You know the advice about not wearing baggy stuff if you're overweight?

[wildstrawberryplace]

It sort of depends doesn't it?

I'm a previously slim person who is currently overweight, and I am losing weight having come to the realisation that being this size is having a negative impact on me, not just sartorially.

I am currently trying to find a dress that doesn't look just awful on me. I'm 5' 4" and I'm a 16 at the moment, and the problem is that it is mostly on my bust and tummy, so if I do find something that I feel comfortable in, it looks OK from the front but if I stand sideways it looks like a tent, far too big on the hips and waist and makes me look shapeless and dumpy.

However, when I try something more fitted I just look pregnant. Additionally, fitted things are always too small at the bust when they fit elsewhere.

So anyway, for a one off special occasion (one which is something you have to endure rather then will enjoy), is it better to wear something that is perhaps not ideally flattering but you feel comfortable in - and let's face it the point here is that just because you put on a frock it is not going to instantly transform you into looking good if you don't already look good, is it?

I'm sort of thinking I just need to admit that I'm shapeless and dumpy and nothing will "look good".

Does anyone know of any place that might sell magic dresses?

hmm I quite likethe blue velvet tunic
and I think some high necks are hideous on large bust but a well cut wide boatish neck is more flattering on my large norkage than a low scoop

prob something to do with my narrow shoulders
IO do flattering dresses
v flattering

If you're going to JL anyway, book an appointment with one of their personal shoppers. They know exactly which brands design for which bodyshape, so you avoid the endless hours of trying on stuff that looks great on the hanger but duff when you actually put it on. EAch designer will have a model that they design their clothes to fit, and then they just size them up. Which is fine if the basic model corresponds roughly to your own body shape, but is a guarantee of frustration and disappointment if it doesn't.

Truly, it's life-changing. And I'm completely the opposite body shape from you, but the same principle applies. And yyy x 1000 to a decent bra. Let the nice ladies from Rigby and Peller sort you out before you start shopping for other clothes. It is admittedly 2nd mortgage territory, but it hoiks everything up into the right place, and is the easiest way of looking like you've lost a stone and a half.

I don't especially think you should wear baggy if you are small either. I'm not a fan of the this is a hideously unflattering shape but you can tell I am skinny so it doesn't matter that I appear to be wearing a sack look.

I'm a similar shape, if not a bit bigger, and just got this from JL. It looks great.

breathe-that coast dress is lovely!

Just to second polly's recommendation of the first thing to get sorted being a good bra. An essential, specially if you're big-busted. After all, it's with you whatever you wear, like your hairstyle.

I'm another Rigby and Peller fan - tend to have a fitting once or twice a year and order online the rest of the time.

Noooo! wrap dresses are hideous on me. They look horrifically mumsy, I'm only 37 and they make me look middle aged.

Anyway, I'm back and I got an outfit and I actually look not fat in it!

Pink4Ever - Those dresses weren't hideous, apart from the brown Hobbs one I admit that one. They were elegant and understated. And they didn't make me look dumpy. Anyway I think might have body dysmorphia or something because all the 16s were too big and my norks aren't hideously huge anymore.

In the end I got a fitted sleeveless shift in a dark mink colour linen/wool mix with a matching cashmere silk trim cardigan, with a patterned bit at the bottom and the same pattern on the silk trim which kinds of draws the eye away from my tummy. No lumps or bumps, clings to my (relatively) slim bits and skims the rest. Never would have chosen it myself but JL advisor brought it and I loved it once it was on.

Thanks for all the helpful advice. Job done!

PS I realise 37 is no spring chicken but I look like my mother in wrap dresses, which is not what I like to see when I look in the mirror

Fair enough
Can you link to dress and cardigan you did buy?

No sorry but I think the dresses you linked too were horrible imo and I didnt say dumpy,I said dowdy. But I am glad you managed to find something you like.

Boden do lovely skimming but shapely dresses - perfect with spanx underneath.

I have this in two colours and it is lovely - shapely and takes pounds off.

I have that Boden wool dress too - also a fan. I have the blue - which colours do you have? Have you any favourite necklaces for wearing with them - just trying to sort some out for mine.

Glad you have found a lovely outfit. Enjoy and be confident!

I'm similar shape and just bought this- v flattering sits just above knee if your short

I have the black and the green! I love it - gets lovely comments and I am only just losing the baby weight - another 1.5 stone to go.

I find I need to wear a cami underneath as I am busty - I have been wearing longish necklaces with it in bright colours but silver with the green one. Am in love.

Sounds lovely, peppa. Am thinking of the green but it's low stock so I need to ct fast! Could I ask how bright it is and whether it's a bluey or yellowy green?

Wild strawberry sorry for hijack. Glad to hear the JL visit paid off and you got something fab.

'act' not 'ct' !!

Jersey maxi dress in a casual column shape topped with a looser hip level or above jumper/ top in a boxy shape. Don't go too large on the top though.
Slimming. Practical. Comfortable. Skims problem area. Top with a scarf and biker/ riding boots for a relaxed day