Best friends wedding at 50

[zippyswife]

Nearly 50 (I know age shouldn’t matter but…) and have my best friends wedding coming up.

confidence in my appearance is at an all time low- I live in jeans and trainers and am daunted by the thought of a smart wedding outfit.

im 5’8 size 12… menopausal apple (belly) but have cracking legs (if I need to show something).

any ideas? I’m not a frills or fuss person…

The responses here are really interesting and so varied which just goes to show personal taste is exactly that.
Some of the responses/suggestions appeal to me some made me laugh out loud.
My suggestion is go to a shop,perhaps one that you like other types of clothing from and try things on . Also look on you tube at styling advice for your body type Melissa Murrell is interesting on body shapes/styles.

What about this one
https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/tierra-dress/summer-green#size-6

I’m sure you’ll look great, I’d kill to be 5ft 8!! Get your hair done professionally on the day - a blow dry at a local salon costs around £25 and is so worth it. Also get your eyebrows done by a beautician and a quick manicure - again doesn’t need to be costly. Makes a huge difference.

I was also going to suggest a light trouser suit, especially if she claims to be happiest in jeans.

This could look fab with a fascinator in an accent colour from the floral pattern.

www.tedbaker.com/en-gb/products/elann-black

Love this. Totally wrong colour for me but I love the style. If I could pull it off

Great suggestions! Appreciate all the links.

particularly love the trouser suit route and would probably be most comfortable in it. Sorry I know I steered you all down the boho dress but I think the trouser suit could be the winner.

what shoes would I wear with that?

Have a look at Never Fully Dressed

The trouser suit is gorgeous

Shoes?

https://www.collagerie.com/en-gb/collections/shoes

Everything from M&S to Manolo Blahnik at the click of a finger.

I agree. It’s really casual. I’d wear that for the school run, not a wedding.

You sound very attractive, I would love to be size 12.

I've never heard of Ever Pretty but they have a Leaf Sequin Short Sleeve Tulle Midi Evening Dress(Final Sale) in Multiple colurs for £49.99. Which I think is lovely.

What's your favourite colour?

@zippyswife I'm the same size and height as you and older - in my 60s. I've also got a bit of a belly but have good legs. I've just bought this for a summer wedding and am going to try to buy some gold leather wedges to go with it. Not sure if it's your type of thing but I love it! I bought a size 12 and it fits perfectly.

Good luck finding something you love :)
https://www.next.co.uk/style/sv094237/v85135

@zippyswife Ah, just seen that you have a good cleavage. Don't think my suggestion would work too well in that case (although I'm not small of bosom myself 😁).

That is beautiful. Not sure I could do that colour. Your outfit sounds lovely.

No! I’ve definitely given the wrong impression then. I’m not attractive at all.

Anything I would have worn before I just don’t have the confidence to wear now.

Just be careful with linen, after a few hours of sitting it'll look like a crumpled rag and oh so less smart. Phase Eight is my go to for occasion outfits, they wear well and wash well too. They've also got 20% off at present.

What about a waistcoat and trouser set or waistcoat and shorts? Where would I go for something that was smart enough like that?

I think the waistcoat look is only good if you're flatchested - too matronly otherwise.

Fair point.

what top would go underneath a suit jacket? I really am useless!

Have a look at the NRBY sale @zippyswife .
They've got matching silk velvet trousers and jackets, some lovely dresses and some great shirts. Not everything in a 12 unfortunately but well worth a good sort through.
https://nrbyclothing.com/collections/outlet?_gl=119zfjjs_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpv7NBhCzARIsADkIfWzApbQ_ltZXtbmDs0fQeGNqWZNdxjIiv37z0PySFR5cr5faQK8znHkaAraREALw_wcB

I'd personally just wear a decent well fitted T shirt, maybe with a scoop neck, and a statement necklace or a nice scarf.

Good legs/ankles go for ankle grazer smart trousers like these, with a longline dressy silk or satin top in same colour as either the trousers or shoes.
You could go brighter/paler on the trousers, and opt for black suede heels.

OP "No! I’ve definitely given the wrong impression then. I’m not attractive at all."

Please don't talk yourself down. How about a make over before the wedding?

I know we cannot all be super models but we can all be super in our own way. What is your most flattering colour.

But that’s such a dated look, @JasmineMac, especially with a longline satin top. Isn’t it better that the OP buys things that can be incorporated into her life going forward?