Affordable wedding outfit ideas for a casual event with modest coverage

[Weddingoutfithelp]

Hello,
I’m looking for an inexpensive wedding outfit. It’s a casual affair but still want to look nice. I’m a size 12-14, must cover my knees and tops of arms, am happy to wear a dress or jumpsuit.
I would prefer not to have anything from shein. I might look in the charity shops but I’m happy with any suggestions that people might have.
Thank you.

What is your budget? 'Affordable' is not enough to go on. What are your preferences re. colour, fabric, pattern, style. Need a lot more to go on before people suggest things they like and you think are absolutely not what you want.

Thank you fair replying - a maximum £50. I have natural colour wedges and a natural bag I can use.
I prefer darker colours like navy, brown. I don’t suit yellow, red, pink or green.
I wouldn’t suit anything too floaty and absolutely do not like my knees (or legs that much) Because I’m quite big, I prefer more coverage, but it’s a September wedding so not too warm.

https://www.roman.co.uk/polka-dot-pleat-neck-midi-dress-14859214

https://www.roman.co.uk/heart-print-ruched-midi-dress-14671060

https://www.roman.co.uk/textured-wrap-bodice-midi-dress-14679960

https://www.roman.co.uk/wrap-bodice-belted-midi-dress-14866408

Seems to be lots of brown and Navy around. Have a browse on Next or John Lewis. Both sell lots of brands.

@24Dogcuddler thank you. I had a look on Roman but didn’t see the navy textured one - I really like that.

How can you be quite big at a size 12-14?

My DD needed similar coverage, and got a Nobody’s Child dress (£20 in the sales). She was a bit reluctant to spend a lot on a dress that she probably wouldn’t wear again - she normally shows at least some flesh. But actually, she thinks she will wear the dress for Christmas parties.

@abitbloodybrighteroverthere Im fairly tall and always look quite big compared to others (especially looking at wedding photos from last year) I’ve lost all my tone and have wobbly arms and stomach etc.

@Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies I’ve never bought a dress from there but will have a look at the sale online. Thank you

Have you thought of looking on Vinted or EBay? There are some great dress bargains. Hope you find something lovely.

Having looked at the sale prices she got a good deal! Most of their sale prices dresses seem to be £40+. But the one she got was actually very nicely cut, high -necked, and full length sleeves.

Have a look at Finery London, they have a few dresses which may match what you are looking for :-
www.finerylondon.com/collections/midi-dresses?filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=59.00&filter.p.m.custom.color=Brown&filter.p.m.custom.color=Navy&sort_by=manual

I think your charity shop idea is good if you have a high street near you with some posh ones. They tend to have lots of occasion dresses and you could spend a few hours trying them all on. Would probably cost you a maximum of 20 pounds and you might find some other good stuff for the remaining 30.

I find ebay and vinted a hassle now for clothes if they don't fit.

Finery

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-sleeveless-draped-midaxi-dress/p/clp60779631?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

this would look lovely and has had good reviews. You have the accessories already navy cover up with it maybe.

You are not big btw you are average so I thought about not looking. I’m an 18 if I stood next to you you would look much smaller in the photos but I’m not big either. It’s about trying to look the best for the size and shape that you are.

This?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/floral-v-neck-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp23029602?color=BLUEMIX

@OneNewEagle it’s how I always feel when I see myself in photos - big and frumpy. I’m often surprised too as I didn’t think I looked like that. Being taller doesn’t help because it’s always made me feel bigger than I maybe am since a child.
I love the dress and would cover up my arms. I’ve got a big M&S near me so will have a look at it in store. Thank you

@Overtheatlantic clicking on this, it isn’t something I’d chose, but I like it! Thank you

What height are you? Would a trouser suit fit better

I’m a lot shorter. Monsoon might suit as always too long for me ive never found one of their dresses to fit in all the years of trying so not designed for my proportions

Wallis have quite a few in navy and brown as the top colours this year. Neither suit me. But I like this one as depending on how it fits.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-summer-floral-d-ring-midi-dress_byy17122?colour=navy&size=14

Tie Detail Jersey Midi Dress | Seasalt Cornwall - Seasalt Cornwall https://share.google/7C677iH6BQrCuk0QC this is in your budget in the sale. I've got it in the green and white stripes and it is comfortable and flattering. I'm a bit fatter than you though!

Thank you all for your suggestions and links.
I’ve ordered this one, which I found thank you to the Wallis suggestion (I’d forgotten about Wallis). Hoping it covers my legs, but I think the overall style will suit me.
I’ve had to re-type this as I just posted it on a thread about bird-apps! They really didn’t want to know about my dress or body shape, but there we go.

I love the sea salt one - I would wear that as a day dress.

I work in a hot sweaty school and Seasalt has been an absolute lifesaver to look reasonably put together! They don't even require ironing! I ❤️ them.

So do I and I was thinking it’s be perfect as I could probably wash it, hang it up and wear again the next day!