To think it’s impossible to find a flattering dress

[Thisismynewname23]

I’ve been searching for a dress for Christmas Day, but it feels impossible when you are petite height wise but have boobs and a belly, I can’t find anything even slightly flattering… help a gal out with ideas please!

I had the same issue after my c-section last year. I have a huge wardrobe and none of my dresses looked right, but one. It really made me feel confident. Search "wrap front bat sleeve sweater dress"

I'm 5ft, size 12/14 and have breastfeeding to add to the mix. I don't think retailers are interested in have a proper petite range. Maybe there aren't enough of us under 5ft 3 to be bothered with!

Dresses seem to be unremittingly ugly at the moment. I searched for what felt like months of my life for a dress for a posh hotel dinner, that would work for xmas parties/day. I just wanted long sleeved, knee length, plain colour or only slight pattern, possibly wrap style but open to other classic styles. I couldn't find anything that wasn't a garish print or looked like a hideous tent or under £500. I gave up in the end and found a lightweight sparkly jumper and a pvc knee length skirt which was perfect (and made dp v happy) . It's a fabulous combo that will be worn on Xmas day and for many other occasions. Is this a possibility?

I am a similar shape to you and look appalling in skater style dresses - they make me look like I'm trying to be that girl in your class who has huge thighs but was told skater style dresses are flattering - only 40 years older.
I look good in shirt dresses, if that's any help.

sounds lovely @CalistoNoSolo where did you get your lightweight sparkly jumper if you don't mind?

Does it have to be a dress? How about a fabulous acordian pleated midi skirt in a metallic shade with a plain or silky top and a fantastic necklace and shoes?

Or a loose fitting satin shirt over leather/ pleather trousers?

im short and busty and do well with Nobody’s Child empire line dresses- they look best if you size up a bit so not clinging to the bust. I do have to get them shortened though.

I feel this pain. I just ordered £400 worth of dresses from Next last night in a panic in the hope one will disguise the c-section apron tummy. Somebody really needs to come up with a range for this, it would be a best seller!

I want something with a belt/tie waste, that doesn't cling to the tummy, some sort of sleeves and that looks flattering on big boobs. Wrap dresses won't work for me, they make me feel like a busty barmaid.

I have bought this FatFace Victoria Dress which is flattering and comes in petite and regular length. The band under the bust is elasticated and it drapes flattering over the body without making one look pregnant.

Even in petite a dress like that would absolutely swamp me. Not a fan of long length dresses on shorter people, I always think it looks like playing dress up!

Op You m probably similar body shape and dresses that suits me are- fit and flare dress and classical 50's
swing dress.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/bbonlinedress-Womens-Rockabilly-Sleeve-Vintage/dp/B0721RZKXT/ref=mpssa117?crid=1QMQEUE73DA7M&keywords=black+swing+dress+50s&qid=1701689430&sprefix=black+swing+dress%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-7

I have the exact one and they are very flattering.

Petite dresses on Roman, they have some nice Christmas party dresses.
Petite They also have a code HELLO25 for money off

There are loads here from different labels, in a range of styles - empire, wrap, swing, curve, trapeze - and prices (some good reductions).

These are what came up when I filtered for V neck and long sleeves as that's the most suitable and flattering for line and silhouette. Avoid raglan or droopy sleeves at the shoulder. A strong sharp shoulder line or puff sleeve would be good.

Some of the labels have larger models e.g Live Unlimited, Yumi, Lolly Laundry are a couple of names I noted.
https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/v-neck/long-sleeve/_/N-flwZ1z0roy9Z1z0royv?page=3&chunk=5

Next, but I think it's Mango. It was cheap as chips too so I felt very pleased with myself to have found it 😊

Completely agree, just nothing fits in 5 foot 1 and everything is awful

Stop booing her, she's right..! I'm similar height to OP and also struggling to find clothes that fit and flatter, but it's because I'm about 5-8kg heavier than I should be! That's a problem for 2024 though. I plan to wear a thin black jumper and satin midi skirts a lot this winter, you can see my tummy but I've decided not to care.

Thanks so much

M&S have some good options. Can you go into a store and have a try on?

Try b.young

www.zalando.co.uk/byoung-flounce-dress-cocktail-dress-party-dress-vivacious-mix-by221c0k2-j11.html

www.zalando.co.uk/byoung-dress-cocktail-dress-party-dress-swedish-blue-by221c0io-k11.html

They have some velvet dresses on there too

I'm 5ft2, hour glassish shape. Narrow shoulders and short from my shoulders down to my bust which causes issues in mainstream shops. Great sense of humour (sorry it was sounding like a bad dating bio!)

I can't wear any clothes that aren't shaped. I keep a keen eye out for darts. I used to make my own clothes with MH gran but she isn't with us any more. I learnt along time ago that 40s and 50s fashion suits my body more. I look through eBay and Oxfam when I have time and recently have found lady vintage London and now had 3 of their dresses (or will have when the big guy arrives on the 25th!). I love the cut and the fabric. They are pricey full priced at £69 (or I'm very tight!) but my three dresses were between £28 and £40 on various promotions.

I know what you mean

All I want is is a long sleeve flattering long dress of a NYE ball. Can I find something in budget? Nope

How about this …. ASOS petite

I think I'd catch my death in one of those. And DP might have a heart attack...

If only there was an "Unthank" button

Helpful, not!
Now off you pop

This would be flattering Sparkle dress. There are lots of petite ranges around now, it’s just knowing what shape dress will flatter you.