MOTB dress help

[scoobs321]

My DDs wedding is fast approaching and although I've tried on many dresses and have kind of got an ok dress, I'm not 100% sure it's the one. Wedding will be bright and colourful, church followed by gorgeous victorian conservatory venue reception. I'm 56, 5'8 Sz 14-16 with a largishbust/hourglass figure.
I want a block coloured magenta/,fuscia pink which i think will complement my hair which is salt& pepper but is being grey blended and styled before the big day.

Can I have your honest (but not too harsh) opinions please?
The one I think I'll go with is fron Wallis from vinted having exhausted my search for a new one online. I can upload the others that I have also bought.

Also to say I prefer longer length as I do have a pesky varicose vein in my calf that I'm a bit self conscious of.

Absolutely love the first dress

Is there a mother of the bride shop anywhere near you? If you're in Scotland, Catherine's of Patrick in Glasgow, Rouge in Inverness might be worth a visit. There is a shop in Edinburgh near Cow gate/Grass market as well but I can't remember the name....

Or if you have time, could you get something made or altered?

I liked the first dress though.

Do you really want that colour?

i don’t think the dress is flattering tbh and I would look for a softer colour

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/salerno-crepe-dress-vibrant-blue/?

I think that is the same dress that the OP has already posted (in the magenta colourway), saying she really hoped it would suit but it didn't.

The dress you like best OP is, I think, pretty good for your shape & colouring. The V-neck, wrap & drape front, & the longer length all combine to make you look elegant. Yes, it's not especially fashionable, but as a PP said, wedding guest dresses tend to err on the conservative side anyway. The other two that you bought look more dated & less flattering - I don't like the the on-the-knee length on you, whereas the first dress elongates you.

I like Essentiel Antwerp clothing, & I like this dress in both colourways as it's really dramatic. But the orange wouldn't suit the OP's colouring, & although the print version would suit her colouring, I don't think the cut would suit her body shape either?

I do though think that she could find something slightly more current that also meets her other preferences - if she wishes to that is. Especially if she has up to £500 as a budget.

@scoobs321 - you said that you'd like a block colour that suits your cool colouring & silver-grey hair & mentioned fuchsia & cobalt. What about a cool-toned green, teal, burgundy or purple?

Intentionality is a good word to describe their dresses. I liked it at first glance as it has a similar vibe to the OP's choice - but the way the back neckline juts just above her shoulders is quite strange?

That's a fabulous print & I love silk twill too. The OP seems quite sure she wants a block colour though. La Double J mightn't be the label for that? Pity as I think the black & white version would look good on her ...!

What about this deep pinkish-red Joseph dress, OP? It's in your size & just squeaks in below budget now that it's in the sale? I really love the sleeves & the Fortuny-style fabric. I would say the colour is on the cool rather than warm side, although not as cool as the Wallis dress. They've styled it with gold jewellery, but silver would be even better IMO.

It's not high fashion either - but I think it's more classic than the Wallis one. Though, at almost £500, I realise it might not be what you consider special! I do though - & if you're more of a classic dresser anyway, I think this would be more versatile afterwards for dinner at an upmarket restaurant etc than the Wallis dress.

https://joseph-fashion.com/products/ortiz-pleated-woven-dress-pink-jf0095970651

I've posted this cobalt blue maxi dress before, as I love it. You have the height & shape to look great in this, @scoobs321 ? Silver heels (Anonymous Copenhagen would be my choice for a great range & comfort too).

https://joseph-fashion.com/products/bellan-cotton-sateen-dress-blue-jf0093721410

I would go big with my jewellery instead of a hat - that way you could avoid headgear if you're not keen. Brooches are in - what about this pinned on the top of the sash, with the matching earrings?! A bit OTT I know - but why not if it's going to be a very bright & embellished wedding?

https://ebay.io/m/vOR0xZ
https://ebay.io/m/7pGXkl
https://www.anoncph.co.uk/products/banie-50-stiletto-crackled-metallic-goat-silver

I also love this Marimekko silver brooch & earrings - but not the price!

https://www.marimekko.com/gb_en/p/094251-001

Forgot to say, someone posted a picture of themselves at their daughter's wedding, wearing that cobalt blue Joseph dress. They said they didn't want to look like a trad MOB, & wanted to show that you didn't have to be very tall & willowy to wear it. I thought she looked great - to me it's a much better look than those really formal MOB outfits that cost a fortune & add decades to the wearer's age, IMO ...

Had a dig for her post & here is the photo.

I realise this dress is well over budget, but what about a VB dress in the sale, if there's a suitable one?

https://www.victoriabeckham.com/products/cap-sleeve-dress-in-dark-ocean-22418

There's this, OP - definitely Spanx all the way!

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/victoria-beckham/dresses/maxi-dresses/draped-stretch-jersey-maxi-dress/46376663163051646

This is a wee bit more casual, but easily accessorised up - & would be a fab colour on you!

https://www.meandem.com/silk-cotton-fit-and-flare-maxi-dress-violet-purple?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20162357644&gbraid=0AAAAADtaHAKcWO46WQYl7ZrwTIlIrMj3v

Out of stock in your size, but worth signing up for a notification if it reappears? Very well reduced.

https://www.victoriabeckham.com/products/asymmetric-midi-dress-in-bright-indigo-22150

Also worth signing up if it comes back in stock?

https://www.victoriabeckham.com/products/eve-midi-dress-in-bright-indigo-22184

A bargain on eBay for less than £40! And a good strong blue in hammered satin. Also came in purple but can only spot in a 10.

https://ebay.io/m/nPU2wb

Another one where it's worth signing up for notifications?

https://www.meandem.com/crepe-midi-dress-iris?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23689522278&gbraid=0AAAAADtaHAKgXfrKFFNFRmCnAykkblEN7

No longer in stock at Jigsaw, but is on eBay in your size. A slightly different cut to the ones above.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/hammered-satin-midi-dress-blue-1
https://ebay.io/m/BFeMJA

This silk Jasper Conrad one on eBay?

https://ebay.io/m/H7tMt4

And much cheaper on Vinted!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8926030665-100-silk-dress-size-16

If you would consider a deep red, this Roksanda one is fab.

https://ebay.io/m/JSjiOJ