My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

Dresses for size 16/18 with 32gg bust 5'6.

25 replies

Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 10:06

Hello again.

I'm stuck for what I should be wearing on our holiday, I live in jeans usually, which don't look great but have become like my normal wardrobe.

We are going to cornwall in a few days time so desperate to feel at least slightly more summery than I usually do. It would also help me with feeling cool, temp wise, as I'm at that age where I am getting the occasional hot flush.

I can't wear empire line styles as they make me look like I'm very pregnant.

I also find some materials, seem to add volume, where I don't need it. Floaty and not clingy would be good.

Is there anything put there that might be suitable?

Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 10:25

.

OP posts:
Report
tinkywinkyshandbag · 16/07/2014 10:31

Hi, I am about the same size and you but shorter! I also live in jeans. We're off to Spain in a couple of weeks and it will be HOT so I am also a bit desperate.

I have a nice maxi dress from Mantaray that seems to be fairly flattering, I have last year's colours but wore it last year in France and it was quite cool. It has little sleeves so more flattering than most maxi dresses which have strappy tops (I can't really do those due to flabby arm paranoia)

I also would like an alternative to jeans but want to cover my legs...I see so many middle aged women wearing awful baggy cropped chino type things and they look awful!!

I have bought a pair of white jeans for evenings which I will wear with long floaty tops, Debenhams have some nice ones, but the day time puzzles me to be honest.

I looked in Evans but their stuff is awful, so shapeless.

I really feel there is a massive gap in the market for trendy, flattering stuff for the more curvacious lady.

PS Please change your username as I am sure you are not crap and you're sending yourself all the wrong signals! Change it to whyamIsogorgeous!

Report
Gillybobs · 16/07/2014 10:56

I OP, I think I just commented on your sandals thread?

I know this will get a bit of stick but there might be some mileage in looking at cotton tunics in somewhere like Fatface and pairing them with lightweight cotton leggings. I think if you are careful about the prints you choose and don't wear with footwear that's too frumpy, it would be ideal for a Cornwall holiday

www.fatface.com/search?q=*&parentCategoryRef=womensdressesskirtstunics&sort=manual&order=ascend

There are also some nice cotton maxi dresses on that link

Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 10:59

Thanks for replying. I feel crap that at my age I still have no clue about so many things.

Sitting on the beach in jeans is just too depressing, but I,m glad it's not just me.

I also know what you mean about the cropped trousers and wanting to cover up.

I'll check out mantaray. I,ve not heard of them before.

Thanks again xxx

OP posts:
Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 11:03

Thanks Gillybobs. I,ll hHave a look at the sandal thread in a mo.

That dress looks lovely. I find with leggings that they ride up my large calves and sit on my knees, making them look even bigger that they are.

I do like fat face stuff, so will check their stuff out now.

Thanks for the link. It really helps.

Off to look at the show thread now.
Xxx

OP posts:
Report
nannynome · 16/07/2014 11:12

Monsoon are good for curvier boobs and sizes, also pepperberry.

Report
gerbiltamer · 16/07/2014 11:23

I am a 16 and own three pairs of Dorothy Perkins knee length denim shorts. I find that I can fit into the 14 and they are very comfy indeed. My Boden jersey dresses are also very flattering.

Report
McFox · 16/07/2014 11:38

I'm almost bang on the same measurements as you and am currently wearing this - I have it in the stripe and in plain black, I love it Smile

Sorry can't do links on my phone!
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?pid=000960256000&vid=1&preferredLocale=en_GB&kwid=1&sem=false&desktopSiteActive=true&sdReferer=www.gap.co.uk/products/maxi-dresses.jsp

Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 11:48

Gerbil tamer, I can't see my legs works in shorts tbh. Also Jersey dresses seem to cling in all the wrong places on me. I love the idea of both but haven't had much luck in the past. :(

McFox, that gap dress is lovely. My bra straps are like parachute straps though, so how to you deal with that. Also, their sizing confuses me. What size do you go for?

Thanks xxx

OP posts:
Report
Gillybobs · 16/07/2014 12:19

I meant full length leggings, not cropped leggings, don't think full length would ride up? Cheap ones from primark or similar will be thin and lightweight . Topped with a cotton tunic should make a nice outfit you can stay cool in.
If you're worried about bra straps a cropped cotton cardi with half sleeves could be a good buy, to pop on top of any strappy tops or dresses

A cotton floaty maxi skirt with a vest top and aforementioned cropped cardi would be a nice look? Like this but swapping the denim jacket for a short sleeve cardi..

www.puttingmetogether.com/2011/09/blue-hues.html

Report
McFox · 16/07/2014 12:43

I just wear a short cardi over it usually and I bought the largest size Smile

Report
MrsMopOnTop · 16/07/2014 13:48

google "fuller figure fuller bust" it's a fashion blog by a lady who's 5'7, size 18 and has a very large bust - she has amazing clothes that might give you some ideas!

Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 14:44

Thankyou again, and for the blog details MrsMop.

OP posts:
Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 14:51

MrsMop, OMG! That lady really does know how to use her shape.

The thing is, I don't want to flaunt my curves in that almost burlesque way. Don't get me wrong, she looks amazing but that look is definitely not me.

I have asked for help on here before and someone pointed me in the direction of Christina Hendrix. Again, amazing but really not me, at all.

I don't have that sort of confidence. Besides which, I don't have the inclination, let alone the time to go to that sort of effort to look like that everyday. I have two young kids and tbh couldn't be arsed with the maintenance of that sort of look.

I,m going to add her to my favourites as it's a good blog.

OP posts:
Report
BasketzatDawn · 16/07/2014 19:05

I got a NICE maxi dress from Pepperberry this year. I find their stuff a bit iffy, material and style - a shame as they cater for a specific market like you/me. And I am taller than you and find they don't accommodate taller women so well, so you may find they are just fine for you.

I was looking last night - and I found Boden and Marisota have quite good sales in cotton dresses for 'larger' women. I have NEVER bought Boden, but am tempted!!

I've also found for a few years now that DPerkins is good for vest tops in cotton that are a bit longer. I have a belly as well as boobs, and certainly larger breasts do pull up tops more than these mythical model shaped ladies. You can maybe get a nice skirt/shorts to wear with a selection of vest tops.

Report
LauraChant · 16/07/2014 19:13

I am also going to Cornwall next week, and am a 16/18, a bit shorter than you. I have been living in this dress recently, and also this one with a vest underneath to stop cleavage gapeage.

Report
LauraChant · 16/07/2014 19:14

Oh sorry, just seen that you don't want Empire line and the White Stuff dress is Empire line cut. However I have big boobs, 32H or something (I can't remember right now!) and it looks OK on me. I think!

Report
wooly31 · 16/07/2014 19:17

I am a totally different shape so please feel free to ignore! Skirts are SO much cooler in the heat. What about a maxi skirt with roll top for support like this
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=57384&vid=1&pid=000960220003

and then floaty light top?

If you are happier with your legs, would you go shorter?
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=57384&vid=1&pid=000960225003

or even shorter?
www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=57384&vid=1&pid=000960221003

I think a skirt might just give you more structure/support round the middle and more flexibility outfit wise but I could be wrong.

Enjoy your holiday (and change your username) Wink

Report
tethersend · 16/07/2014 19:48

A relaxed maxi dress could work well- this sort of thing

Report
Belloc · 16/07/2014 20:03

How about some nice cropped linen trousers? They look great with wedge sandals or flats (or barefoot) and are very cool and easy to wear on the beach. Easy to slip in and out of on the beach over swimsuits. You can then buy a couple of nice vests, v neck t-shirts and a couple of nice voile wrap scarves to make you look adorable.

shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-slub-linen-crop-pants/3830238?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=caslon(r)slub_linen_crop_pants:626042_6&cm_pla=bottoms:women:pant&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-7HY5ltozwjxfaLUnpnpwxQ

shop.nordstrom.com/s/two-by-vince-camuto-chiffon-sleeve-v-neck-tee/3688213?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Blue+Night&resultback=7119&cm_sp=personalizedsort-
-browseresults-_-1_18_A

shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-wayward-stripe-scarf/3640546?origin=related-3640546-0-1-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_R3-CategoryDiversePurchaseCP

Report
Ohanarama · 16/07/2014 20:33

I would go for skirts - sorry can't do links but I got a lovely one this week in Sainsbury's, mid lengh, flares out a bit from the waist, nice floral cotton fabric. I've also seen some lovely lightweight material ones in Laura Ashley but they are out of my budget. Because of being top heavy I wear with a plain vest top in navy or black to take away emphasis from my top half. I've found it totally impossible this year to find a dress with no sleeves but has straps actually thick enough to cover my bra (and I've tried everywhere, believe me!)

Report
Whyamisocrap · 16/07/2014 23:22

basket, thanks for the tips. I tried Pepperberry when it was still just bravissimo, but the fit was just odd on me. I,ll give it another try. Boden stuff is lovely but looks like it's very straight up and down, but should probably try and find a shop so I can go and try some of their stuff on.

Laura, both those dresses are lovely. I find empire line clothes just sit with the line on the fuller part of my bust and then hang down from that point, therefore creating the very heavily pregnant look. Confused

Woolly, the first two skirts look lovely, I'll try and get to a Gap tomorrow. We leave on Friday so not much time beforehand unfortunately, but I can always do some shopping while were away. ;)

Tethersend, that's a lovely dress. Maybe one to try if I can find it. Thanks.

Belloc, love all the linked items. I've never shopped at a Nordstrom before. Will definitely bear that in mind. The cropped trousers look very cool and comfy. I think I need more of a fitted waist though as after 2c sections, that area needs a lot of support. :(

Ohan, I like the idea of maxi skirts, but the waist area is often an issue, as it need it to be more fitted than most of the ones I,ve tried, for the same reasons as above really. I also struggle with what tops to wear, as too much fabric around my middle makes me look like I,m a weeble shape, if that makes sense.

Thanks again everyone, you're all very lovely to help me.

Xxx

OP posts:
Report

Newsletters you might like

Discover Exclusive Savings!

Sign up to our Money Saver newsletter now and receive exclusive deals and hot tips on where to find the biggest online bargains, tailored just for Mumsnetters.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Parent-Approved Gems Await!

Subscribe to our weekly Swears By newsletter and receive handpicked recommendations for parents, by parents, every Sunday.

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

LauraChant · 17/07/2014 08:05

I agree on skirts, I have some nice ones but no tops that look right with them, tucking in is definitely not an option for me!

Report
tinkywinkyshandbag · 17/07/2014 18:01

Just to add, Phase 8 have a good sale on at the moment, I just ordered a few longer tops and some cropped chinos, obvs haven't received them yet but my thinking is that they look more tailored than the cropped linen type things (look awful on me but nice if your bottom half is slim). I can't do skirts either, I find dresses are better. Mantaray is in Debenhams, I find the styles similar to White Stuff but more generously cut and cheaper! Poss a bit mumsy but I don't care!

Report
Letthemtalk · 17/07/2014 18:29

I'm size 18 but a little taller and lived in this dress on holiday. Also had a similar one with butterfly print, great for throwing on over a swim suit

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.