Fashion advice needed......UDATED WITH PICS

[selside]

My sister's wedding is in July. (First time at 55 - wot larks!) I already have a dress/cardi combo which will be fine if the weather is cooler. BUT i really need a hot weather alternative. The 'do' is in the Gloucestershire countryside at a barn venue and is fairly informal with a ceilidh later.So not a posh hats sort of event. No idea what the bride is wearing, she bought it off Etsy. Have had a look online but there are loads of goppingly awful frocks out there!!! Some pretty ones too, but I am struggling to translate model pics into what it will look like on me!

Here are the cold hard facts
I am short and stout. (5 ' 2" and 14-16 depending on brand)
Don't do sleeveless as I have lost weight and have floppy bingo wings.
Don't want to look like the mother of the bride-y, or mutton dressed as lamb
Largish boobs that need support, so no strappy or off the shoulder numbers.
Not frumpy. Not too bold either. I am a quiet, shy-ish person and don't want the dress to wear me.
Would ideally like something summery and fresh.
Not an occasion ballgown or prom dress really as I am not the bride, but I do want to look like I've made an effort for my special and only sister
Something I can dance in
I am brunette with short hair and brown eyes
Sub £50 budget.

I haven't a clue where to start with suitable brands and styles. I'm at the tip of west Wales so it's a trip to the big shops. I need to focus to avoid wondering round blindly trying on random clothing which usually doesn't end well.) What brands might be worth considering? Any thoughts on what might be comfortable and forgiving for a curvy but slightly lumpy mature shortarse?

 

[carthorse]

Would the dress you've already got be ok if the weather was warm? If so then maybe get a sheer silky wrap to go with it & a pair of nice strappy sandals, plus if you can get away with no tights then do.

 

[selside]

The main issue is the dress is a knitted stretch jersey fabric so if it's really hot & summery I will be far too hot. Plus I'm a bit concerned it's a bit too ordinary. It's very comfy but perhaps not special enough. I have plenty of time to look but feel a bit clueless. I have a habit of going of on tangents if I'm unsure. (For example I've been looking at Asian wedding/party wear (the fabrics are gorgeous), and looking at re-making into a shift dress. Common sense tells me that may be a bit too off the wall. I don't want to look like the mad older sister on the wedding pics!

 

[carthorse]

Why not try on an Asian outfit, they can be extremely flattering &, as you say, the fabrics are incredibly beautiful. If you like it then call it individual, not mad!

I'm a similar size & shape to you, and only a little bit taller so I feel your pain because many summery dresses aren't at all forgiving on me. I did get a couple of nice dresses rom Wallis last year, though I don't know what they have in this year. They have a website you can look at.

 

[Jessey]

I'm similar stature to you, for my cousins wedding a couple of weeks ago I got a simple shift dress and dressed it up with nice shoes and a pashmina, I thought it was very appropriate and I was comfortable in it all day

 

[Star the Fell]

I think you could look at ‘tea dresses’. I think that’s what they are called anyway! I’m thinking of Marilyn Munro here. So a fitted top and full skirt. They look really nice on curvy women.
I love the look of them but don’t suit them myself as I have the figure of an 11 year old. (Boy at that!!) so I’m always jealous of someone who can wear them.
Big sale on at Debenhams at the moment may be worth a look in there.

 

[Bodshi]

I'm not a dress person and I always struggle too, even though I'm the opposite shape to you. I would love to be shorter and curvier. I like all the ideas above, I think you'd look nice in any of those. Does it have to be a dress? How about crop trousers and a really nice top, similar to what Julie Walters wore for the wedding in Mamma Mia? (but less expensive probably!)

 

[Trewsers]

My sister's wedding is in July. (First time at 55 - wot larks!) I already have a dress/cardi combo which will be fine if the weather is cooler. BUT i really need a hot weather alternative. The 'do' is in the Gloucestershire countryside at a barn venue and is fairly informal with a ceilidh later.So not a posh hats sort of event. No idea what the bride is wearing, she bought it off Etsy. Have had a look online but there are loads of goppingly awful frocks out there!!! Some pretty ones too, but I am struggling to translate model pics into what it will look like on me!

Here are the cold hard facts
I am short and stout. (5 ' 2" and 14-16 depending on brand)
Don't do sleeveless as I have lost weight and have floppy bingo wings.
Don't want to look like the mother of the bride-y, or mutton dressed as lamb
Largish boobs that need support, so no strappy or off the shoulder numbers.
Not frumpy. Not too bold either. I am a quiet, shy-ish person and don't want the dress to wear me.
Would ideally like something summery and fresh.
Not an occasion ballgown or prom dress really as I am not the bride, but I do want to look like I've made an effort for my special and only sister
Something I can dance in
I am brunette with short hair and brown eyes
Sub £50 budget.

I haven't a clue where to start with suitable brands and styles. I'm at the tip of west Wales so it's a trip to the big shops. I need to focus to avoid wondering round blindly trying on random clothing which usually doesn't end well.) What brands might be worth considering? Any thoughts on what might be comfortable and forgiving for a curvy but slightly lumpy mature shortarse?

Have you considered ebay? Something you could pick up off there for a good price, and even if you don't like it, sell on again? I rarely buy brand new clothes these days because I don't really enjoy clothes shopping. However, I do like trying stuff on at home etc. And if you don't pay too much it doesn't owe you anything. You have my build lol
I will do some ebaying and see what I'd buy if I was you. I have the brunette hair too - only mine is long an wavy (straggly!!). Lol

 

[Trewsers]

I'm similar stature to you, for my cousins wedding a couple of weeks ago I got a simple shift dress and dressed it up with nice shoes and a pashmina, I thought it was very appropriate and I was comfortable in it all day

Sounds nice, I love pashminas - so versatile.

 

[Trewsers]

The main issue is the dress is a knitted stretch jersey fabric so if it's really hot & summery I will be far too hot. Plus I'm a bit concerned it's a bit too ordinary. It's very comfy but perhaps not special enough. I have plenty of time to look but feel a bit clueless. I have a habit of going of on tangents if I'm unsure. (For example I've been looking at Asian wedding/party wear (the fabrics are gorgeous), and looking at re-making into a shift dress. Common sense tells me that may be a bit too off the wall. I don't want to look like the mad older sister on the wedding pics!

Hehehe nowt wrong with looking like the mad older sister!!!

 

[Trewsers]

What kind of footwear? Things with a heel needn't be painful - as I have discovered! Plus they elongate the legs...........I think the gel heel inserts are good for parties. I have read good reviews on those. Could always take ballet pumps folded in your handbag for the night do?
I like @Bodshi idea of the crop trousers. But I'd either go with a heel or totally flat on those. There are some gorgeous tunics about - specially the bird print ones. I got a nice F & F one off ebay not long ago.

 

[Kite_Rider]

If you are short and curvy I would give the cropped trousers a miss, the Indian stuff would be my thing, I love the fabrics and I love anything a bit different and unusual, I get a few bits from joe browns for that reason, but anyone who knows me thinks I'm a bit mad anyway!
A nice tea dress would look beautiful and they work really well with ballet pumps too.
I found an amazing seller on Etsy, Fara her name is but most of her stuff is raw silk and quite pricey so probably no what you are looking for, but beautiful stuff and really quirky.
I agree with @Trewsers re ebay, but make sure you read the ads properly and ask for measurements if they are not provided, I've been caught out a few times buying from eBay because I hadn't read in detail or asked enough questions.
Edited to add, I'm another tallish with no curves, I love tea dresses, but you do need some curves to carry them off, a shift dress would look lovely too on a curvy figure.

 

[Sparky Lily]

I am about to be grandmother of the bride - next week! - and faced a similar dilemma. I found a super smart outfit, and hat, at Oxfam on line. They have a suitable-for-weddings section as well as general clothing. Many new items, plus designer and/or vintage. It’s pot luck what is there of course, but worth a look.

 

[Trewsers]

Just another thought - if you aren't really a dress or skirt person (I am not) then maybe thinking along the lines of trousers and tunic combo. A wedding or any special occasion isn't the right time to try something you aren't comfortable with. Last wedding I went to I was lucky as it was a winter do. Wore cream skinny jeans with long boots and a sparkly top and chucked a pashmina on top. I felt quite at ease rather than being in a dress. Guess it's personal choice though. I know of lots of good ebay sellers (dealers) that do some really nice quality clothes if you wanted links pm me.

 

[Kite_Rider]

@Trewsers thats why I was thinking along the aisian clothes, they wear tunic top, kurti I think it's called and trousers, I found an online shop that do some gorgeous ones here
https://ramsha.pk based in Pakistan and very reasonable prices. Or this company based in the UK sell them too

Ramsha Pakistani Suits & Designer Clothing

Browse Memsaab’s range of Ramsha clothing, including vibrant modern Kameez, 2 and 3 pieces, trousers and more. Our collection features designs and colours to suit any occasion.

memsaabonline.com

I mean one of those tunics with some plain leggings or loose trousers would look stunning on anyone.

 

[Trewsers]

@Trewsers thats why I was thinking along the aisian clothes, they wear tunic top, kurti I think it's called and trousers, I found an online shop that do some gorgeous ones here
https://ramsha.pk based in Pakistan and very reasonable prices. Or this company based in the UK sell them too

Ramsha Pakistani Suits & Designer Clothing

Browse Memsaab’s range of Ramsha clothing, including vibrant modern Kameez, 2 and 3 pieces, trousers and more. Our collection features designs and colours to suit any occasion.

memsaabonline.com

I mean one of those tunics with some plain leggings or loose trousers would look stunning on anyone.

Those are so beautiful, what gorgeous looking patterns on the fabric.

 

[selside]

Thanks so much for the excellent ideas! I was thinking along the same lines and have been looking at tea dresses on eBay. Asian wedding/party clothes too. I would love to have something original that isn't traditional wedding garb. Doesn't have to be a dress of course but I live in trousers and prefer something different for a special day. Footwear less of a problem as I can wear something smartish for the ceremony etc then chuck my pair of black Skechers pumps on for the dancing bit. I like the idea of cropped trousers but sadly I have an ample backside and big thighs so present a slablike look in those.
I work in a charity shop and tried on a few dresses today. You would have laughed to see the results but I learnt more about what doesn't look good
A bright multicolour flower print stretch wiggle dress. Not as bad as I thought looks wise. Lesson = felt trussed up.
A pastel blue chiffon belted thing. Lesson = waist gathers are a no no
A dress that looked so bad I have erased it from memory.....
Layered cream and lemon thing with floppy sleeves. Lesson = looked like a nun's habit covered in daffodils!

The good thing is I have lots of time to look about. I may even post pics of options if I get my act together. Meantime eBay. OXfam, Asian outlets here I come. Thanks again and wish me luck

 

[Trewsers]

Thanks so much for the excellent ideas! I was thinking along the same lines and have been looking at tea dresses on eBay. Asian wedding/party clothes too. I would love to have something original that isn't traditional wedding garb. Doesn't have to be a dress of course but I live in trousers and prefer something different for a special day. Footwear less of a problem as I can wear something smartish for the ceremony etc then chuck my pair of black Skechers pumps on for the dancing bit. I like the idea of cropped trousers but sadly I have an ample backside and big thighs so present a slablike look in those.
I work in a charity shop and tried on a few dresses today. You would have laughed to see the results but I learnt more about what doesn't look good
A bright multicolour flower print stretch wiggle dress. Not as bad as I thought looks wise. Lesson = felt trussed up.
A pastel blue chiffon belted thing. Lesson = waist gathers are a no no
A dress that looked so bad I have erased it from memory.....
Layered cream and lemon thing with floppy sleeves. Lesson = looked like a nun's habit covered in daffodils!

The good thing is I have lots of time to look about. I may even post pics of options if I get my act together. Meantime eBay. OXfam, Asian outlets here I come. Thanks again and wish me luck

Lol to the dress that was so bad your memory has erased it!! Hahahahahaa. I once had one of those too!

 

[selside]

Well I needn't have worried about WHAT I wore. Little sister stole the show with a stunning outfit. The groom had an inkling she might wear a trouser suit, so he got a bit of a shock when she came down the stairs! A lovely day all round. So happy for them both.
I'm the one in the mustard coloured linen shift dress with the band round the bottom. Quite pleased with the overall effect - we don't look a bad for a combined age of 114 after all.

Credits and apologies to NORBERT CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY. He took loads of lovely pics and I had to resize right down to fit on here.

 

[Cortrasna]

I love the dress you chose selside...I hate wearing dresses I have to say but that is one I would happily have worn too