Help with outfit please (plus size)

[TheSilentBang]

Hi,

I'm absolutely useless when it comes to fashion etc. I'm a size 24/26 and have a family function coming up next weekend. It's all DH's side of the family and it's only being held at the in-laws house, but I have absolutely naff all to wear. I have no idea how to dress for my shape and always feel frumpy/awful in pretty much everything I wear. I am working on losing weight.

I'd love to wear something maybe smart/casual and have been browsing on simply be for some inspiration but I'm coming up empty. I have big calfs (sob), bingo wings and a bit of a double chin. If anyone has any advice on what might suit me I would be eternally grateful. I've attached a picture of me in case it helps - apologies it's not the best picture, I don't generally get in pictures but DH caught me in a pic he was taking of DC bowling. and thanks in advance

[Tinkfromlovejoy]

You have a great rack! jealous do you have anything 50's style, sort of cinched in at the waist with a bit of cleavage on show? I'd go mid calf length with heels. It's going to be hot next weekend so summery/50's would be my pick if I had your great figure.

[DoorbellsSleighbellsSchnitzel]

I agree with Tink. Take a look at Lindybop for 50s style dresses up to size 26, or if that's not your style, Studio8 often have nice understated dresses in bigger sizes (I think up to size 28?)

[calzone]

First of all, hoik up the boobs!! 🙂

Good bra, good knickers, book a hair appointment.

Not sure of your budget but Next do some nice things. Depends on your mood and if you want to stand out.

[BifsWif]

I agree, something that shows off your best bits (legs and boobs from the photo!). Mid calf length would look fab on you.

I really like this - although it's a bit shorter I think it would suit your shape

LOVE this from ASOS!
www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=7025939

[ilovecherries]

You don't look a size 26. And you don't need to preface things by saying you are trying to lose weight. Honestly, don't be apologetic :) I'm a size 22. The first thing I'd do in your shoes is a bra intervention to make sure you're wearing the right size - from your photo it looks as if the boobs might be hanging from your shoulders, rather than supported from underneath. The right bra = instant waist. Make an appt for hair nails and eyebrows as well if you can manage it, again, instant lift. Then think about what you like to wear - no point in buying a dress if you'll be trying to tug it down all night. If you like dresses, And especially if you can wear heels, I'd maybe think about the Lyra dress on the Lady Vintage site - I have one and it's very comfortable. I'm a bit meh about Scarlett and Jo, because they do some truly hideous stuff, but they also have a couple of nice things like fit and flare dresses, and they use models up to a size 32, so you can really see how the dress looks on bigger bodies. Join the S and J club and you get 10% off. If you want trousers, I'd go for something dark, wear with heels and look for a flowy top with a bit of cleavage. Hope that helps, and have a fab time! PS, not saying you are old, but there is 'what to wear if you are old and fat' thread at the moment, which is hugely supportive and loads of ideas.

[dementedpixie]

Oh no that looks like a potato sack, don't get that

[ilovecherries]

Crossed with all these other people saying you need norks-lift!

[FinallyHere]

Some lovely things here sixteen47.com You look the same shape as me, with relatively slim lower half and generous upper half. A pair of slim trousers and a striking, v-necked tunic might work well for you. The place to start is an appointment at www.rigbyandpeller.co.uk. Make an appointment and see what they can do for you. Order some some outfits from the sixteen 47 people to try on, have your hair done and off you go. Enjoy.

[StuffandBother]

If it's a daytime house 'do' I'd go for a smart long floaty top, skinny jeans and nice sandals with immaculate hair, make up and nails. Something like this from John Rocha

[Belindabelle]

You need a better bra. Your boobs need to be a good bit higher to separate them from your stomach. Then get a good pair of spanx to hold the rest in.
Avoid a half sleeve it just adds bulk to your widest part. Balance your bottom half so go for full skirt not straight. Or wide/boot cut trousers not leggings.

[TheSilentBang]

Thank you all for the replies!

My boobs are a pain in the bum. I did do the measurement thing through a thread that was somewhere on MN a while back, but it came out at a size I (?!) and I've never been able to find something truly comfortable in the bra department. It's a bit trial and error with the sizes and different brands and to make it worse they're asymmetrical. Ideally I need to go for a proper fitting at an independent place somewhere.

I have some Scarlet and Jo dresses for a few years back but they're my usual fall back as is the colour black, which seems to be my staple clothing choice. I will have a look at Lindy Bop, thank you

I like that dress Bifs but it's just a bit too short. I just want something to feel nice in for once to be honest. I have a real dislike of my body and nothing ever really feels good to wear, but as my DDs are getting older I want to show them that that it's all about being confortable in your own skin and don't want to project my body issues. I've never really got in to fashion or make up but I'm hitting the big 3-0 next year and have started to want to learn!

Thank you again

[misspym]

What is your budget?

[TheSilentBang]

Sorry I type far too slowly!

Thank you for the other replies - you're all wonderful! Noted about boob lift

[TheSilentBang]

Willing to go up to £100 for a full outfit including shoes if at all possible - ideally less but it's been so long since I bought anything for me that I'd like to treat myself. I need a complete overhaul to be honest, but one step at a time and all that!

[firsttimekat]

A thanks from me as well, following this thread with interest, hadn't heard about S & J before and just bought a lovely dress, can't wait for it to arrive (and have an occasion to wear it)

[cissyfuss]

Have a look at Violeta by Mango. Their photography might give you some outfit inspiration and its teasonably enough priced to be able to get knitted out for £100.

http://shop.mango.com/GB/plussize/clothing

[misspym]

Do you have an outfit you can picture yourself in? When I have to buy something for an occasion I try to picture the venue and other guests to give myself a starting point.

Are the other guests inclined towards the 'just threw this on' or the 'any excuse to go over the top glam' end of the scale?

[misspym]

Sorry - to be clearer I mean not an outfit that you own but a wishful thinking type of idea.

[TheSilentBang]

I'll have a look at Mango - thank you

The other guests will have been likely to have made some effort misspym, nothing super glam. It's mainly going to be all the older relatives along with BIL/SIL and their kids. Some of DH cousins may be coming along too but are all older than me. They'll generally all be wearing smart/casual I think.

When I picture what I'd like to wear it involves some kind of wide legged pants (see attached) with a nice top of some kind and some flat shoes. If it's going to be warm though that might not be the best plan - don't want to be getting all sweaty. I've been toying with the idea of a smart playsuit but I know I wouldn't be able to pull it off!

[calzone]

I also think you shouldn't wear baggy things as it will make you look bigger.

I do think plain fabric and a fabulous statement necklace would look amazing. Slick of makeup and lovely shoes......be confident!!

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

I think you've got a nice curvy healthy figure. Id be lying if I said you were skinny, but I certainly wouldn't have picked you out as size 26.
I agree with Cal, about the importance of the correct underwear. You can a million dollars for a dress, but. If you're wearing I'll fitting under wear. It'll look awful. So first and foremost go for a bra fitting. They're free of charge. I know Evans and M&S do them. Also speaking of Evans they work out your body shape and advise what will suit you.
Other shops to consider
Simply be
Asos
Lindy bop
Mod cloth

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

It sounds like I'm obsessed with the place now, but Lindy bop have got a sale on

[Rifleponyandme]

Also yours clothing have some nice biscuits from time to time

[Rifleponyandme]

Mentioned bits not biscuits sorry not paying attention

[Rifleponyandme]

God ment not mentioned

Bedtime for me head like cottonwood