I'm a personal stylist spring summer edition

[frillseeking]

Following on from the previous thread, this is a new one for spring summer requests

[frillseeking]

@InternetRandom

Loving your work on this thread *@frillseeking*! I have already noted some nice things from replies to other people that resemble me

Could you recommend a dress for a formal evening black tie style do, for a very short (5ft.) plump and busty size 20? Budget options would be great as not sure if I'll get loads of wear out of it. Seems like not much of this around in summer. Any help would be terrific, thanks.

I've been looking but there's such a gap in the market for petite above a size 16. Is it a very formal black tie affair? Are you wanting the traditional long black dress look?

[frillseeking]

@InternetRandom and thank you by the way, I'm glad you've found some useful ideas!

[frillseeking]

@Tomlettegregg

I feel like they're a bit short now and I'm a bit heavier.. I'm actually an hourglass vs a pear and have usually liked quite nipped in waists and a high neckline but don't think it's very fashionable and I don't want to look like a 50s throwback. Climate here is quite hot so tight sleeveless midis are all the rage but my arms aren't Michelle Obama like..

You can still achieve that same look but with a more modern style. The dresses I've attached for ideas are all very much waisted so would give you that nipped in look. This would be my blow out option:

https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Ulla-Johnson-Amira-ruffled-cotton-poplin-midi-dress-1472002?qxjkl=tsid%3A30065%7Ccgn%3AetT1jgERWYw&c3ch=LinkShare&c3nid=etT1jgERWYw&utmsource=linkshare&utmmmedium=affiliation&utmcampaign=uk&utmmcontent=etT1jgERWYw&rffrid=aff.linkshare.1918502.35725

[Lady1576]

Loving this thread. Such good suggestions for the PPs!

[Tomlettegregg]

Gorgeous thank you

[MrsPerfect12]

I'm an autumn coloured hourglass - recently analysed I don't feel my colours are great for a
Summer wardrobe.
Any suggestions for me please?
Also what do you suggest for keeping warm wearing a midi dress in colder spring days.
I'm in Scotland so don't wear my dresses as I'm freezing. Legs/jacket. Thanks

[frillseeking]

@DameCelia

Ooooh @frillseeking
That is helpful, thank you.
Whistles is somewhere that's never crossed my radar.
Not sure about the middle one but the Wolf and Badger one looks good. I was looking at the Rumour brand on the W&B website last night!!
Thanks

I just came across this wool blazer @DameCelia https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/bella-textured-wool-blazer-ivory/sty-u0043-ivo?cat=C1S22_G2 could work for what you were looking for

[frillseeking]

@Cismyfatarse

I am going to a very posh, all female, charity lunch. I want to avoid looking like the mother of the bride circa 1987.

I am 53. Tall. (5ft 10) and blonde. I am a size 16 but have long arms so prefer either short sleeves or ones without fitted cuffs. The event is inside, but in Scotland in May, so I may need a second layer. I am also quite busty.

I used to buy from Long Tall Sally but the new owners now sell very trashy, cheap looking dresses. I prefer brighter colours and might need shoes too (low heels). I buy a lot from eBay / second hand so am happy to bid on anything that looks good, or buy new.

If it was something that would do for a child's graduation next year too, that would be good.

Thank you so much.

I agree regarding Long Tall Sally, they have gone in a completely different direction since they were bought out.

The tall ranges out there are somewhat limited but a good tip is to check and see if the retailer you are looking at states the models height as they will often be around 5'10 so this will give you a good idea of where the dress will fall on you.

Here are some options with that in mind:

roandzo.com/products/blue-floral-ruffle-front-midi-dress?variant=42547102613719

www.lkbennett.com/product/CDREBECCAPOLYESTERVISCOSEELASTANGreenFern%20Green~Rebecca-Fern-Green-Polyester-Viscose-Elastan-Dress-Fern%20Green

Something more classic www.lkbennett.com/product/CDREBECCAPOLYESTERVISCOSEELASTANGreenFern%20Green~Rebecca-Fern-Green-Polyester-Viscose-Elastan-Dress-Fern%20Green

[frillseeking]

@MrsPerfect12 I think people struggle with the concept of the colours and seasons sometimes. I've put together a mood board for inspo to demonstrate how you can incorporate the earthy, rustic tones of an autumnal palette into a spring summer wardrobe. Also look at the coral, soft teal and peachy colours. It also depends on which colours are on trend that particular season but this year, with the big trend focus on natural fibres and colours, there are lots of options. I hope that helps

[frillseeking]

Moodboard for inspo

[frillseeking]

And some ideas for layering up your spring midi dresses. Obviously you can add a little denim or leather jacket but a chunky knit looks great too. You could also add a slip underneath for extra layers/ warmth 

[Cismyfatarse]

@frillseeking Love the green dress. Thank you so much.

[frillseeking]

@Cismyfatarse

@frillseeking Love the green dress. Thank you so much.

You're welcome. They do a lovely low sling back to match

[greyinganddecaying]

OP - do you find many people who don't fit the styling "rules"?

I seem to be neutral with colouring - I have both yellow and pink undertones to my skin. Some autumn colours suit me (the dark ones) but lighter/brighter colours look awful. Winter colours are often too harsh. It's really trial and error for me to find a colour that looks ok!

I also have a long body and any fitted tops/dresses look ridiculous as they just don't fit right. Long tall sally is the only place I can get tops that fit. Any recommendations for me to be able to broaden my options here?

Lastly - do you think you should match your shoes and bag??

[ineedsun]

Amazing thread! I have a challenge for you. I have my step son’s wedding in the summer and have a ‘role’ in proceedings. My usual style is casual / studenty / surf / boho / alternative. I’m in my 40s but dress younger, am 5ft 4 size 8-10, hourglass. Husband thinks I need to make more of an effort but I don’t want to dress like a sensible middle aged woman

[frillseeking]

@Wordlewobble I've attached a couple of style suggestions for you. The first style has a split hem which is really flattering on the tummy area because it doesn't cling. This particular style also has a nice print and a border detail which draws the eye downwards. Prints can act as a camouflage of sorts and detailing that draws your eye away from the tummy area such as a sleeve detail is a clever little trick to flatter. The second style is fitted around the bodice but then skims over the tummy area and I love how this look is styled so that it looks very current. The third style has an asymmetric hem which is another very flattering style as it loosely skims over the tummy and the vertical lines elongate the body. 



Other styles to look at are anything with a banded or bubble hem (although I do find it hard to find stylish versions of these, phase eight can be good for this style) draping and ruching and a tie front detail. Hope that helps! 

[ShowerOfShite]

Great thread. I'm plus size (20-22). I love the Cos look, do you have any good brands for me, please?

[frillseeking]

@ineedsun I like a challenge! So ok.. a few different vibes going on there but you can definitely make the boho look work for an occasion. What do you think of these? 

[ineedsun]

I like the vibe of 1 and 3, the shape of three would suit me better I think but I prefer the ‘mood’ of 1. Definitely more up my street than the typical wedding guest outfit though! Thank you!

[frillseeking]

@ineedsun

I like the vibe of 1 and 3, the shape of three would suit me better I think but I prefer the ‘mood’ of 1. Definitely more up my street than the typical wedding guest outfit though! Thank you!

Never fully dressed have some really cool pieces and Free people is like an online treasure trove! Born definitely worth a look

[ineedsun]

Ooh thank you, I’ll have a look at them 💐

[frillseeking]

@ShowerOfShite

Great thread. I'm plus size (20-22). I love the Cos look, do you have any good brands for me, please?

Definitely have a look at Kin at John Lewis. They have that aesthetic nailed.

https://www.johnlewis.com/kin-jersey-barrel-leg-trousers-black/p5337631


https://www.johnlewis.com/kin-micro-gingham-puff-sleeve-dress-black-white/p6112247

Also worth having a look at H&M plus and some of the studio 8 bits, as well as Violeta by Mango. I've linked below

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/emma-blouse-502194462.html#gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi6PW8s-o9wIV1-3tCh1-Mw3jEAAYASAAEgIYYPDBwE&utmmterm=+studio%20+8&utmcontent=69656414366&utmmcampaign=1060580391&utmmedium=cpc&utmm_source=google&cgid=new-plus-size&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=502194462&pos=14

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1070407002.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1040188001.html

[RubyRubyRubyDiamond]

If you like a challenge how about a 5’2” size 14-16, 13 stone previously hourglass but now carrying the extra weight on the tummy? I like a funky vibe but will go for anything that fits!! TIA

[DameCelia]

@frillseeking thank you for the link to the Boden jacket, I actually have that one! It's ok but very straight up and down. What I'm really after is something more like a traditional Austrian boiled wool jacket but with a waist! So shorter and Dame shaped rather than fridge shaped.
I'm loving this thread, so many amazing suggestions, thank you!

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

Desperately need help. I'm 5'5'' classic pear shape but currently 18 weeks pregnant and already feeling huge. Fitting a 14 bottom and 12 top.

Jeans and top are my go to but jeans are feeling tight now but my bump is too big for normal jeans and too small for maternity.

Wanting some basic ideas to see me though