Desperate for help with wedding outfit - running out of time!

[GoWithTheWaves]

I’ve got a very important family wedding in 2 months and nothing to wear 😩

I’m 5’2, size 18 with big boobs. I don’t like my arms or my ankles and I’m usually a casual dresser so really don’t suit traditional wedding type dresses. I’d be happier in trousers or a jumpsuit but they either look a bit butch/blokey (trouser suits) or are a nightmare to do up (jumpsuits). I hate the Yours Curve/Scarlett and Jo type dresses that seem to be aimed at bigger women and they’re all too long for me anyway.

I’m so stressed about this. I really need to get it right and feel comfortable but I hate everything I’ve tried so far. I’ve ordered and returned hundreds of pounds worth of clothes - tried going in person but even big shops seem to have a very limited range and even less larger sizes. I’ve thought about a personal shopper but suspect that’ll be just the same.

Please can anyone help? I haven’t got much of a budget but could stretch to £150, got neutral bag and shoes that should go with most things. Very grateful for any ideas!

@GoWithTheWaves

Is the service in a church, with the reception at a hotel?

Which colours suit you?

I knew I’d forget some details! The ceremony and reception are at a hotel, an old coaching inn with a stable block so it’s not overly formal.

Ideally I’d wear black! I think I could get away with something black and patterned. Other than that maybe red or navy but that feels a bit work-like. Wedding party are in dark green so not that.

Edited for typos

Oh gosh, black is a bit sad. But anyway...

Does this tick any boxes?

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/clara-floral-embellished-midi-wrap-dress-blue-1001004975.html?utm_source=organic_shopping&utm_medium=organic

If you want to avoid black but like dark colours, I disagree navy is automatically worky. It can be really chic and you can accessorise it in a hundred different ways.

2 months might be a bit tight because their delivery takes ages, but I am a similar size to you and just wore this to a wedding. I felt great in it. thisisunfolded.com/products/unfolded-georgie-cotton-summer-dress-dark-navy

Age?

Relevance?

I’m 5’2” and find phase 8 petite fit well as they are proportionately smaller on shoulders, sleeves etc.
This is available in 18 and I think really smart but I’m not sure the bust would be flattering for you?
What do you think?
Worth looking at phase 8?
Where do you usually shop?
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-elowen-jumpsuit-10022070230.html

OP I'm an 16/18 due to big boobs. I would wear a wrap dress.
John Lewis have plenty at the moment.
Get a cool max slip from marks and then you won't worry about flashing anything.

What about this from Wallis Plus Size range?

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/yours-ruffle-hem-wrap-dress_p-82456849-e5d4-41ab-8cb3-6110841a0fdf?colour=Dark+Navy

https://bloomchic.com/products/hidden-zipper-floral-layered-pockets-jumpsuit

I know black isn’t right for a wedding, I just don’t feel confident enough to go for anything brighter.

I quite like the Monsoon and Bloomchic dresses, the Wallis one is actually Yours brand and although I like the style I’ve found they feel quite cheap and nylony in real life. Funnily enough I have looked at the Unfolded dress but discarded it due to the timing, I do like the style though.

I have had some success with Phase Eight but most of the ones I like are a bit out of budget. I really like this but it’s very hard to get in and out of which is a big concern! It’s perfect apart from that though - flattering, comfortable, covers the bits I hate and feels like ‘me’.

If it’s relevant I’m 53.

Probably if 35 or 65? When I was 40 I would avoid an outfit I thought my mum would wear but now I’m her age I avoid wearing clothes I think my daughters and granddaughters might wear, choosing outfits that will suit my shape and frame.

I’m not inferring you can’t wear something if you are older but I’m old and there are some outfits I probably wouldn’t wear, but apologies @GoWithTheWaves if you find the question offensive.

Yes definitely agree jumpsuits are tricky to get in and out of, especially in a small loo! I have a lovely cotton Seasalt petite jumpsuit that’s dead easy to get into but you need to be a contortionist to get out of!

Navy jumpsuit, good reviews including being able to zip yourself in and out.
The reviews will help with sizing.

Easy to accessorise.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-anna-linen-jumpsuit-navy-d1712nav#product-reviews

That’s a good shout, I haven’t looked at Boden, thanks.

I get the love for black if you're not body confident but, here's where age might actually be relevant as I found once I hit middle age I can't wear black next to my face any more as it now drains my colouring and I look like a corpse.

I think there are colours that would flatter my face more - I had my colours done years ago and was told I was a Soft Summer so black is not the best idea - but those kind of colours in wedding attire veer too much towards the Queen Mother (the original one) for me 😳

Might be worth a look at www.fairlycurved.com

I’m not dissimilar to you, large boobs size 18 but just a couple of inches taller. I ordered a dress recently from them and the top stays where it is put (which so many strap dresses do not when you have a bigger bust). It’s comfy and stretchy and quite nice material. Not tried a jump suit as they don’t suit my tummy I feel but they do sell some.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-tess-shirt-dress/0126-5997-1185L04-MIDNIGHT-NAVY.html

They’re not the fanciest brand and some of their stuff is a bit weird but Roman dresses have been a lifesaver for me, I now have several that get many compliments. I’m taller than you so don’t buy petite but one similar to this is very flattering, does not accentuate boobs and hides top of arms nicely

https://www.roman.co.uk/petite-floral-midi-dress-14846960

In photographs, simple lines and solid colour tend to look best.
One tip is to photograph yourself in the garment or better still get someone else to do it, front, rear and side view and see how it looks. It's quite surprising sometimes what photographs well. It also put me off a few 'fussy' dresses.

I’m similar shape as you op and I like kimono style dresses with elbow length sleeves

I’m an 18 too but 5ft 4. The most important bit or hardest part will be length. I’m struggling to find anything ok as all too long currently. Which stores/brands have other clothes, forget wedding for now, that are the correct length for you?

For example monsoon is a no go for me never found anything there that’s less than three inches too long.

This is lovely. I don’t know which colours work for soft summer but you could get earrings or a wrap in a soft summer colour to accessorise if you did get a black dress.