A challenge for you all! Please make me look slim and sexy for a party in 2 weeks!

[nikki1978]

I have put on a fair bit of weight over the last year and am currently 11st 7 and only 5ft 3 (about a size 16). I look a bit like this with slightly bigger hips as I am a pear shape

www.closeronline.co.uk/ShowbizNews/LatestNews/weathergirl-clare-nasir-unflattering-lime-green-bikini-training.aspx

Anyway I am of course now dieting but it is too late so slim down to a size 10 for the party so I need to work with what I have.

It is a garden party (marquee, hog roast etc) at night so I need something warmish but definitely a dress. I bought this but it is too pleated on the waist which is never good for my hips plus it is too short (I prefer knee length)

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=1928645&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=

I would like something similar in shape as I think cardies make me look frumpy so sleeveless is out.

I have a nice top half in comparison to my bottom half but being a bit chubby I just need something slimming but still really nice!

Please help! I have a budget of about £80.

you ened to be warm.
its in a garden in september?

id do boots and leggings and a knitted affair

Hello, can't open the closer link or the DP one but I think it's my bad (my computer is playing up)

Was going to say, don't forget to get your hair done, eyebrows and nails neat and so on, it will make you feel much better on the day

Have you looked at pictures of Christina Hendricks in Grazia - amazing figure, boobs, good dress type ideas...

yes to knitted dress, maybe wrap over style, with rhick tights/legging and tall boots.

Oh and wrt cardies, I think slightly fitted ones, look good over a sleeveless dress when they are buttoned with a single button at the neck and then fall open. I found a good LK Bennett one like that. I have a big white rose necklace that I wear with it.

It also means you can wear something simple you have underneath and might not need to buy anything new.

Accessorize, accessorize.

How about something like this? similar shape but longer and nicer fabric by the looks of it.

Or there is something like this which looks like it might be quite slimming.

HTH

Thanks ladies. I think it is slightly more formal than leggings and jumper dress to be honest - although if you can find one that looks smart then let me know!

I like those two mentalfloss, I tried the first one on a couple of days ago but it is too tight at the bottom for my shape which made my bum look massive :(

I love the second one and did look at that already so I might go to my local store and try it on :)

Any other ideas?

Is this a bit frumpy/hippy looking?

www.monsoon.co.uk/Evening-Dresses/Elizabeth-Dress/invt/75211175

It looks nice - but doesn't look very warm.

This is similar but looks warmer.

What about a maxi dress?

Stick to one block colour instead of a pattern and go for an empire line. Asos have a good selection. Quite a few shops have brought out a winter maxi too. Monsoon had a lovely one in their window with long sleeves.

I'm 5.2 and 11stone. I have a black halter neck one from monsoon and its brilliant. It goes out from under the bust line so you can't see whats going on on my bottom half.

I think the velvet dress suggested by Seven would look stunning, its beautiful.

Sorry but I really hate velvet! I did find this on the Oasis website though

www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/OasisVita-Dress/3170077201?colour=black

And I like the peacock one too....

Although I wish they were a tiny bit longer - I have quite podgy knees

The Elizabeth dress is lovely.

Ah thanks seven. Velvet just reminds me of a mispent youth (velvet jackets and skirts with little mirrors - yuck!).

Just need to find an Oasis to try one on - knowing my luck it is one of the dresses that is only online though.

this? I think that slightly embellished empire line would look great on a pear shape.

Ooh I really like that too reality..... they have a store near me. I need a serious shopping expedition!!

How about this?

How about a simple jersey dress with a statement colourful necklace and long boots?

navy dress

am loving the colour

aubergine-coloured dress

bump