Elegant look for plus-size mom

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."