Really need help with nice dress for huge person

[Jenda]

I really really really REALLY need some help, im trying to lose weight but have just come back from holiday and have put on and am massive, MASSIVE

My director has invited me to a ball on 8th October and I am the only manager not invited so i really feel i must go even though i can think of nothing worth than putting on a dress

Code is black tie with a touch of red. I am a size 20, FF boobs, good legs, tummy is problem area. 5"5. In early twenties no nothing to "old"

I detest clothes shopping at the moment because i look like a fridge

Please please please could someone try to help me!!

Thanks

Vivian of Holloway go up to size 24 a circle dress will give you a killer figure and you can get a bolero if you want arm coverage. The 50s thing is not for everyone but it certainly flatters a fuller figure.

Invest in some really good shapewear/ underwear, get a spray tan and hair and make-up done - those things always make me feel good for a special occasion.
How about something like this
www.wallis.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33058&storeId=12557&productId=2620119&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=209222&parent_categoryId=209166&pageSize=
You could always go for a cropped cardi on top if you were worried about your arms.
If you've got good legs go for a pair of killer heels too.

You're not massive, not in my book anyway. I'm a curvy 14-16 (was 18-20 post pregnancy) and I love this type of dressing. DHs company do black tie dinners every Christmas.

My first rule is its the outfit that counts, not the shop. I've had luck in both Evans, Monsoon and M&S although I've also come across dreadful stuff.

Good legs is a massive bonus and means you can do great shoes. Can you book in for a blow dry and team with fabulous hair?

Good luck and hope this helps.

Katy

Thank you! Love vivien of holloway but more than i want to spend on a dress which will hopefully be too big for me soon! Wallis is nice, i will go there tomorrow and have a look

Good idea about a blow dry, my hair always looks shit! Think that will really help. Will look at m&s

Any more ideas anyone?

My sister always looks fab and I think shops almost exclusively from Marshall Ward.

www.damselinadress.co.uk/shop/ss11-sale/dresses/sienna-dress-red.aspx

What about this - it's an 18 but i've had dresses from here before and they are quite generous

[http://www.marksandspencer.com/Scoop-Sleeveless-Velour-Sequin-Dress/dp/B005FTZZG0?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_17&nodeId=533512031&sr=1-17&qid=1317417283 Something skimming like this?]] with some good underwear.

If you like your legs you could always take the hem up to show them off.

navy

black lace

short black

blck/white

Any use?

How about a plain black dress, (super flattering), and killer red heels? Or a red clutch bag?

Remember handbags and jewellery and shoes don't (generally) care what size you are and if/when you lose weight you could always have a dress professionally altered, if that helps you justify buying something special :)

Sounds like you're feeling better and good luck tomorrow.

Katy

PS If you try anything on that looks awful, remember its the dress thats wrong for you, not the other way around. I've viually dropped several sizes in minutes between a flattering top and a disaster.

If you like the Vivien dresses then have a look on ebay as there are quite a few dresses in a similar style on there. Debenhams also do a good range of evening dresses up to a size 20 - and again worth looking on ebay if you're not wanting it to cost too much.

this is nice

Agree re: look on ebay - if you search "rockabilly dresses" as well as "50s dresses" you will find cheaper versions of Vivien of Holloway - it's only one night and not really an item that crosses over into your everyday wardrobe for most of us!

I'm size 18 and hair, make up, spray tan and something flattering - and GREAT shoes always make me feel better. I managed to look really good tonight, no mean feat when you feel this way (I was just the same all day before making an effort)

You can do it too, and yes massive and very tight control knickers were used

pretty kitty. Similar in style to the Vivien dresses, but much cheaper...

are you hourglass shaped, pear, apple or brick?

Those 50's dresses are not for all, especially if you are apple or brick shaped

what about this fella.
Good on tits, hides/skims belly and shows off pins

If you buy a Vivian dress you can wear it and sell it on ebay after as worn once and get over half your money back So technically they are half the price!

Thank you so much, some lovely dresses. I particularly love the Sienna , Damsel in Distress. and the one Perry suggested. Will get ordering!!

I didnt end up with enough time to get into town today but having talked to the other girls going they are going for full length. Im tempted to order this and see what its like. The vertical line might help draw the eye down away from my massive expanse of stomach.

ebay

If anyone has seen it and it is gross please do say!

I'm not feeling it Jenda... I don't think maxi dresses are particularly flattering on anyone over a size 6.
Go for something with structure to create more of an hourglass shape. An empire line maxi dress will swamp you and make you look shorter and thus bigger.
Skirt or dress hitting just below the knee, in a nice fabric. I'd recommend going for something quite plain (ie: all one colour) and accessorise to bring the outfit together.
That's my motto for dressing at the moment anyway till i've lost a bit of weight

I would order it and see.

I am about the same size as you and with heels and spanx that shape would work well on me. The taller you make yourself in it the better!

nope. too much fabric, drape-age...I just don't think it will work.

I am an 18 and I ordered a maxi dress and it took me a full 20 minutes to stop laughing. seriously.

If you have good legs make the most of 'em! Get a well-structured dress which is on or below the knee. I have to say I am not a fan of the rockabilly look, but I am no fashionista

Control pants are your pal!

It depends on how nicely it fits round your boobs and how good the drape is.

If it is the sort of thing you like and would feel comfortable in, then it's worth ordering and seeing how it looks.

This is a bargain!!

And you can dress it up with very sexy heels and accessories!

black full length