Mother of the Groom in 8 weeks!

[ihaveafavouritecat]

Please help me! My son is getting married in 8 weeks and I haven’t a clue what to wear. So far I’ve ordered three dresses online (Coast, Lavish Alice and Florere) and have sent them all back. Earlier this week I had a personal stylist appointment at John Lewis, bought 3 items (Hobbs dress, Reiss dress and Phase Eight jumpsuit), but not sure any of them are right. Also ordered a jumpsuit from Me+Em, not yet received. I don’t know if that will be right either, I know it will need shortening about 6 inches!
I’m 5’3, 9st 6, have lost 7 stone over last 3 years. Blue eyes, brown hair/blond highlights. i think the colours that suit me best are greens/golds/sandy but not at all rigid except that pastel colours make me look washed out.
There’s a register office wedding service and then the bigger wedding ‘do’ 3 days later, so I need two outfits! Budget about £400ish for both. I just feel so much of what I’m seeing is so ‘bland’ and ordinary, I want to feel a bit more cool and funky but still smart of course.
Would really appreciate some help or suggestions of makers/brands I’m not aware of… thanks in advance.

Thanks @JenaWren I’ve ordered this in the burgundy to try. Only had an 8 so I’ll try that. Found a 20% off code too 🙃

Gina Bacconi have been around for decades in the mother of the bride category. John Lewis stock them. It’s owned by the Offenbach family.

I don’t often wear dresses unless I’m off to a wedding or it’s summer so I get the stress OP. You’re doing the right thing keep buying and sending back until you find the right one. There has been some good suggestions but my fave so far has been the Gina Bacconi one (the sleeves they will either look great on you or they won’t just depends when it’s on). Below is from the petite range. I suppose it depends on how formal the wedding is as well. The ones on your original post - you can do way better imo (although the brown one looked good for the shape on you albeit too long and colour a bit bland).
www.debenhams.com/product/double-second-chiffon-wrap-dress-with-cape-sleeves_p-c9128692-6a00-4c1e-bad9-815f25c49ea1?colour=Navy&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23630151512&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS6RkRcMbiFe8tcOZ7me2kQNT&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrarihUA_tJFlgNXnKm-pqab5sitRp5LLi9RhM5RHe00CmfT9xy8jAaAjt2EALw_wcB

Thanks so much @Happinessislikeabutterfly Yup, I feel I’m getting clearer, and thanks for understanding why it’s been feeling difficult. I think I’m going to head over to John Lewis later to return two of the three things I’ve shared in photos: the brown Reiss dress and the Phase Eight jumpsuit. Keeping the red Hobbs dress but probably not to wear for either of the wedding events, unless maybe the register office service. Only 8 of us attending that, just immediate family and out for a meal together after - fairly informal I think.

I’ve ordered 2 x Boden velvet to try, in burgundy and a dark blue, and I’ve ordered the Gina Bacconi dress in burgundy that PP linked. I think I’ll go and look for the Phase Eight two piece that another PP linked which I liked the look of.

i asked ChatGPT for my colours too. It recommended: ‘Soft Autumn’ - it’s the colours I like - soft greens/mustards/golds… not seeing much of these in the shops though and doesn’t align with my most recent selections?!

You could always consider the colours ChatGPT suggested when thinking about accessories and jewellery, although I wouldn’t overthink the colours, it’s what you feel the best in at the end of the day. Seems you have a lovely crew here ready to help 🫡

Gina Bacconi are great. I got an amazing black jumpsuit for £70 the other week. It’s called the Dottie. Not right for what you want but perfect for a black tie event I had. Definitely a brand to keep an eye on

Next also have the same dress in a lovely deep green colour.
www.next.co.uk/style/SV351601/695060

This is fantastic

I’ve just had a look again at the red Hobbs dress you’re keeping OP. The shape/colour is actually really good on you it’s the height of the shoe that’s the issue imho as this makes the bottom of the dress look out of proportion. I am the same with pleated skirt sections I must have the higher heel. If you can go with a higher heel it will elongate the waist to heel line, bangle/necklace, bag (I’m rubbish at accessories sure someone else could suggest here). I reckon this could look great even if you don’t feel it’s the one for the upcoming events. I hope you get to the point you have a few you love and feel great in that you can have a choice. Us honest mumsnetters on here and will soon give our opinions 🤣, mumsnet is so great for stuff like this.

Yes. The green oasis one looks good. You might need a jacket in November! I would. I suggest a faux fur. Chic and dressy.

Love it in this colour. But the shoes imo could be better they look a bit officey and a bit low as the line of the dress will sit likely below the knee.

I recently got this and it’s very flattering. Also comes in a bronze/rust colour. Might need some Spanx but I like that it covers my upper arms.

https://www.stories.com/en-gb/product/v-neck-maxi-dress-red-1341272003/

I think you look lovely in the brown one. You could always ‘brighten it up’ with some accessories! I’m sure you’ll look fab in whatever you choose.

The colours on this look lovely - https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-placement-floral-print-cap-sleeve-midi-dress-floral/p115254379 hmm although I’ve just seen the fabric so may be not.

I’m not a fan of Phase 8 normally but that jacket and suit in the burgundy is just great. Shame it’s short sleeves! How much nicer for Autumn if it had longer sleeves!

This has some nice detailing https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-petite-abbie-wrap-dress-yellow/p115468221
described as ‘bridesmaid dress’ but this is also lovely colour https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-monica-lace-bridesmaid-dress/burgundy/p114527470
I love this but has a different vibe altogether more structured https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-petite-sienna-tuxedo-dress/pale-blue/p112917339

You looks very nice in red dress.

I just would not like short sleeves in November unless it’s black tie. The bridesmaids dress is a bit odd.

I LOVE the brown one on you! Dont return it.

I’ve just tried it on… i wanted to love it but I looked like I should be taking a walk in Kyoto with a parasol… It was down to the floor on me.

Too late! The consensus was brown not great for a wedding… and more like a great outfit for an important day in the office, than for my son’s wedding. The brown dress, and the teal jumpsuit, have just been returned. Along with some dinky sparkly Dune shoes, which were already showing themselves to be uncomfortable.

I also tried my first ‘cape dress’ - in a copper colour in Phase Eight. Felt like I belonged in a monastery 😵‍💫

The burgundy one is lovely. You look good in all of them but the patterned ones aren't right.

I think the brown would have looked lovely (shortened) with a cropped brown fur jacket with a stand up collar, gold squishy clutch, gold shoes, big gold earrings and a gold chunky bracelet.

Hi
i have a Zara dress that I wore to my daughters wedding it blush with rose gold sequins , I also have a matching hatinator and bag I’m 5ft 2” and weighed 9st 4lb let me know if it’s any interest to you x