MOB - lost cause!

[Dahlia1234]

I really need help.
DD gets married in September, nice do in a hotel.
I am a lost cause to dress. I'm 56, a short arse ( just under 5'1) and a size 24, so very chunky.
I'm really struggling to know what to wear. I've seen a dress that I know would suit me, but it's not formal enough (link attached). I will be wearing a hat and a bit of a heel as well. Don't like traditional MOB outfits ie dress with a jacket etc. I think I have a reasonably youthful appearance so don't want to look too mature as I don't think it's me. Ideally I'd like to wear dusky pink accessories to match the bridesmaids (did this at my other DD's wedding so would like to follow suit) so ideally whatever I choose should go with that. But oh my days, I'm struggling. Help me oh wise ones!!! https://valerievintage.co.uk/products/hearts-roses-london-curvy-kylie-green-polka-dot-swing-dress?variant=49656930730325&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoo6FI84EoDg99VQX-JoglvsScf9yjerz8MYfFNLIgwR-WXAjOSe9Yw

I love pink and green together. I think that will look fab when fully accessorised.

i agree with all the previous posters!

I think a rockabilly style dress, in a dusky colour with a petticoat under and hat like the one @Yiayoulaposted would be perfect!

is it maybe the polka dots that are making people say “not formal”? Could you find one maybe in a big flower design?

I've ordered the dress and told the bride. We've agreed I'm going to try it and if it's not right I'll look again 😊

I don't think there'd be time now to be honest. Me being Last Minute Larry and all 😂😂

I wore something similar to my other DD's wedding so wanted to avoid floral really

Fuck others’ opinion, OP. This dress is lovely and if you like it, go for it!

I’m sure you’ll look fabulous !
Hope you and your daughter have the most beautiful day . xx

I really like it and it’s important you feel comfy on such a special day. I’m MOB as well this year and also short and curvy, I’ve got a jumpsuit from Phase Eight which is surprisingly flattering as it has a sort of draped/wrap front. Maybe an option if the dress doesn’t feel right.

I like it.
Hopefully your dd will understand that its harder to dress as you get older (and bigger in my case) especially when short. So even if its not exactly her taste, she should have some flexibility if you love it and feel good.

Aw thank you!

If you’re not sure about the dress that you’ve ordered I highly recommend booking an appointment with a personal shopper at John Lewis.

ir’s free and there’s absolutely no obligation or pressure to buy anything but it’s a great way of getting some ideas of things that might not have occurred to you to try on. It’s a lovely, private space and you can have a cuppa or glass of Prosecco while they do all the thinking and getting clothes for you! Book early though, it’s very popular.

I love the dress and have a few similar. With an amazing hat and accessories it will be great

For weddings I have either a little bolero or a plain boxy jacket with 3/4 sleeves that I wear over to make it a little more formal... and add flowers... either a buttonhole or a corsage on the wrist or an arrangement on a clutch bag.

For shoes I love ruby shoo, joe browns or irregular choice - a low heel t-bar or something with a flower.

Hope it looks and feels fabulous when it arrives.

Maybe something like these.... and they do a matching bag....

www.belledivino.co.uk/products/chrissie-mauve-pink-mid-heel-lace-court-shoe-by-ruby-shoo-belle-divino-exclusive?srsltid=AfmBOoq8Nz7lECFtFNOUXzWH_g8DPdefJ1lVxifHysY6M8Le9LLUzhSD

Oh they're gorgeous. Don't have my size though 😕

I did wonder about getting a little bolero to make it a bit more formal

Thanks for that, Much, I'll give it some consideration

Controversial but do you think you might like to try and lose some weight before the wedding so that you have more choice?
I'm going to be a mother of the groom and am trying to drop some weight because I'm sick of limited choice in the shops. I hate online shopping.
The green dress is lovely.

I think it's the fabric that makes it look a bit casual? I think you could do better, honestly.

In just a few minutes of searching I found this from Monsoon. I know you said not the traditional MOB dress and jacket, but it's more modern, not like the Queen Mother. Anya Puff Sleeve Floral Embroidered Jacket Pink | Women's Jackets | Monsoon UK.

Or something like this? Ellio Silk Shimmer Maxi Dress | Phase Eight UK |

Isabelle Pastiche Multi Float Sleeve Maxi Dress – Scarlett & Jo

I agree it's fabric not style.

This instantly looks more formal and is not widly different.

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/products/the-pretty-dress-company-hourglass-swing-dress?variant=56064378175820

Pretty but longer: https://fr.missacc.com/product-a-line-v-neck-1-2-sleeves-ankle-length-satin-cocktail-dresses-SCD10543.html?color=58&_currency=EUR&_language=fr&abl_utm_source=gg&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FR-PLA-ALL&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21900971916&gbraid=0AAAAApKZAWyOV3wxil_6ezvICTW1bdyUh&gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnS6M3a_wu21M9xaOYS6CVedI6UVBVdx0DPF88bBA_xZIE8WCo-9hlRoCL2AQAvD_BwE

I love the dress and think with a little hat/fascinator etc and nice shoes it could definitely look plenty formal enough.

if you’re looking for something similar shape that would be slightly more formal and would work with blush pink accessories, you could try:
https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/products/lily-dark-green-off-shoulder-dress?variant=56588671615360&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping%2520Ads&utm_campaign=Wixpa&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20593474780&gbraid=0AAAAACfOew0VXJLmlBDjCERo9w8gYaoVV&gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnQlxaOTqWdoDqCOGmQyppJKAsmxS7wX1HeBUuIM1hxKJPdGwEfNW2BoCFzUQAvD_BwE

The polka dots make it less formal IMO but the shape is great. What about something like this? https://www.jjshouse.com/uk/product/jjshouse-anahita-a-line-v-neck-pleated-satin-dress-g225549?utmterm=225549&utmsize=10&ggntk=g&ggkey=&ggtgt=8&ggplm=&gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=23195857103&gbraid=0AAAAADmGZzRtTxpYcaCN02-yCQ4sTprf&gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnZfv2aMeuaZDvlhSUfCtmygggkeCpvJnanUegL0hBFG1KPvZ4rxCnhoCYuoQAvDBwE

There are a few nice vintage styles on here actually: https://www.jjshouse.com/uk/product/jjshouse-wanda-a-line-v-neck-satin-dress-g298538?utm_term=298538&utm_size=10&filterColor=hunter_green&ggntk=g&ggkey=&ggtgt=8&ggplm=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23195857103&gbraid=0AAAAADmGZzRtTxpYcaCN02-yC_Q4sTprf&gclid=CjwKCAjwwJzPBhBREiwAJfHRnQXW0-lo9YVA-M--0ZYPJ2FvH5EWZQzjVfTQKAH7qdfu36y2ukEvqhoCwZAQAvD_BwE

What is your budget?

Venice infantino do lovely mother of the bride dresses up to a size 30, without being too typical dress and jacket.

This one is similar in shape/fabric https://www.veni-infantino.com/collections/occasionwear/products/992709

Thanks for your input and opinion. The dresses you've linked, while lovely in their own way, are really not me. I appreciate your advice though.

That's lovely, thank you.