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Original poster

At 5ft6 and a Size 20 can I wear a Maxi Dress?

194 replies

BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 18:10

I need something for two weddings this year. I hate having to 'dress' but it must be done. There isn't one bit of my body I am happy with at the minute but efforts need to be made and I'm prepared to splash out a touch to wear to both occassions. There won't be any of the same guests at the events and I'll make sure, as always, I'm behind the camera!!

I've been lured in by a pretty fecking expensive maxi dress and wondered if it's worth while even trying it.

These are child free weddings so I won't even have my gorgeous and impecibly dressed DC's to hide behind [meep]

OP posts:
Original poster
BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 22:15

1st one nice but not quite right for wedding

2nd & 3rd terrify me due to bra issues - love the purple though Smile

4th one is brilliant but tell me, why oh why would the stylists use those shoes with that dress

OP posts:
Original poster
BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 22:15

and it's linen

OP posts:
MrsMc82 · 26/03/2011 22:17

hehe BiBiBelle :o

had a conversation with girlfriends recently where we decided they should make those massive pants in a crotchless version to make it easier to go to the loo (tho I always wear normal pant under them too but maybe i'm weird anyway......) - However if they did do a crotchless version then it would be better for the odd quickie too ;) ....... too far? sorry had a couple of Wine !!

Original poster
BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 22:23

Grin absolutely not - I think we should get MNHQ to petition Markies to do just that!

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Lipstickgal · 26/03/2011 22:29

Hi maybe the Boden tropical maxi dress will be just the ticket. In order to avoid the empire line looking like a pregnancy dress this one has to be sized down. It is a good quality jersey and the blue berry one is a really nice shade that can be dressed up for an occasion and then worn after dressed down. Bargain.The reason that you have to size down is that this dress is voluminous under the empire line. It is stretchy though and takes well to being sized down-that way you get far more of a column look IYSWIM.
The bust line on it is low enough to stop it being frumpy. It has wide straps so allows for a bra.
Pop on a cropped Cardigan or bolero and a nice necklace and you're good to go.
Re underwear-Peacocks is doing a really good line in support underwear. They are comfortable and breatheable too. I have been your size and the right dress/underwear is a real boost. I really rate their shorts style ones that end at the waist rather than under the bust. They go up to a size 20. You can buy them online too. No prob with VPL.

MrsMc82 · 26/03/2011 22:41

Oh super.... will email MNHQ now to get them onto it Wink

Original poster
BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 22:48

will have a look thanks Lipstick

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chocolatespiders · 26/03/2011 22:52

I wore some to a wedding a few years ago and cut a piece out of the crotch to allow myself to pee in comfort without having to wrestle myself back into them Blush

alos LUSH silky underwear powder helps them slip on slightly easier Smile

Original poster
BibiBelle · 26/03/2011 22:52

genius chocolate Grin

how about this one??

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polyhymnia · 26/03/2011 23:58

Bibi, good luck ! I know just what it's like to hunt around but am sure you'll find something great. There have been so many helpful suggestions - except for one rather sad one !

I think you're tall, not short, at 5' 8'' (I'm 5'9''). And you can carry off a maxi - planning to get one myself this summer. Boden ones worth a try, I reckon, and Kaliko - didn't even know that went to a 20. also fancy that Asos curve print one.

There is always a risk of the ship in full sail/ sack look, but that's only when misguided 'designers' make plus size clothes unstructured and tent-like - the ones suggested on here haven't been. I always choose something with definition, as I'm sure you do. Don't agree separates always more flattering.

Have had a few things from Anna Scholz and personally found them over-rated, particularly in relation to price. If paying that, I prefer Marina Rinaldi, but sadly few of their younger styles seem to get from Italy to the UK.

Really interested to see what you choose - keep us posted.

polyhymnia · 27/03/2011 11:46

PS See you're 5'6' now I read it properly - still not short, IMO.

Original poster
BibiBelle · 27/03/2011 11:48

well, technically 5ft 6 and a half Grin

my credit card isn't going to know what's hit it - I've just ordered 4 dresses from House of Frasers to be delivered to try on at home Shock

strike whilst the iron is hot etc etc

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Original poster
BibiBelle · 27/03/2011 11:54

right then here they are

this one here - floral 50s style

a spotty chiffon number

a cheeky maxi number - you never know till you try

this one which is linked to earlier but in the Frasers spring sale

there were some gorgeous linea ones too but a size 18 and no way are the ladies going to shrink enough to get into an 18 by May - will keep them in mind just in case Grin

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polyhymnia · 27/03/2011 15:36

I like the spot and the black and white maxi personally - but I'm not a lover of pink.

MrsMc82 · 27/03/2011 15:51

oooo really rather like the Alexon Navy/white maxi..... Let us know what they're like when they arrive :)

Carrotsandcelery · 27/03/2011 16:34

I went to look at the Kaliko one while dh and the dcs went off to choose my Mother's Day gift Grin but we no longer have a Kaliko in Debenhams so I am none the wiser I am afraid ladies.

Keep us posted how you get on with the ones you have ordered bibi.

wubblybubbly · 27/03/2011 17:48

Oh how disappointing Carrots. Thank you for looking though. Hope your Mother's Day gift is lovely.

I've spotted a lovely Mother's Day card in the kitchen cupboard, from 'your little princess' We have one DS.

I think DH really needs to wear his reading glasses more often Grin

wubblybubbly · 27/03/2011 17:53

Bibi, that Alexon maxi dress is gorgeous! I love the print, plus you could wear that all year round, whereas the kaliko one is much more spring/summer.

When do they arrive? I can't wait for the next update. This even better than shopping for myself, as I don't have the bills to pay Grin

Original poster
BibiBelle · 27/03/2011 20:49

I have to admit & went a bit daft & ordered the Anna Schulz one too Blush My credit card never sees the light if day so I'll no doubt have a fraud check phone call tomorrow!

Loving the little princess card! In your dh's defence your DS may have picked it himself?? I've had to send some crackers thanks to my Dd's taste in stationery Grin

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Original poster
BibiBelle · 27/03/2011 20:50

Oh & wubbly I think Tues but I'm on early shift till Wed so I might not manage to get them till Thurs!

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MillsAndDoom · 27/03/2011 21:04

My friend is similar dimensions to you - she dubiously bought a maxi dress last year and was inundated with compliments - she looked fab

Original poster
BibiBelle · 27/03/2011 21:06

thanks Mills - will keep you all posted but you've all given me hope that I won't be dreading this wedding as I normally do Blush

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CrispyTheCrisp · 27/03/2011 21:22

I LOVE the Kaliko one and the black and white maxi. Fingers crossed that one of them makes you feel like the fabulous woman you are Smile

brimfull · 27/03/2011 22:29

Love the Alexon maxi one !

HippyHippopotamus · 28/03/2011 09:22

i love all the dresses you linked to at noon yesterday! i hoped i'd look through them and be able to say "that's the one" but they're all gorgeous! hope you have fun trying them all on. before you do, make sure you've got nice undies on, your hair is brushed and dc's sticky hands are kept away Wink

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