Opinions on two spring wedding guest dresses for an hourglass shape

[RockinCara]

Could you give me your opinions on these two dresses for a spring wedding. I know their colour scheme is champagne/brown, not that guests have to match.

im currently a small size 14. But I’ve just lost 5 stones and will hopefully have lost another stone by the wedding. The left hand dress is only available in a 22, the right hand one is available in a 14 or 12. I hope I will be a 12 by then. Both dresses are in the sale with a good amount off. Hourglass figure, can often look matronly/hippy in dresses that have a waistband or tied waist. Other suggestions welcome. I suit reds, yellows, browns and greens. I think I like the left side more.

I prefer the left one too. The other is a bit dingy and not very spring-like.

next to one another I prefer the one on the left but I expect the right one won't look so drab when not next to it

depends on your colouring as well

I’ve mid brown hair, warm skin tones, usually tanned, but won’t be in mid March. Oh and I’m mid 50s.
Yes I think the right hand one is perhaps a bit boring!

Have a look at Love & Roses on Next’s website, they have quite a few in that empire line shape and loads of flowy midis. I tried this one on and it was lovely.

Thats nice.
I quite like these two as well, particularly the left one again. But it’s more expensive.

Ops forgot to add them!

3rd attempt!

Hoping others see this. I think the left hand dress of the second pair is my favourite, but I’m scared I’m too big for it.

Much prefer both of those. I don't like dipped hems. I don't like the way the pattern shows through on the reverse, so particularly don't like the brown one.

Don’t understand why you’re referencing a dress that is only available in a size many times larger than your own?

I’m afraid all the dresses before my post look rather sad and drab to me. You’re allowed to wear fashionable, celebratory clothes.

Can you say what your budget is? And am I correct that you’re looking ahead to Spring 2027?

I like the one on the right in the first set of images, the beige one.

i also can’t understand why you’re posting a pic of a dress that you can only get in a size 22, surely by default it is not an option.

Surely if the wedding isn’t until next year you’ll have time to save for something lovely? And at least by then you’ll know exactly what size you’re shopping for.

There is less than zero difficulty in dressing a size 12/14 hourglass figure.

I'm sorry but these dresses are very dated.

Don’t buy a dress now for a year away. You are hoping to lose more weight and your shape may completely change. They will have a better spring collection nearer the time. Put some money aside and treat yourself to something lovely that suits you. John Lewis do an occasion personal shopper free of charge who can help you find something perfect for your new figure.

🤣. I’m dated! I’m in my late 50s and couldn’t really give a stuff what’s fashionable.

Sorry everyone- that was a typo, the dress is only available in a 12.

Ah … I’m in my sixties and can’t imagine not wanting to look vaguely current.

Hope you find something lovely, @RockinCara.

Don’t forget that you can get things altered, within reason, and it can make an enormous difference to how you look. Not a 22 to a size 12, but it might open up possibilities like the tie back style dresses. They might just a couple of darts to fit well.

I'm sorry @RockinCara this really jumped out at me!

Late 50s is nothing & most certainly not old enough to write off being stylish! Not in my book anyway & i'm 56!!

I am also a 12 & wouldn't wear any of these dresses.

You should be celebrating your 5 stone weight loss & really going for it!

Don't give up on style & feeling fabulous, it's addictive!

I’m not saying you can’t be fashionable at 50 at all. Just that I’m old enough to know that not everything in fashion looks good - to me or on me. That I am not bothered by someone else thinking it’s not in fashion.

But I am a bit baffled - I clicked on one of the “is this suitable for a wedding” threads, and the first dress was on the same page as a similar dress (to me) that everyone loved. But everyone thinks these are dated.

I would be interested to see what kind of things you guys would wear, or suggest.

Said as a slightly ( ahem) older woman -At 50 trust your own instincts based on your experience. You know you best (whatever size).
I have avidly followed similar threads and posters sound so knowledgeable. Then you follow their links and it’s to an outfit that’s great - but just not you. It’s still so useful to see what’s out there and that you’d never know without Mumsnet help. Great to keep abreast.
Sometimes we can overthink these things. I know it’s easy to say- but just be happy and confident and enjoy and celebrate the occasion. 🥂

Why are you buying a dress almost a year in advance?

The dresses you have picked are Jolie Moi and Roman so I guess your budget is around £100 maximum.

I'm 67, 5'4" and a size 12/14. I wouldn't be looking at those brands.

For a budget of £100 I'd start at Boden or Nobody's Child

https://www.boden.com/products/women-marcia-jersey-shirt-dress-green-and-ivory-stripe-d1600grn

https://www.boden.com/collections/womens-dresses

Nobody's Child

Or Sister Jane

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/azure-jacquard-midi-dress?edit=one

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/wave-stripe-bow-maxi-dress?edit=one

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/dala-print-midi-dress?edit=one

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/emerald-maxi-dress?edit=one

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/garnet-maxi-dress?edit=one

Why can’t I buy in advance? There are good sales on. It’s worth a look. Out of interest why wouldn’t you look at those brands?
Thanks for the links, but nothing there that I like. The Boden ones and the Nobody’s child things look a bit “holiday wear” to me, not right for a wedding (I probably scrolled through about 30 dresses before closing the link). . And the sister jane ones are (sorry) really not for me. No shape to them at all (sort of thing I’d have hidden under when I was a size 20) and big ugly bows under the chin in shiny fabrics. But thank you anyway.🙂

Definitely the left one love the colours, the other one is a bit meh

Oh I live the one on the left. Such a lovely shade of green