The impossible task - finding a dress for the Xmas do

[SmileAndNod]

Not feeling terribly festive anyway due to lots of things. But have a meal out in December and I need a dress. I'm too fat and big for the designs out there. Too old for sequins and sparkles. Had a fruitless Internet search last night.

I need something not too formal (not floor length) prob knee length that covers my arms and fat legs. Have huge hips and broad shoulders. Size 16. I like navy black Grey. Max £50, though I feel guilty buying something I'd wear once.

Everything looks shit probably because I feel like shit in myself at the minute

Please help!

[Veterinari]

You’re a size 16?? That’s not big!
Where have you tried? ASOS has a great range of dresses. And Dorothy Perkins, Next and New look are ok.

Could you link to any styles that you like?


Also worth a trip to House of Fraser /Debenhams/John Lewis if you can?

[Veterinari]

Also boohoo.com

They have loads of dresses. Wrap styles are usually v flattering

[SmileAndNod]

I feel big and wobbly. I've been all sizes (10 - 22) and never been happy. Am a large frame with a pregnant looking tummy (4 years on!) so maybe that's why

Have not thought of boohoo. Am not good at shipping at all. Do like wrap styles. Or anything that hides my flabby tummy. I bought a black dress in the summer which is still hanging in the wardrobe as never had the confidence to wear it.

Everyone else is wearing a dress and are v glam gym bunnies.

[drquin]

If you're an a Ebay fan ..... search for "Fenn wright Manson 16".
There's a black dress ..... v-neck, looser around tummy. I'm probably the same shape / size as you and wore that same dress on Monday with a jacket for a job interview. But afterwards I thought it was a perfect dress for Christmas too - looked very businesslike for the interview but with flasher jewellery or sparkly shoes I can wear it for nights out too.

I bought mine from eBay too! Best recent buy. I'd sell you mine - except I like it so much I'm keeping it 😂

[LaughingLlama]

Im a size 18 with a huge disgusting tummy.
Wrap styles are no good for my pot belly. I tend to find fit n flare or prom dress shape best.
Have you looked at Quiz Clothing? They have quite a few. Simplybe are cut for curvier shapes. Also a trip to Debenhams will enable you to see and try on several styles.

[Papergirl1968]

I’ve discovered J D Williams. I was shopping for a dress for a wedding and ordered five, three of which I kept. One was a lovely velour wine coloured, long sleeved and plain but could be jazzed up with a long sparkly necklace. I think they also did it in a teal colour.
I’m several sizes bigger than you, by the way, and wish I was a 16.

[SmileAndNod]

In desperation I ordered this from boden. Any good do you think? Is it too tight? I like that's is plain and knee length.

Bit worried about my pot belly from the side. Don't think that will go by Saturday and spanx not strong enough to suck it in

[imsorryiasked]

I think that looks great.

[WillowWeeping]

It looks great and you definitely don’t look big

[Gonegrey31]

The dress looks lovely on you , don’t be so hard on yourself! Have a fabulous evening knowing you look great . Honestly!

[Skyllo30]

You look fantastic! I’d honestly have said you’re a size 12.

Get a nice necklace and some red lipstick to brighten it up.

[CheshireSplat]

That dress looks lovely.

I'm a 14 and was in the same position. I went to Outfit and a Dorothy Perkins personal shopper jumped on me. It was really good and there was lots that looked good ish x

[ScreamingValenta]

You have a lovely figure, and the dress is great - very classy and understated.

[slimyslitheryslug]

What about this m.johnlewis.com/oasis-jacquard-skater-dress-blue-multi/p3374432

I have it and had similar requirements. It doesn't cover the arms but I have a velvet jacket to wear with it. The flared skirt covers a multitude of sins!

[Bloomed]

That's really nice slimy and the shading around the waist would be very flattering too.

[CountFosco]

You look fantastic. Are you tall? I'm a 10 but short and would be very happy with a dress that made me look like you do. There will be no side-on photos but if spanx gives you confidence then go ahead and wear them.

[Loverunandwine]

I think that dress looks fab,have you tried it with different belts?

[8FencingWire]

I love that dress on you!!!
Go for a haircut/blowdry beforehand, put some nailvarnish on, shoulders back and enjoy!
You look great in that!

[SmileAndNod]

You're all so kind. I'm not that tall - 5.7. I don't own anybelts as I never like to draw attention to my middle area. I think I also need to find some jewellery - will have to be mail order or supermarket though as I don't have aby chance to shop this week. I prefer silver tones, and I can definitely do red lipstick and nails!

[SmileAndNod]

I also love that Oasis dress - they had lots of nice things when I went real life shopping last week.

[NellVarnish]

I love that Boden dress. Scoop neck looks ace, you look gorgeoise! Can you link to it please?

At the cheaper end of the scale I've just bought three bargainous sparkly frocks from tesco today and I love them.

[CountFosco]

I'm not that tall - 5.7.

To me that's freakishly tall, I'm 5'2".

You've got a good hourglass figure so it makes sense to emphasis your waist but only if you are comfortable doing that.

[SmileAndNod]

to dress [[http://m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/party-dresses/j0084-blk/womens-black-betty-ponte-dress?cm_mmc=PLA--Google--Women>Dresses>PartyDresses--J0084&istCompanyId=a40e1fa1-0635-4a1b-8d9a-2caa763eeee2&istItemId=xappixixqa&istBid=wzwt&cclid=v319767074-2a82-5f59-b2c6-fe2749be433b&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpve5opzs1wIVrrztCh3GCwprEAQYASABEgJBeD_BwE]]
In the sale!

[SmileAndNod]

Well that didn't work😁. It's the Betty dress in the sale

[NellVarnish]

Thanks Smile luckily it's out of stock in my size - I need to stop buying frocks.

You look stunning in it - go out and knock 'em dead!