Another wedding dilemma. How to style this dress.

[Nc9623]

I’ve name changed after some of the comments in another style and beauty thread. If this is also dated please let me know.

I already have this dress and want to wear it to a wedding later in the year. I’m shorter, bigger and older than the model! I’m 5ft4, in my 50s, size 18.

The top half looks ok as the colours suit me. I’m very pale with blue eyes. I don’t like the pleats or the fact the skirt lands mid lower leg so makes my bottom half look bigger than it is (I’m a 14 in trousers). So what length jacket or maybe accessories would help with this please? I was thinking different colour jacket may draw away from the pleats? I don’t own anything else pleated though so I’m not sure if that works?

When I wore it a few years ago it was to a different sort of event. I just tied my hair up, a little make up and some nice earrings.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/hot-squash-v-neck-floral-lace-dress_p-c4290317-f01e-4521-ab9b-fffaf91e673f?colour=Silver&size=12&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22661679340&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS7rBpK7jq11dXDkkWGiaBNmG&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhtC69u55LbvXaxZsoA0eBIKogDWm98duct9VJM6THfKKgCckHRXZkRoCv_4QAvD_BwE

I don’t think the fact it’s two years old is relevant, you can go on line and buy dated stuff right now, just as something is for sale doesn’t mean it’s current or on trend, plenty of people wear dated stuff.

It's the length that's wrong. If it were calf length it would be lovely.

You could go all out 1950's with a net petticoat and thick heeled shoes. Or would a longer skirt underneath work? In tuile or similar light fabric.

Why are all these posters suddenly asking if things are dated and then not happy when people say yes?

Being dated doesn’t mean you can’t wear it, if you like it!

Being “current” only really means something if you are into fashion. If you are browsing event dresses on the current website of Debenhams I would say you are not really into current fashion trends.

If you want to see what I mean by “current” styles, browse brands like & other stories, Jigsaw, M&S is also great at the moment.

But honestly? If you’re really not into the latest fashions then wear your dress, you can still look lovely even if you’re not “current”

This is similar but way more on trend. https://www.theoutnet.com/shop/product/ganni/dresses/midi-dresses/scalloped-floral-jacquard-midi-dress/1647597336606469

Coast isn’t my usual go to but is this the look you’re going for? I think a material like this would be way more quality looking https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-bow-shoulders-jacquard-midi-dress_bcc12227?colour=sage&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19671816139&gbraid=0AAAAACozbbyP6aI6M6sv3d9F3idf5Pc81&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsdnNBhC4ARIsAA_3hegD7JF1iPEJuy9diu3aqYGVnNI2I1E_s6Yc34bqslPXjid6KxMYdNMaAq_MEALw_wcB

With jacket I would go for cropped cream one like https://www.reserved.com/gb/en/short-blazer-with-tie-560kk-01x?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20603830987&gbraid=0AAAAADHu5SFkfkTssz2U_ll7xn9exmbbv&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsdnNBhC4ARIsAA_3heiSMe4x2h6s1g6NAjjjmnkSPqBWCOIK-wnNsFL_Zzcz4mKZ1VzA6EkaArkVEALw_wcB

edited as I included quote but didn’t mention it - I really like that Ganni dress

OP dress is dated and a tricky length and shape. I know as I always thought this style would suit me as my waist is decent but it highlights short legs, arms, bottom, etc and the length/fullness balance is really tricky. It doesn’t even look good on the model - I think she is too tall for it.

If you put a bolero or pashmina over it it will look more dated (and I love a pashmina). Wedge heels would be the final nail in the coffin. A longer jacket would hide the waistline and look boxy/rectangular - it could work on a much older woman, but not someone in her 50s.

I reckon a short, structured jacket could work but it would be very mother of the bride. And as you don’t feel super confident in it anyway, why throw good money after bad buying things specifically to go with it? You’ve worn it, so you’ve had some money’s worth out of it - you can always sell it. Buy something you really like!

Whatever you do, don't put something like this over it. The wrong hemline plus a cropped jacket will date it even further.

Ah, we all have different tastes! The original one is nice for a wedding, pretty.
And I don't like the Sains ones, the last one is ok but not for a wedding. The first two are bloomin horrible and will fit bad.

Yes, I think the main issue with that dress is the length. It needs to be longer.

For that style I think the Ganni and coast dresses are good choices.

The link doesn't work for me but if it's this Blazer with belt Color cream - RESERVED - 060JL-01X one, then no.

@SisterTeatime - interested to know why you think an outfit that doesn't work on a woman in her 50s would be fine for someone older?

If you put a bolero or pashmina over it it will look more dated (and I love a pashmina). Wedge heels would be the final nail in the coffin. A longer jacket would hide the waistline and look boxy/rectangular - it could work on a much older woman, but not someone in her 50s.
I'm nearly 60 and there's no way I'd wear the dress linked to in the OP. It's not a style I'd have been drawn to at any age, and it would show too much skin. The length, style and colour would do nothing for me.

I would advise to wear it with a coat-length jacket as a MoB ensemble, but the outlay would probably be better spent on a new dress.

The Buy Navy Spot Print Maxi Tea Dress 18 | Midi | Tu is much less dated and looks nice.

Because older women often look good in outfits that are more layered and structured. Once you have less waist definition I think you can often look very good in fairly wide or shapeless things, even if you were more petite or hourglass when younger, when they would have drowned you.

For example the late Queen often wore dresses with matching coats and she wore quite ‘shapeless’ dresses in her later years but looked good. Queen Camilla is also a fan of the dress and coat style but with a slightly more shaped in at the waist cut.

I think the OP’s dress is actually quite girlish in shape, but for an older woman with a good bust and décolletage it could work with a longer coat. I hope this makes sense!

Yes longer on me I’m 5ft 4.

It’s a me problem. I think the dress really is pretty regardless of if it’s in or out of fashion. I bought it pretty recently compared to half of my wardrobe that’s years old as something completely different to what I’d normally wear. People saying it was in fashion in the 00s well if it was I t wear anything like it then I was in jeans and a top.I only bought it on a whim as needed something really last minute for my oh’s meal thing for work. So ordered it with next day delivery and it actually fitted and the colour suited me. That was approx 2 years ago.

the skirt lands mid calf. exactly where I don’t like skirts ending on me as I feel like it makes my legs, which i don’t mind, look shorter and overall makes me look dumpier. So it’s a me problem, there’s probably nothing wrong with it.

I’ve got zero confidence if not less when it comes to my body shape and so on. All due to my mother as all I’ve heard my whole life are negatives about her body, my body and food.

So no clothes have ever made me feel fabulous.

Thank you very much I know the term now! Sorry everyone for getting it wrong.

it is midi length on me , much longer than my knees. on me it’s exactly mid calf.

@Nc9623 , it's a pretty dress.
You probably don't have my scraggy arms and neck, and muscly calves.

If you like it, wear it. You'll look great.

It is calf length on me I’m 5ft 4 the model is 5ft 8.

Thanks everybody, the coast dress (I’d not wear as their dresses never fit me) is the length that my dress falls on me. So it’s possible the dress actually looks ok on me as it’s midi length.

It’s just trying to work out what to wear with it as I don’t want to get cold in the church and so on, the wedding is in the autumn and as light blue is making a big comeback this year I thought it would be fine. I have a very pale blue jacket already but I don’t think they will go together at all.

My plan was pretty silvery grey blue dress and add lovely red clutch and shoes but had no idea what sort of wrap/jacket/bolero or that sort of thing to wear over it.

thanks for everyone’s opinion. It’s obviously never been in fashion based upon these comments but I’m not sure that really matters.

I'd go for something more like this @Nc9623 You want to feel comfortable and able to enjoy yourself!

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/gc370?optionSize=26&promo=6202&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23559913420&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsdnNBhC4ARIsAA_3hej-LcsGJGoeSqxczNBngUFclOcpbq_Ve_HHeo2yVaHTEknSgmEMhEgaAunmEALw_wcB

Let us know what you decide! Have a lovely time x

It's far too short on the model. The proportions are all wrong.

I think it’s gorgeous! As for the Tu at Sainsbury’s suggestions - 🤯. I would wear it with a grey or silvery jacket/cardi.

Saving it for your own wedding with some alterations is a good idea.

I think that dress is really pretty, and I’d love to have the colouring to wear it.

I’m sure it looks beautiful on you OP. And if it’s comfy, that’s a win