Summer dresses for size 16?

[Batsypatsy]

So I normally wear figure hugging Jerry dresses knee length from H&M or similar or black linen skirt with long strappy top. But the dresses are showing every lump and bump - I've put on some weight.

What would suit me? I'm 5 foot 7, big boobs, no waist, big tum, apple basically. I fancy a maxi dress but haven't found any I like. Also a dress that buttons all the way down. I don't like dresses in knee length, they make my calves look big. Must be cotton, viscose or linen.

My budget is quite low. I usually shop inn H&M or on ebay.

Any suggestions? With links or photos if anyone fancies taking the time

TIA

[Batsypatsy]

jersey dresses not jerry

[shiveringtimber]

Amazon does some inexpensive loose-fitting sleeveless summer dresses in a sort of boho style. Otherwise there's always eBay.

[jenthehen]

I’ve just bought a shirt dress from fat face (similar build to you). The fabric is lovely and dress surprisingly flattering.

[Batsypatsy]

shivering that sounds good, do you have a link to one?

Jen I like Fatface but not so keen on shirt dresses.

[ThistlyPerf]

Similar apple shape to you Batsypatsy and I’ve just got the khaki Simone dress from Fat Face which is v flattering.

[jenthehen]

www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses-skirts/shelley-shirt-dress/939388.html?dwvar_939388_color=phantom&dtm_campaign=shopping&dtm_channel=ppc&dtm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxcC76byQ4gIVS7XtCh10PglvEAQYASABEgJdYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I don’t normally like shirt dresses either but this was in the sale and with a further 10% off it wax only £26 so I thought it was worth a try. I got it in navy and swapped the belt for a woven tan leather one with tan wedge sandals.

[LittleAndOften]

I have no waist or bum and a tummy too! I've been scouring the Next pages for maxi dresses this week and these both come in a variety of fabrics and colours (search boohoo 2 in 1 or hot squash empire) I think the empire style is really flattering when you have an apple shape.

www.next.co.uk/style/esl18022#l18022

www.next.co.uk/style/st331928#338980

[Batsypatsy]

Thanks Little, I like the second one but ouch at the price!

[MarinaMarinara]

Have you tried that one on little? I’d be concerned that would make me look pregnant (empire line stuff, much as I love the style, often looks like maternity wear on me), if this one somehow doesn’t do that it would be awesome!

[goose1964]

Sounds like you're the same shape as me. I have been looking for the holy grail of dresses for years. TBH the most flattering dress I've found was from Primark of all places. It's a striped t-shirt dress with an elasticated waist, but it looks like a tie.

Less flattering but still better than most are a couple I bought from Boden. Again jersey with elasticated waists.

I've never found a more structured dress that fits properly as it fits either boobs or tum never both

[yellowsun]

I have loads of the linen dresses from Next (sleeveless). www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/madewith-linen

[kshaw]

I'm in love with oasis curve at the mo too. If jersey just stick to normal size but if no stretch I'd go up a size

[LittleAndOften]

@Batsypatsy I think it's really pricey too but my MIL is treating me for my 40th, no way could I ever justify that for a frock!

@MarinaMarinara not yet, they're arriving in the next few days. I take your point about the style, I think it does depend on the cut. I am actually in early pregnancy so not too bothered about looking that way, but I still have a tummy even when I'm not so prefer this style for maxis. It's not always easy to find though!

[MarinaMarinara]

@LittleAndOften aww congratulations! And what a lovely present. I had a few lovely maternity dresses of different styles from Seraphine so you might also find some nice things there.

[StarJumpsandaHalf]

The second dress from next is in the sale on Debenhams site for £88.

[LittleAndOften]

Thank you! Have passed on to MIL

[Batsypatsy]

£88 is still more than I can spend unfortunately.

The dresses with elasticated waists just seem to emphasise my lack of waist.

[keepingbees]

You're the same shape as me. I haven't found anything amazing but v neck is supposed to flatter a larger bust. I find under bust elastic creates a flattering shape.
Have a look at pepperberry dresses as they are cut for large busts. eBay have a few cheaper than normal retail price.

[Batsypatsy]

Thanks I'll have a look.

Yes i only wear low scoop necks or v necks, otherwise I look ridiculous.

[Sharptic]

I'm also a size 16, hourglass figure and I can't wear anything highlighting my tummy.

Have ordered this dress from h&m, I like the fit.
m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0727937003.html

[keely79]

I really like the alvers dress from Hush www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/alvers_dress.htm - have it in the black and is super flattering - can be dressed up or down. Am now debating getting the stripy version as well...

[Batsypatsy]

I love that Hush dress, sadly not there in a size 16 but I'll look on eBay. Thanks

[Alicewond]

Not wanting to antagonise but do you want to or need to lose weight, maybe then your previous dresses will fit?

[heath48]

I buy a lot of Hush clothing,I always go down a size,I got that dress in two colours last year,size 14 perfect,I am normally a 16.

[TheClitterati]

www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb/clothes/dresses-tunics-kaftans/capri-organic-cotton-jersey-dress-lava-red-xs

This looks pretty forgiving