Q: My oldest daughter is getting married in August and I have to find a mother of the bride dress. I have three challenges: I am plus-size; I want something classic that is knee or calf-length; and I do not want to pay a fortune! I want to look like Diane Keaton in the movie "Father of the Bride" but in a larger size. You know, classic, elegant, attractive and not frumpy in a big piece of cloth! Got any suggestions on places to shop? Remember I am a plus size, size 20. Some of my friends have had good luck at Belk at Crabtree, I plan to look at the spring Talbots fashions since they have a plus-size selection, too. -- Jane, Cary
A: Finding the perfect look as a mother-of-the-bride is challenging for most all women. And no doubt more difficult for a plus-size shopper because there are fewer stores that offer variety. To help out, we turned to Deborah Friedman, a fashion writer and the owner of Durham-based Plus Size Plus, an online plus size lingerie store. Here's what she had to say:
"From the pictures of 'Father of the Bride,' it looks like Diane Keaton had a very simple bone straight skirt, bone tank, pearl choker and "Chanel style" jacket. She should pick a jacket that's not too boxy and slightly nipped in at the waist for a less matronly, more updated look. The jacket should graze the upper hip. The skirt may need to be altered to achieve the most flattering length for her legs. I would stay away from shoes with ankle straps or cages in favor of a classic pump to make legs look longer and leaner.
"I've purchased a jacket like this at Nordstrom (Nordstrom's Encore label) plus-size department (there is an excellent, extremely helpful saleswoman there named Louisa). Personally, I am very partial to Nordstrom, but I also think Belk at Crabtree is a good option. I'm also a fan of Talbots clean, classic lines. The silk separates are relatively easy to find. She can also purchase a monotone silk look underneath in shades of bone, pale yellow, blush or peach depending on the wedding color scheme. Bone is always a good classic, and it can be worn again and again. Eileen Fisher, Karen Kane, Anne Klein or Ralph Lauren may have looks that can emulate Diane Keaton's as well."
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.