need help to find a Christmas party dress but I've put on weight!

[Makemineacabsauv]

Really need help!! I'm not a 'dress' person and normally wear trousers but I 'be got a Christmas work do to go to and think I should really wear a dress. My problem is I've put on weight - I say I'm a 16 but am probably really an 18. My body is a weird shape which means I look like an S when I look at my side view! Big wobbly tummy with that horrible CS overhang and a huge sticking out bum!! My legs are quite slim and probably my best feature if I'm honest. I've tried all sorts of styles of dresses on but can't find one that suits me! Help!!! TIA

[Ilikefrogs]

First of all, I'd get some shape wear. It really is worth it. It makes me feel really confident knowing my back fat and baby belly is smoothed down! I'd recommend a slip that is like a tight dress and you can wear your own bra with.
You mention your tummy and your bottom but what body type are you?
I have big boobs, slim legs, bit of a tummy and bum and find dresses from coast with low necklines fit me well.
Also, phase eight dresses give me a nice hourglass shape, when I don't really have much of a waist!
What sort of colours suit you?

[Ilikefrogs]

I have this in a different colour - it's sold out in a 16 and 18 but they may have it in stock in store.
m.coast-stores.com/p/alva-scuba-dress/1531768?locale=en

It's really flattering on. They have a 25% off promo at the moment too.

[superram]

If you have good legs I would go for an a line, tunic shaped dress-shortish in a dark colour-possibly with a v neck if you can get it. I got a lovely dress from Zara with pleats down the back so check about bum but feel vaguely slim in it.

[ReadFox]

That coast one is gorgeous.
I've no tummy but I'm not at all hourglass. I thought it would suit my shape?

[Makemineacabsauv]

I don't really know what body shape I am!! Slim legs, fat belly and bum, 38C boobs, don't like the top of my arms showing as they 're flabby! I've tried shape wear but find it usually rolls up when I'm wearing it! Maybe I'm squeezing into the wrong size. I'll try some on when I have my big shopping trip next week. I usually end up wearing black but tend to suit the earthy colours - not really pink or purple as they don't look right on me. Quite like red. I do like phase 8 clothes but the last dresses I tried on in there were too tight across the tummy in a 16 but too loose across the neckline in the 18! I think i've got an odd body shape!! Thanks for your help - I'll try coast!

[Ilikefrogs]

Re: the shape wear, it's really worth going into a proper lingerie shop to get it fitted. If always had the same issue with it but when I went into my local independent shop the lady took the time with me to make sure it fitted nicely and I am really happy with it.
I was always trying on a larger size than I needed because I always think I'm bigger than I am!

[herecomesthsun]

• shape wear is good
  
• I really like cold shoulder tops for showing my shoulders, which I like, which I am on a mission to tone everything else up
  
• 38c will get everyone asking whether you are really a 34F or something

[Makemineacabsauv]

Thanks everyone! That coast dress is gorgeous but might be a little tight fitting for me!!! I'll check out Zara and will go and find a lingerie place to get fitted. Thanks!

[Behooven]

You sound like me. I go for above knee shift dresses that skim, no waist.

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

www.shilla.co.uk/elegant-knee-length-red-bridesmaid-dresses.html

Some of these can be made to measure at no extra cost. Above is £80 in the sale, add sleeves, change the colour.

[burnishedsilver]

Ill take the bait!

I bet you £100 you're not a 38C. Have you followed any if the bra intervention threads?

[scarfaceace]

How about something along these lines, just for fun...

www.queenofholloway.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=109

[herecomesthsun]

I would definitely want to show off my legs if they were a good feature! agree re loose shaped shortish dress.

[Makemineacabsauv]

No i'venot been measured so am probably not a 38c burnished!!! Yes! A shift dress with no waist that I can hide in and show off my legs would be great! Just to find a nice one... Better make a to do list - get measured for a bra, measured for proper 'haud ye in' underwear and a visit to some shops like Zara and Coast that I'd not normally go to!! Not sure if the swing dress or the red bridesmaid one are dresses I could carry off!!

[Annarose2014]

There's shapewear that goes right up to your bra and actually clips onto it so it doesn't move.

Pricey but probably the best investment ever. (You pee through a slit underneath - a neccessary evil)

[herecomesthsun]

ASOS red velvet with fringe

[herecomesthsun]

green, comes in an 18

[LittleCandle]

Simply Be. They have a stunning selection of dresses, both short and long and do amazing shapeware called Magisculpt. Well worth a look and there are now stores, as well as the catalogue.

[herecomesthsun]

TK maxx are very good for high quality shapewear bargains including SPanx

[Dreamqueen]

I f you have a home bargains near you have a look in there for spanx shape wear. I saw a post on here about them having some. I went and got a pair of the spanx thigh length & high waisted pants that go up to under your bra for £4.99. They are brilliant, don't roll down or up and are very comfy. they smoothed out all my lumps and bumps.

[KateSpadeAddict]

www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/mini/asymmetric-dress-c733886p3009069.html

Love the sleeves!

www.marksandspencer.com/sequin-embellished-tunic-dress/p/p22418780

Love the sparkle!

www.tkmaxx.com/view-all-womenswear/dark-red-embellished-shift-dress/invt/53025177

Too much?

[Makemineacabsauv]

Lots of ideas thanks!

[burnishedsilver]

I came accross this photo of the coast dress above shown on a curvier model. She looks amazing in it.

[Goingbacktomyroots]

Monsoon have got really lovely short loose party dresses which would look great on someone with good legs (not me sadly.)

[cashewnutty]

I am about the same size and find Zara a complete no no. The clothes are tiny. It is my DDD's favourite shop but she is 17, 5'9" and a size 8/10.

I love Phaseeight dresses. They are made for real sized women!