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Wedding guest dress opinions!

66 replies

buddy79 · 06/06/2026 21:02

Hello,

opinions needed!!

trying to choose between…
free people maxi swishy cotton dress (love it and feels like “me” but possibly not 💯 flattering)

www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/free-people-ultraviolet-maxi-dress

or

stylecheat maxi pink halterneck extreme polyester - feels a bit “cheap” but looks surprisingly good on?

stylecheat.com/products/luisa-pleated-dress-ombre?_pos=6&_sid=d31a30220&_ss=r

for a hip Summer wedding in London. I’m 46 and petite.

hit me with your brutally honest views!!

thank you

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
EnoughRain · 07/06/2026 20:20

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 07/06/2026 16:47

These are expensive and would probably need to be shortened, but you cannot go wrong with styles like this.

These are so dreary. Who would wear them?

Goditsmemargaret · 07/06/2026 20:42

I liked your first dress op but I can see why it was t flattering.

What about this?

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/kimchi-blue-samira-acid-wash-awkward-midi-dress

EnglishBreakfastTea1 · 07/06/2026 20:52

Second one is much nicer. Floaty. The skirt is gorgeous.

whattheysay · 07/06/2026 20:53

The pink pleated is lovely

Wtafmakeitstop · 07/06/2026 23:06

The first dress makes the model look fat. Which is generally not a good omen for us mortals. The second one I don't hate but its whether you would feel OK in the 'cheap' fabric. I also like the first and third of the other three that were suggested, although I personally don't love writing on dresses - maybe just a me thing.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 07/06/2026 23:11

@EnoughRain People who are smart and understand how to dress when 40! People like the Princess of Wales. It’s about money really. Looking like you have it vs looking like my DD at 4 who liked dressing up. Quality fabrics matter.

VerityUnreasonble · 08/06/2026 00:07

Phase eight might be worth a look, they have a good petite range and quite a few bits with a similar racer / halter / boat neck cut that might suit if the shape of dress 2 does. Material is hit and miss though.

This one is the sort of thing I wonder if might work? (Although its pretty limited in sizes left)

www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-marcella-satin-printed-maxi-dress-10009560000.html

Chiapotayto · 08/06/2026 00:27

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 07/06/2026 23:11

@EnoughRain People who are smart and understand how to dress when 40! People like the Princess of Wales. It’s about money really. Looking like you have it vs looking like my DD at 4 who liked dressing up. Quality fabrics matter.

The Princess of Wales has lost her style as she has aged. She dresses in a style that is generally too old for her and she is no longer someone to take inspiration from.

Being 40 doesn’t mean you can no longer be stylish and have to dress as a middle aged woman.

pinkgown · 08/06/2026 00:36

I like the second one, but it needs a smarter belt.

buddy79 · 08/06/2026 15:00

😂😂
this has turned into a very funny thread!! I only out it for fun as I was dithering!!

but genuinely thank you for all the suggestions, so many lovely dresses.

@TheSquareMile thank you, yes I think you’re right, I get drawn to sort of big floaty things, but actually I think that next dress would suit me better, and it looks the right sort of vibe so I’m putting that on my trying on list too.
I’ll definitely browse those other suggestions too - phase eight I like, I didn’t know they did petite!! Love and roses / never fully dressed I like too, thank you.

The Beulah ones - not a name I’ve heard of - i think they are probably a bit too formal
for this particular wedding but the fabrics do look gorgeous, especially the blue.

I definitely don’t have that kind of budget though - I got pink fairy godmother one for a tenner on vinted!!

Thanks everyone I’ll let you know!!!

honestly it has helped - I was feeling a bit “don’t know what I’m doing” but now I feel a bit more excited to go shopping!

OP posts:
MeetMeOnTheCorner · 08/06/2026 16:14

@buddy79 I’m sure you can find something suitable on Vinted. Just keep looking.

Roomonthe3rdfloor · 08/06/2026 16:20

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 07/06/2026 16:47

These are expensive and would probably need to be shortened, but you cannot go wrong with styles like this.

These look like she is going to wave her husband off to war.

MrsMoastyToasty · 08/06/2026 16:59

I don't like either @buddy79 .

The first one is a bit nothing-y.
The second one is a bit "trying to be a bridesmaid".

merryhouse · 08/06/2026 17:11

ok I have taken on board that black is fine for this wedding but I just got a catalogue through the door 😃
and I really like this one https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/lulu-floral-halter-neck-dress-wf518#547=187&595=97

This one's not cotton and doesn't come in specifically petite (on the pro side, it's not sold out in size 10...)
https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/flora-sleeveless-dress-wf509#547=349

Lulu Floral Halter Neck Dress

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/lulu-floral-halter-neck-dress-wf518#547=187&595=97

Mmmm19 · 08/06/2026 20:47

LaliqueSaltGrinder · 06/06/2026 21:39

I much prefer the second option with the two tone pink skirt. It looks more "wedding-y". The first option is a lovely dress too but from the front doesn't look that special, all the design is in the back.

Agree

Calloja23 · Yesterday 09:33

Pleated dress is lovely but a lot of white for a wedding guest to wear as only a small pink section, usually white is a no go for a wedding guest.

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