Help! Dressy tops/dresses for the chunkier lady?

[MrsGravy]

I've had a very depressing morning. I wanted to buy a nice top/dress for a friend's dinner party and went to try some on. I looked hideously chunky in everything I fancied :(

I'm a size 14 so not obese but a bit on the chunky side.

What kind of style would be more flattering? I can't seem to pick anything out. Floaty/baggier tops that I thought would hide the flab make me look a good few sizes bigger than I am.

The diet has already started, but in the meantime I could do with a pick me up in the form of a nice outfit!

Are you large of nork? Bravissimo can be flattering.

I'm large of everything. Sigh.

I'm just about big enough for Bravissimo at a D cup. Didn't know they did clothes, I'll have a look, thanks!

Forgot to say - also v-necks good and long close-fitting sleeves (I find!)

Play up your slimmest bits - whether legs, wrists, whatever.

I also find it helps to have a bit of shape to a top - drawn in under the bust or at the waist. Darker colours/prints or monochrome are nice.

HTH

I would go for something structured like this.

What's your budget?

How tall?

Budget isn't much - £30ish. High Street prices really.

I'm 5ft6. Nothing feels particularly slim at the moment. I do still have a waist so maybe I should emphasise that.

Thanks Cruella. Tethersend, will look at more structured stuff, thanks. I think I've been shying away from anything figure hugging but maybe that would be more flattering.

How about this?

Floaty and baggy only works if you're a size 8-10... if you have any lumps or bumps floaty and baggy will cling to them and nothing else.

It's sods law really.

Tethersend is quite right in recommending more structured tailoring... this can be as simple as choosing something with floaty arms etc but a nipped in waist. You need to accentuate the good bits.

Don't shy away from something a little clingy, it's honestly more flattering. Massive norks= v necks. No polo necks for you. And absolutely no polo shirts. Ever.

Actually M&S have some lycra mix, scoop necked 3 quarter sleeve tops in at the moment. They go with everything- can be dressed up or down and are cut well. Plenty of length so that your boobs don't make the front ride up.

I wish retailers would actually take big boobs into consideration.... it's so hard to find size 12-16 clothes with reasonable nork coverage.

This dress could be good but they only have it in a 16. It might come up small so it could be worth a try.