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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think there’s no such thing as a plus size wedding outfit suitable for an on the go mum?

103 replies

ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 05/01/2020 09:39

My sister in law is having a very fancy black tie wedding in April. Obviously I want to wear something nice, we’re not well off so I can’t spend too much but I can afford a new frock.

However here’s the thing. Not only am I overweight (size 18/20) but I’m constantly on the go with my son who has ADHD and SPD. I need to be able to run, bend down multiple times without flashing, pick up and carry an 8 year old and be climbed on. All while looking nice and retaining some modesty. Help! Does such an outfit exist? Last time I went to a family wedding I looked awful in a mismatched outfit I had thrown together and I tore my pretty dress chasing my whirlwind who was a toddler at the time. Shall I just accept defeat and wear leggings and a jumper as usual?

OP posts:
MemorylikeDory · 05/01/2020 10:26

ASOS is your friend. Set filters to your size and and dress length, they have lots. I have bought from their curve range before.

Mypathtriedtokillme · 05/01/2020 10:36

We have a similar body size and style.
I love Lady V.
Ok I’ve got big boobs so I like their Lady Voluptuous dresses (I like Estelle, Isabella and Lyra) they are below my knee with I wear them with flats.
(Plus they wash well)

Sandwiched18 · 05/01/2020 10:40

Have a look at the Lady V website. They do 50s style dresses and have a plus size range.

Sandwiched18 · 05/01/2020 10:41

Cross post with Mypast!

Jellybeansincognito · 05/01/2020 10:47

Chichilondon have a curve range and lots of midi/maxi style dresses in.

ClappyFlappy · 05/01/2020 10:49

Scarlett and Jo have some lovely dresses

Youthgonemild · 05/01/2020 10:49

All of these dresses are lovely.

www.lindybop.co.uk/dresses/shop-by-shape/swing-dresses.html

Soawesome · 05/01/2020 10:51

Have a look on Mela Curve. They have some lovely looking dresses with great reviews. And an amazing sale on now.
This is a maxi dress but they have other styles
www.melalondon.com/navy-mela-curve-empire-waist-floral-print-maxi-dress/?sku=MC3768027__G&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8bwBRD4ARIsAHa4YyK1HjcKkpbeTdKHWobT9FUZOR_mPzcOfkmf5ImJRys2wQ2sf4g0gxAaAkL4EALw_wcB

Zoflorabore · 05/01/2020 10:54

Another one coming on to say New Look inspire range, it’s great and really cheap.

I’m the exact same size as you op and sound similar in body shape and I hate heels but have always managed to find something from there for any occasion.

Strangely I found my dress for my mum’s wedding last summer from Asda, it was £16 and absolutely gorgeous.

Justthinkofone · 05/01/2020 10:57

I know you said no to heels, would low wedges work at all, they'd look good with some of these dress suggestions and are sturdier than teetering heels. M&S had some nice ones in last summer. Hope you find something and enjoy the day x

Redyoyo · 05/01/2020 10:57

This dress is gorgeous www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/little-mistress-34-sleeve-floral-dress/mu396/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=2109&optionColour=Green Multicolour&optionSize=18
I have been looking for an excuse to buy it but no big events this year.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 05/01/2020 11:01

I always wear plain vest tops under wrap dresses after a pulling/flashing incident when DS2 was small...

Redyoyo · 05/01/2020 11:02

Chi chi London also do lovely dresses for weddings i wore one recently to my nieces wedding and everyone was commenting on it. They look a lot more expensive than they are.
www.chichiclothing.com/dresses/?size=33

Topbird29 · 05/01/2020 11:07

I'm a very big boobed 20/22 and got a dress from monsoon for a wedding last year - think it was £65. Did try loads on though as also have a big tum! Jumpsuits did not flatter the figure! Also got a lovely dress for works xmas do from next online (think it was one of those they sell for other brands). Was £40. When looking online, scarlet and jo (I think) also looked lovely. So some reasonably priced ones are out there, and should be able to wear both again.

Notanotheruser111 · 05/01/2020 11:07

I’m a very similar shape to you and love lady v dresses, but I’d say get a petticoat or wear a slip, if your kids are anything like mine they inevitably get a foot tangled and pull my dress up when I lift them.

usethedata · 05/01/2020 11:13

Also try Scarlett and Jo

SinkGirl · 05/01/2020 11:16

Some of the 50s style dresses are quite long so maybe something longer in that style? I struggle too - toddlers with ASD, short with big boobs, even if I wear knee length stuff I still seem to flash my bum when I bend over to pick them up (or it feels like I do!)

Fr0g · 05/01/2020 11:17

@KatyCarrCan the LadyV site has some really nice stuff - NY resolution to stop buying more clothes, but bookmarked for later!

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 05/01/2020 11:17

Have a look at Dolly & Dotty, Collectif, Joanie and Chi Chi also.

KatyCarrCan · 05/01/2020 11:24

Fr0g They're very comfortable to wear. I have two of them - a teal dress with golden roses and a Christmas tree one Grin And as a PP said, they wash well too.

HappyHarlot · 05/01/2020 14:58

Look at Monsoon dresses.

gamerwidow · 05/01/2020 15:02

Ialways wear plain vest tops under wrap dresses after a pulling/flashing incident when DS2 was small
Yep me too but mostly because I’m big boobed and I can’t trust them to stay closed.

Sn0tnose · 05/01/2020 15:59

Scarlett & Jo are flipping lovely and have a sale on at the moment.

switswoo81 · 05/01/2020 16:03

Littlewingsfactory ( online) fab 50s dresses not low necked , very reasonable and great quality. Same size as you and wore one to my brother wedding with two DC. There's a stretch in the material in the dresses so they are really comfortable.

BonnyConnie · 05/01/2020 16:11

I would opt for an empire waist floaty dress. Re length you should be able to chase after him in a maxi dress (I’m in maxi dresses 50% of warm weather andhave two very active boys so familiar with maxi dress sprinting). Maybe you d been wearing dresses that are too long?