Wedding guest outfit

I looked on John Lewis site, and there are plenty of choices. This is a big flowery for me, but the cut is flattering on most shapes and it has long sleeves. You could hem it to suit you.
www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-vanessa-floral-print-puff-sleeve-midi-dress-pink-multi/p5871863

Can you get to a John Lewis branch?
Their personal shopper service is excellent with no pressure to buy. I used it ahead of a wedding and was very pleased.

Alternatively their website has a great filtering system and literally thousands of dresses from many brands.

Depends on your budget if you don't want to spend too much you could look at Roman their jersey dresses are very forgiving
Hobbs have a petite range but more expensive
I am 5'2 and long midi dresses usually do me no favours unless I wear high heels even then they tend to drown me I find a fitted knee length much better

How can you describe yourself as tubby at a size 12? Is the Eastex brand still going? My mother was 5ft and purchased several wedding outfits from them, but that was years ago.
I hope you find something to suit.

I was going to suggest Roman too. Or maybe Mint Velvet although bring small in height I have to get them altered.

Boden petite range of size 12 dresses here.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses?fq_all_size_availability=instock%7ESize%5E12&fq_all_fit_availability=instock%7EFit%5EPetite

Why wear a dress? A trouser based outfit can be much more flattering if you are the size and shape you describe - and wear a fascinator rather than a hat.

I’m invited to a ‘posh ish’ wedding in the late spring. I rarely wear a dress. I want to look nice, but grudge buying something that I shall rarely wear again.

I hope to find something smart but casual.

I’m dreading the thought of doing it, I loathe clothes shopping, which is why I live in jeans and shorts.

Just seen your post MOnica.

Yes, I might think of a smart trouser outfit also, I would get much more wear out of it.

?

Have you got a Roman shop near you? Or there’s loads of stuff on line though being bottom heavy like you, I find it hard to buy and need to try on lot’s before anything fits.

Roman do elegant, reasonably priced clothes, but most importantly they cut for people with hips !!!!!!

Floaty trousers with a silky tunic top would be nice. East has revived itself and has some lovely ethnic inspired tops on line. No hat if you're short just something in the hair like decorative clips or a flower is nice rather than a fascinator which are a bit........

I feel your pain! Midi length looks frumpy I think. Why not a nice pair of trousers with a top and a kimono style top? Smart, comfortable, and can be split into various outfits for later dates. You can also wear flat, maybe glittery sparkly sandals with the outfit, no staggering around in high heels. Adini do rather nice ones.

I like Whitestuff, comfy jersey dresses you can dress up or down. Really depends on whether it is a dressy wedding or not.

Wallis do some nice dresses and their sizes are generous, they also do petite sizes.

I like Phase Eight.
They usually have a variety of styles suitable for a wedding, and I think their fitted styles are flattering.

I’m also a Boden fan.
Although I can see the thinking behind the suggestions about trousers, I don’t think they are dressy enough for a wedding.

Just my opinion though.

I like Kin dresses from john Lewis eg
www.johnlewis.com/kin-brushstroke-floral-dress-multi/p5935706?sku=240253201&size=14&s_ppc=2dx92700068844531707&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1ycjv2Rq9y7X9fpiFsLLU2Pl&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1ycjv2Rq9y7X9fpiFsLLU2Pl&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1qKgqeKQ9gIVCbrtCh3y5AEGEAQYAiABEgLGP_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Plus I’m a fan of Masai but they’re expensive . Having said that they last and don’t date

Size 12? I wish I was that tubby!

Roman Originals, M&Co have a petite range and are designed for 40+ customers, Debenhams are still available online

Precis Petite online ,I used to buy a lot from them when they were in Debenhams .I haven't tried the online store but I'm sure it will be worth a look

Have a look at Jo Browns online,quite quirky a bit different from the high street.

The Pretty Dress Company has some lovely dress that would suit your shape. They have a good sale section but you really need to scroll right through to find the right one.

Hobbs is the way to go. Their dresses have a line and are very flattering. They use natural rather than clingy synthetic fabrics so the dresses fall and drape nicely.

I’ve got a similar dilemma but as mother of the bride. Everywhere I look it USA uniform look - shift dress, matching jacket, hat or fascinator. I really don’t like that look especially the need for a hat. I’m 75 and a bit plump. My daughter says wear what you like but ……

USA? ? think I meant usual