Feel fat and frumpy but I need to shop for a dress for a wedding. Please can anyone help?

[Crumpledandcreased]

I bought a dress in Coast today and love the style but wasn't sure it suited me. Dh confirms that it doesn't.


I'm a size 16 with big boobs and hips, I've got a bit of a waist still and my legs are ok. I'm not wild about my arms but don't mind them being on show.

Here's the really tricky part. It has to be from Debenhams and under £100.

I need help so badly. I can't face trailing round the shops trying on stuff that makes me look like a badly stuffed sausage anymore.

[TisTheSeasonToBeUnreasonable]

I have no advice I'm afraid but I feel your pain :( I too am looking for a dress for my vow renewal, similar budget and I'm a size 16/18 :(

[Maverick66]

You need to send out an SOS for a mums netter such as TETHERSEND or RONALDMCDONALD these two ladies always come up trumps on these kind of threads.
P.s Feel your pain ladies I am a size 20/22 looking an outfit to wear to a wedding and it really isn't happening :(

[joanofarchitrave]

I think this satin print could suit your shape? Below mid-thigh length helps

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008010231647_-1

[joanofarchitrave]

Oops here it is

[joanofarchitrave]

Navy daisy thing - neckline too high? Like the skirt

What shoes etc do you have?

[joanofarchitrave]

Navy lace, quite nice and structured but this model's skin looks dead against that very dark greyish navy - probably good if you're a redhead/strawberry blonde

[storynanny]

I have just bought a Jacques Vert outfit for a wedding new on ebay. Try them on in debenhams for size and then search ebay for last seasons designs. I got dress new with tags for £39.99 and matching jacket from another seller for £60. The sizing is generous I am a big up top 14 with no waist and their 14's are generous on me.

[joanofarchitrave]

( http://www.navabi.co.uk/dresses-verpass-draped-dress-pink-17763-9000.html Maverick, what's your budget? ) sorry for hijack!

[Crumpledandcreased]

I like the navy one a lot but I've tried a few similar dresses and they didn't look great. The first one is a nice style but I'm not very keen on the pattern. I think the trouble is that I just really like styles that suit much slimmer figures than mine.

[joanofarchitrave]

What sort of style is the coast one that you like, and what's wrong with it on you?

[joanofarchitrave]

Butterflies - the 16 is out of stock but I guess you could call them?

[joanofarchitrave]

Skirt - do you have a top you like this could go with?

[OiMissus]

Phase eight ?
They have pretty tunic dresses that fall neatly from the chest, covering the bumps, but hinting at the curves - and showing the legs.
And the gathered waist/ wrap dresses can be flattering to a fuller figure too . There are quite a few in the sale. scroll through the pages.

Good luck!

[OiMissus]

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigate?langId=-1&storeId=10701&catalogId=10001&txt=Phase+eight+dress&pn=7here !

[Crumpledandcreased]

I like the butterfly one, think I'll go and try it on tomorrow.

The Coast dress has a tulip skirt and a black and white graphic pattern on it. It was 85.00. Apparently the skirt adds extra inches onto my hips and the high neck is not as flattering as a v-neck. Shame, I really love it.

[Crumpledandcreased]

The phase eight link doesn't work on my tablet. I looked at a couple of their dresses but didn't see anything in store that I liked.

[BobPatSamandIgglePiggle]

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_017010238143_-1

I'm the same build by the sounds of it. Not easy to shopfor. How about this ^

[Crumpledandcreased]

Two votes for the Jasper Conran one! I have other dresses in that style and they are very forgiving. I'm just not that keen on the print.

Maybe the flattering style trumps the pattern. I'll try it on tomorrow and see.

Do you think there's any chance I can wear black tights with it?

[Rocket82]

These?

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_020010229143_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008010230560_-1

[polkadotdelight]

If you really love the dress then I'm going to go against the grain and say keep it but buy some supportive undies. I'm a 14 and have been bigger, I think it's better to stand out in something wonderful and look your size (be proud) than blend into the background by trying to hide your curves.

[AnythingNotEverything]

I'm a similar shape (but tall - I didn't see your height) and I think phase Eight dresses are really flattering. Particularly the wrap or gathered styles

What about this: m.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Hearts-Print-Dress/202566281

I would ignore any suggestion of a dress which hangs tunic style from your boobs. One should always see the curve under the boob otherwise one looks elephantine

[AnythingNotEverything]

Or this:

m.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Molly-Print-Dress/202455816

A statement necklace can create a v neck effect for you

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Lipsy/Lipsy-Statement-Opaque-Flower-Collar-Necklace/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3918343&cid=11408&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Silver

[AnythingNotEverything]

Phase eight dress again: m.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/phase-eight//Molly-Print-Dress/202455816

[Veins]

What dress did you buy in Coast? Maybe if we see it then we will know what defo not to go for.

[Crumpledandcreased]

m.wallis.co.uk/mt/www.wallis.co.uk/en/wluk/product/dresses-265974/printed-dresses-266110/polka-dot-netted-prom-dress-2522113?bi=25&ps=24

This is the dress I bought today. I actually think the print is really dull but the style is really flattering on so I think I'll feel good on the day.

Normally I'd agree with Polkadot about making the most of your shape and embracing your size, however there will be lots of old school friends at this one and I've put on a lot of weight and look quite haggard compared to a lot of them so I want to look my best. I hope that this choice will be safe and comfortable but also flattering.

It's similar in style to the daisy print dress that was suggested but with a better pattern for me.