Mother of the Groom & I'm losing my marbles!

I'm sure to sound silly about this... at 41 years old, you would think I would know how to dress myself by now, but fashion has never been much about it... so here it is... My son's fiancee decided it was a good idea to surprise him and 'plan' the wedding for them before he leaves for the Army at the end of January. They have been together for three years and so he is okay with it... this leaves me now planning and putting together a couples wedding shower (don't ask), rehearsal dinner, and much of the wedding between late October and December 2! Now in come you all I hope - I would really like to look nice. He is my oldest of four and as stressed as I am I can't tell left from right. Never really knew what to look for in fashion, much less what looks right on me and what to avoid. I am a tricky shape to work with as I have three different 'challenges'...

I am quite fair skinned with long, dark curly hair and if I may say, quite lovely gray highlighting my face...My eyes change a bit according to mood or clothing. The challenges? I am rather short and pudgy with not much of a figure. No, literally, I have rectangle shape figure. I am 5' 2 1/2" and I am 150 pounds. My bust 42" waist 37" and hips 41". I have NO idea what KIND of dress to look for other than I know I want to define my waist. I have somewhat nice calves and I love heels so I do work that element as much as I can. I am down right AWFUL at accessorizing. Basically, I am a hot mess...

Any and ALL help much appreciated!

The wedding colors are burgandy (maids) and champagne (groomsmen) and she is desperately striving for an outdoor wedding in the eastern North Carolina weather.

6 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Outdoor wedding in December?! You need a full length faux fur or cashmere dress and sparkly boots. When I was a MOG I had best luck at Dillard's. Also try Macy's as they have lots of dresses. A long dress can be shortened. Think of what necklines you like best. It sounds like you want a fit-n-flair dress to define the waist. Any jewel tone sounds like it would work. I would avoid champagne as it may look too much like white, especially in flash photos.

MsMary

I think navy or emerald green would be lovely with burgundy and champagne.

I agree that a fit and flair dress would be great. Try Talbots -- they often have nice petites in larger sizes!

Stagiaire Fash

Are you just looking for what to wear for the wedding, or for the shower, etc as well? I think plum or cranberry would work well with those colors, but have no idea if those colors work well on you. Can you post some photos of you in different colors and styles, so people have something to go on? Pics in your “usual” dress up outfits or in dressing rooms at the mall will work. I got wonderful help with a wedding outfit last summer; I’m sure you will too.

jhaskell1

Member

Joy, I said the same thing about the outdoor wedding. My son insists it is supposed to be a warm 66 degrees... lol. Thanks so much!

Have you looked through the archives? That might give you some good ideas to start. Here are a couple links.

https://youlookfab.com/2011/05.....all-women/
https://youlookfab.com/2009/12.....rspective/
https://youlookfab.com/categor.....body-type/ There are individual articles for each body type.
You should also search the phrase “surrender the waist” in the archives. I think you’ll like the images that come up.

One more thing—the forum. Since Angie’s blog on burgundy a few days ago, lots of people have posted their burgundy things, and if you search for “wedding”, you’ll find plenty of forum posts. Those, and Angie's original post, of course, give lots of ideas about coordinating colors. Maybe that can help while you’re waiting for the “probation” period to end so you can post photos.

rachylou

Another vote for fit and flare. And also a tip from Princess Di... she’d wear thermal underwear under those dresses for outdoor appearances...

Zibbets

Congratulations! You sound like you're taking it in stride as much as possible! Well done!

Are the bridesmaids' dresses long or short? How formal will the wedding be?
Talbots has some fun options right now. My eye went right to these two.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Esther

Active Member

I am from eastern North Carolina, and it could be 45, or it could be 70*.... They have had temps in the 30s this year already (which is pretty darn cold for November!). So I would definitely NOT bank on your son's long term weather prediction at this point. Are they planning an outdoor reception as well?
Sorry to snow on your parade, but the best option may be to find a dress that you could be comfy in at 65* and bring along extra accessories in case it's colder than that.

BrieN

Gosh! So exciting!!

I do have a few random questions for you ... How do you feel about sleeves/sleeveless? Would you want to keep with the burgundy theme for the wedding day or go with something like a Navy which would harmonize... You do have a few different outfits to plan with all the activities coming up!!

From your description, it sounds like our figures are similar-- I point this out only because while fit and flare dresses should be great on my figure, ones that look good are far and few between. I just can't accommodate a lot of flare at the hips. I've been having luck with dresses like the attached, you might consider trying on something like it. A good tailor can ensure the dress is body skimming and IMO there is something about the sleeves that accentuates the waist.

I also saw the stole and thought something like it might be handy for the bride if she's doing the strapless thing.

Nordstrom

Eliza J Bell Sleeve Crepe Shift Dress

View Info

Top Pick

Eliza J Bell Sleeve Sheath Dress

Eliza J Faux Fur Stole

$98.00

I wouldn't bank on the warm weather, unless they're getting married on Friday the 13th, or if the location is far away from Greenville. https://m.accuweather.com/en/u.....her/329817

Barbara Diane

Rachylou, that's a great tip about long underwear under a dress. It gives me hope.
jhaskell1, you've gotten some really good advise. Remember if something fits the biggest part of you it can often be altered to fit perfectIy.

I wish you well in planning all of this. That is quite a timeline. The good side of it is that it won't take over a year or two. BTW, the best baby shower I ever went to was a couples baby shower. Basically drinks and hors d'oeuvres with opening gifts, so the shower sounds like a wonderful idea to me.

Category