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

Found an old photo

And back

And now I have found the old couple of photos I’m not sure there’s anything wrong with it all. Just need a jacket or something to go over it so I’m not cold in the church.

There is NOTHING wrong with your body, OP. If anything, the dress looks better (on your curvier figure and at that length) than it does on the model! I’m a similar size to you and I know I look damn good when I wear something I like - it’s all about how you carry yourself.

Wear the dress, enjoy the wedding - life is too short.

That doesn't look mid calf. It's just below knee length. It's a better length on you than on the model.

Thank you. I wish I had some of your confidence. I did have some compliments when I wore it.

And I still think it would look nice with bright red shoes and bag or another contrasting colour. I just didn’t have time to find any before, plus it was just a last minute work do meal.

I am going to get my OH to get the suitcase down later in the week and I will try it with some things.

I like the idea of bold accessories - I love wearing bold coral shades with pale blues, that might be a nice springtime touch for shoes.

I was puzzled by your saying the dress was mid calf. The model is 5'8" and it sits above her knee. You're only 4" shorter - if it sits correctly at your waist (or even if it doesn't) 4" isn't going to take it to mid calf. It looks just below knee length on you.

@Nc9623 there have been some right twats on S&B today. You & @JaceLancs have both borne the brunt of some unnecessarily harsh posts for absolutely no reason.
Your dress is great.
I hope you both enjoy your special occasions & people realise S&B isn’t AIBU.
Peace & love. 🫶

It's a very pretty dress but if you feel uncomfortable in it don't wear it. I think it's lovely

It’s a lovely dress which, (based on your photos) really suits you because the shape emphasises your defined waistline. Wear it with confidence that you look amazing!!

I agree with the poster above who mentioned contrasting coral accessories. It’s possible that red might be a bit too harsh? Perhaps put the dress against different colour fabrics to see what works for you?

Btw - you have fabulous legs!!

Op are you comfortable in it? Do you feel good?

I ask because you said you didn’t like the skirt and thought it looked good sitting down where people could only see the top, and now posting cropped part of images, rather than the whole thing without your head, which maybe indicates you don’t feel comfortable with it, as it takes more effort to start cropping bits out of images.

I do think wear it to the wedding, and wear it with pride, it’s a lovely material. I’d not go bright red accessories, it would be dated and clashy, but nude tone or silver would work.

Thank you, I think I picked the wrong days to post. Usually s & b is so nice.

Thank you for the compliment and I’ll have a look at coral things. If two of you suggest coral I should try that I expect, vinted browsing for me later!

my legs are normally in jeans, leggings or shorts but are actually ok.

Yes I agree. I browse S&B and it’s always been super supportive, don’t know why there was a bonkers glitch in the matrix yesterday.

There were lots of nice, helpful comments too!

From the pics you posted I thought your dress looked great. I missed those last night. 🫶

I said on the other thread, I’ve had success on Vinted for special occasions, for shoes & jackets. So defo worth looking on there. Silver / grey would go.

It’s two photos with other people in them, I just zoomed in on some of the dress.

I am going to get it out of the suitcase later in the week and try it with various things I already have then look for whatever else I need on vinted, ebay or in any sales.

I’ve got the other special occasion as well to consider this year so two outfits to organise, it can’t be the same things unfortunately as similar guest list at both who will judge us both whatever we wear.

I’ve got a much more casual dress from Matalan to wear to that, I was going to post that as I was sure everyone would say wear that instead. But I’m not happy wearing a reduced to £10 dress from Matalan to someone’s posh wedding. It’s actually the dress I feel best in out of all the ones I own.

If not if all else fails I’ve got a bit more of an alternative layered black summer dress. No one will like that one on here as has never been in fashion but I do.

If you feel best in the £10 Matalan one then that’s definitely an option.

Hi honestly, you can get great dresses on eBay.

I bought my wedding dress for £45. It was worn once and washed, it was a beautiful Ghost dress and I got so many compliments on it.

The key to eBay is to choose a brand and search that way. Check the reviews the seller has too.

I think coral or red on accessories would make it look a bit more retro and cool than going with neutral ones. I would def do it.

I’d definitely pair it with a leather jacket — I have a very similar shaped dress (different colour/print) that I wore with a black leather bomber jacket to a wedding. I loved how it looked and would wear the combo again (like you, I don’t buy a new dress every time I have an occasion). I think it’s a pretty dress and if you like the top and feel comfortable in it, I’d maybe forego covering the top up and just wear a strappy (chunky or not) shoe to go with. I think an updo would be pretty too. So sorry some of the comments are so nasty. Xx