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Style & beauty

Wedding outfits

(16 Posts)
ExD Wed 12-May-21 10:40:49

Where would you go for a wedding outfit (groom's grandmother) if you were short and plump and couldn't wear heels and were over 80?
It seems the fashion world has you as either 'petite' (tiny and slim) or 'extra size' (tall and overweight) but not short and fat.

I know we won't be 'important' guests in all the photos etc, but I would like to look nice, and dresses for big chubby ladies altered for small chubby ladies look like i'm wearing my big sister's cast off's.

And shoes ! Hotter? Pavers?

CafeAuLait Wed 12-May-21 10:49:05

Do you know someone who sews who could make you something special? Just one idea.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 12-May-21 10:56:16

My dear Mum was 4’11” 84yrs old and rotund when one of our AC married. She found a dress at Jacques Vert and had it altered to fit, she also found wearing it with a wrap more comfy than trying to find a matching jacket.

Elusivebutterfly Wed 12-May-21 11:01:02

I don't have any answers but do think it is a general problem when you are short and plump. Bigger sizes have long arms and are designed for tall people.
I think your question could be applied for all clothes and there are lots of older women who are short and plump.

M0nica Wed 12-May-21 11:24:47

If you already have something in your wardrobe that you look nice in and feel comfortable in, wear that.

I do not understand this obsession with new clothes for a wedding. Understandable more in the past when people had fewer clothes and the outfit could become their 'Sunday best'

When DS married I wore an unstructured silk suit I had bought for a special event a couple of years before and worn twice and no hat. I discussed this with both DDiL's mother and the bride and groom, who were all entirely happy with it and DDiL's mother was delighted to ditch the hat.

Gwyneth Wed 12-May-21 13:00:59

I definitely agree with you ExD re your comment petite (tiny and slim) I really have difficulty finding clothes as I am only just over 5’ and not that slim anymore. The only thing I can suggest is to find something you like that can be altered without it costing too much. I always factor in the cost of alterations when buying. Also choose something that you could wear again. I tend to veer towards simple shift type dresses in a nice fabric. You can then dress it up with jewellery and either a contrasting jacket or pashmina. Shift dresses look fine if you are wearing flat shoes too. Good luck I’m sure you will find a lovely outfit and will look fabulous.

Peasblossom Wed 12-May-21 13:11:40

Go to a dress maker. It won’t cost any more than buying something and having it altered and you get to choose exactly what you want.

I’m not short but I am a non standard shape, top and bottom way out of proportion, so if I want a dress I always have it made,

J52 Wed 12-May-21 13:27:40

My Aunt, similar age and shape, took some beautiful fabric to a dressmaker who made a fabulous two piece outfit that covered all the essentials and was very comfortable. Think of the style that Judy Dench wears.
It became my Aunt’s go to outfit for all occasions.

Coolgran65 Wed 12-May-21 13:33:45

I agree to wearing something already in the wardrobe if it is at all suitable.

When dh and I got married, both second time around, 20 years ago, I bought a full length very plain dress in two layered chiffon. It was aubergine in colour. It had a matching floor length coat with what I can only call raggedy strips randomly hanging from it. I loved it at first sight. Almost flat shoes dyed to match. This was in the January.

In the September one of our sons was getting married and I wore it again. I was not embarrassed to do so. The only thing I changed was my jewellery. Many of the guests had been at our own wedding.
I had sounded out my future dil just in case I was being inappropriate and she totally agreed with me.

If I now needed an outfit for a wedding- and I definitely have nothing suitable at present- I would like a trouser outfit. Soft wide trousers and a longish top with short sleeves. And a matching floor length floaty coat. All in a very draping fabric. If unable to find it I’d find a dressmaker.

kittylester Wed 12-May-21 13:35:17

For shoes, try Moshulu. They are bright colours and really comfortable!!

Lucca Wed 12-May-21 14:00:01

ExD. I’d go for a dress, at a pinch add a pashmina for warmth.

I’d definitely avoid the formal wedding type of outfit.

A couple of ideas here.

Lucca Wed 12-May-21 14:00:31

If too long, easy to take hem up.

ExD Wed 12-May-21 20:56:39

I will look at moshulu, thanks.
I think I may reassess what I already have (and see what still fits).
I was somehow hoping there was a shop out there that understands the problems.

Nannarose Wed 12-May-21 21:39:23

Think about nice trousers, maybe wide and floaty or maybe slim, a tunic and a long jacket or floaty shirt. Fine with flats and a pashmina for warmth.

GrandmaKT Wed 12-May-21 22:35:07

The outfits that Nannarose and Coolgran are describing are exactly what I am trying to find for a wedding. Soft, wide trousers, long top, long line floaty jacket to go over. Can't find an outfit like this anywhere! Anyone seen anything in the shops?

cornergran Wed 12-May-21 23:01:47

A small independent shop was my saviour for both sons weddings. If there is one in your area why not try it? I found the owner incredibly helpful, produced several items from her store, each time she found just the thing I’d be comfortable in. It’s so important to be comfortable, good luck with the hunt exd.