I need a wedding outfit that ticks specific boxes

[CoastalGrey]

I’m MOB later in the year but my plan to lose weight/get in shape is clearly not going to work out in time and I haven’t a clue what to wear that will be appropriate and feel ‘right’. I’d like to be both elegant and comfortable but that seems like an impossible combination.

I’m 5’2, a 16-18 with big boobs. I hate my arms and don’t have good legs. I don’t mind my boobs but realise they shouldn’t be taking centre stage on my child’s big day 😳

I don’t really suit the usual MOB type outfits - I did get a jumpsuit but it shows too much arm and I’m worried about going to the loo! I’ve bought nude sandals and clutch that I really like and they should go with most things.

Can anyone suggest something that ticks these boxes:

• Covers arms to at least elbow but doesn’t look wintery
• Long enough to hide legs but not so long I fall over it
• Goes with my shoes and bag
• Wedding colour scheme is green so I need to either avoid or complement
• Budget up to £150ish

Thank you!

It's really badly cut though, if you look more closely - & is 100% polyester too. I'm not entirely against it - but most of the time polyester is not luxurious!

Would you wear pink? Sleeves too short? Satin so will feel nicer.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-camille-textured-satin-dress/0126-5937-9045L04-BRIGHT-PINK.html

Another petite hot pink one. https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-petra-wrap-pleated-midi-dress-221525463.html

This one isn't petite but is in your size & under budget. It also looks fresher & more modern than a lot of the others. And would go well with nude.

I think quite a lot of the dresses that look as if the sleeves or skirt length could be too short, might in reality be longer on you.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/nicola-spot-dress-10001950785.html

This looks pretty & airy - linen viscose blend. This & the one above are a little bit French looking ...

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/jaqlyn-spot-dress-10007740102.html

You did say you liked the idea of lace or beading. This is only sequinned on the top half, & is navy, which is more muted. So would be fine as MOB especially with simple accessories.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/janessa-sequin-dress-10007560351.html

This is plainer, but in a really nice muted grey-blue. And the ruffle front lifts it.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/phillippa-wrap-dress-10002720479.html

Would you consider a maxi dress? Or do you think it would swamp you too much. This isn't petite either.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/venetia-pleat-beaded-maxi-dress-222327408.html

This is petite though.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-alecia-pleated-maxi-dress-221994409.html

This is perfect. This and a nice hat or fascinator (try vinted) and it's the perfect MOB outfit.

Definitely some options here, thank you for taking the time to look ☺️ I've ordered a selection and plan to have a trying on session with my DD who will give me honest feedback, fingers crossed one of them is 'the one'.

This dress is insanely flattering and very elegant, as well as coming in petite. I'm wearing it for a wedding in the autumn, I'm 5ft2.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su311227/f96962

That would literally cover all the bits I hate but I'm not sure I could pull off a cape, I can hear my friends sniggering (not unkindly) from here 😳

If you haven't already have a look at Scarlet and Jo - friend is similar shape and size and she always looks gorgeous in dresses from them. Had quick look and lots of dresses that fit your brief in your size on the website.

https://www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/plus-size-mother-of-the-bride-groom-dresses

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su542753/y23513

I wore this to a wedding recently, after trying on lots of more expensive options, but this dress really did cover up all the bits I wanted covering perfectly!

https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/kaleidoscope-sage-appliqu-eacute-prom-dress/_/A-90W202_8

https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/kaleidoscope-sage-beaded-maxi-dress/_/A-90E203_8

https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/kaleidoscope-burgundy-beaded-hi-low-maxi-dress/_/A-38T140_8

https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/bonprix-sequin-embroidered-evening-dress/_/A-912540_8

The search continues - all the dresses I ordered felt really cheap and weren’t flattering. Arms and legs aside, dressing to look elegant is just impossible with big boobs 😩

Where did you last buy something from, for a special occasion? Have you checked if they have anything?

Have you looked round local charity shops?
Mine have wedding dresses/wedding guest/bridesmaid dresses on show atm.

Also could you hire something? Just trying to think outside the box! I didn't know that we had places around here to hire from but on googling I've found 3! One of them you can go in & try stuff on, sounds kind of like a personal shopper.

What about something like a velvet trouser suit?

Where did you order from? And what materials were they?

I strongly suspect that some of the later ones I posted (Next, Phase 8 maxis) will have felt cheap if they were polyester lined with nylon/whatever. And tbh I posted them simply because I thought the shape might work for you.

Some people aren't fussed about the feel of a fabric - but I am, & it sounds as if you might be too?

Some synthetics can be surprisingly decent - but generally the more expensive/designer the make, the better the fabrics they use - & that includes the quality of synthetics. At lower/high street prices, I would always try to go for natural fabrics/a natural blend. And if my budget was tight (& I didn't want the risk of eBay/Vinted), I would go for something that was originally expensive but well-reduced, as you'll get much better quality for your money. Which is why I'd recommended the LK Bennett (& some Hobbs) ones - as they're silk.

IMO stuff from places like Kaleidoscope, much of what's on Next etc, will not be very nice fabric. Did you try any silk or linen blends etc at all?

Yes I think you make a good point. I had a discount code for Very so I ordered a variety of brands from there but they were pretty much as you describe.

I went to a nearby town yesterday and found some things I liked in places like Mint Velvet, Hobbs, Reiss and Jigsaw but all were way out of budget and I’m not sure they’d go up to my size. The fabrics felt so much nicer though and I think would be more flattering.

It’s frustrating as the shapes of the Scarlett and Jo style dresses work well for me but just don’t feel special enough.

I’m wondering about designer outlets but not sure which - I’m not too far from Bicester Village but that’s probably a bit too high end.