arthritis etc etc. I'd go for something comfortable but smart and then look for something either new or in her wardrobe already that ties in with the shoes.

That’s reminded me that my gran wore the same outfit to my wedding as she wore to my parents’ 30 years before 🥰

I was going to suggest floaty trousers and a longline floaty jacket because DH's gran wore that to ours and looked lovely, but I think that particular example is quite a loud pattern!

I'd be surprised at that style jacket suiting most 85 year olds I know because - without being rude and knowing I will do the same I'm sure - a neat waist tends to be a thing of the past by then doesn't it? (cue all the posters coming on to say the gran has a 21 inch waist ...)

You could have a look at the House of Bruar. My late MIL used to get quite a lot from them. Good quality clothes and customer service.

My mum went for a suit. Somehting like this with silk blouse underneath as she is a trousers only person

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leopard-print-lining-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp23058377?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/blazer/p/clp23063233?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/tailored-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp23064280?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

For my nephew’s wedding my mother (then in her late 80s) wore a pair of black trousers (pull on in a heavy jersey but much smarter than that sounds) from the Précis bit of Windsmoor, I think, with a black top and a collarless jacket (kind of Chanel-style) that was a tweedy mix of black, cream and dark red from Viyella (always her go to brand). Not the most weddingy look but smart and in her comfort zone and she could add a thin cardigan underneath if needed. The main thing is that we got her there.

This is no real help as those brands are no more but essentially my suggestion is either a trip to a good department store or some online shopping from places with a good returns policy. I’d suggest going for smart comfy rather than something very dressy.

Eastex and Winsdmoor are no longer with us. My mum loved a bit of Eastex.

I thought it was lovely 🤷‍♀️

It doesn't need a 21" waist. It goes up to a size 22.

That floaty top is horrendous. £175 to start with and still vastly overpriced at £95. I don't have a hang up about polyester but there's good polyester and the thin cheap stuff it is made of,

The back view with that seam is atrocious.

Wallis has a good range of petite wedding guest outfits.

I think something like this would work. It could be worn for other events . My MiL wore casual trousers and a blouse to DD's wedding and DD was just pleased she'd made it to the wedding.
https://www.debenhams.com/product/wallis-petite-printed-chiffon-midi-dress_byy15201?colour=blue

One hundred stars do kimono style tops - which would work over trousers and plain tops or a simple shift style dress.
M&S and JL have plenty of classics still.
You can dress anything up with nice accessories and maybe a flower corsage for her bag.
Hope you all enjoy the day x

Don’t be daft. It’s a good jacket for petite length because it won’t swamp her.

We all have different styles and preferences and the woman concerned won't necessarily like what any one on here would choose but I don't see the need to be rude about someone else's suggestions. You might not like it but it might be just what she'd love.

@LoveBeingAMum555 , OP, hasn't been back for a couple of days to give us a steer as to what she's thinking of the suggestions, so we're in the dark at the mo and just wildly throwing things out there.

My mother, also in her 80's was grandmother of the groom last summer, she ended up with some soft trousers from M&S and short jacket over. Quite colourful she looked nice.

M&S do posher brands and some of those include trouser suits which she might prefer to traditional dresses/skirt suits? You can order them to home and try on. A couple of outfits at a time so you don’t even need to take her anywhere and can break it up over a few weeks of trying things on?

If the John Lewis 50 miles away does personal shopping, I'd be inclined to book a session there. 50 miles is only an hour or less in the car, and when she gets there, she can sit and relax in a personal changing room with some refreshments while they do the consultation and go on the shop floor for her.

I'd be tempted to do that too. Make a day of it, arrange to be early so you have time for coffee / lunch first.

I'm not actually fond of the pattern either.

But the general style I think could be nice.

I was more meaning that a cropped jacket tends to show off a neat waist well.

But she might like that style.

This, perfect