Ok, I'm short and fat. I need some dress advice

[LindaLaHughes]

I've got a christening and 2 nights out coming up over the next couple of weeks and I'm struggling to find something to wear. I want a dress, I think. I also need to cover my arms and my massive stomach. 5' 3", size 16, eek ! Anyone have any suggestions or ideas of what might suit? I have a loose budget of £100 for the nights out, so 1 outfit for both nights and £100 for the christening. Can anyone help? I'm about lose the will to live.

Havve you thought about a nice wrap dress and funky boots? Wrap dresses are great at disguising tummies and emphasising boobs!

Is any sort of black a no-no for a christening? (and like appuskidu mentions, it has got a hint of a wrap. CC (or country casuals, really) £40.

What is your normal/preferred style? do you like colour or pattern? what would you LOVE to wear & don't think you can?

Thanks for the responses everyone. Yeah I should've said I like fit and flare dresses, black preferably but worry these are will expose my wide load at the back and possibly too short. DH keeps suggesting wrap dresses, but I'm not sure, I think they will cling to every curve because they are jersey (perhaps I'm wrong). I'm 37 but would like something younger as opposed to verging on the older. Sir that dress is lovely but possibly a bit too old for me, but suggestion really appreciated.

I bloody wish I'd lost the weight instead of sitting here becoming more depressed by the minute. I absolutely hate shopping so trying to do it all online. Oh well, will see what else comes my way.

I love this dress and have seen someone who is a size 18 in it - it looked FAB on - www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=3853251&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208648&parent_categoryId=208600&pageSize=20

For the evenings then how about some straight leg trousers and tunic style tops with killer heels and an oversized clutch?

I have no idea how to put the links behind words so sorry for the long links!
www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=4010118&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208648&parent_categoryId=208600&pageSize=200

and this

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=3854682&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208648&parent_categoryId=208600&pageSize=200

I think that jersey is difficult as it is clingy and you need something that skims.

How are your legs?

this is pretty and would come down a bit further on you.

maybe too plain?

I am about the same size as you and I wear dresses all the time.

Look at Phase 8, Wallis, designers at Debenhams.

x-posts with MmeLindor :)

I disagree that you can't wear jersey actually. You can't wear cheap jersey, but good quality stuff that drapes well can be really flattering. You can always wear a full length slip to act as a lining if you want to, I've bought one to go under a dress for a winter wedding - largely for warmth - but it really makes the dress skim and I will wear it more than I thought I would.

Hmm, yes. You could have a point. I have found that most dresses I have tried on have not looked good over my bumpy bits. Never thought of trying a slip on with it.

Still prefer more fitted styles.

this

love this but you may not want sleeveless - maybe with a shrug?

Layers can be very flattering although this one is quite short.

Oh that last one is gorgeous.

Thanks very much, sorry not got back sooner, been on a training course all day. MmeLindor I had been looking at the first two links you posted. The first dress is my fave but they don't have a 16, at least not last night. The others are also good. Also liking the purple one blakey linked to. I think I'll head to the shops tomorrow and try a few things on. Think I'll also try some wrap dresses and see how they look and will take alibaba's advice on the slip to see if that makes a difference.

Be aware of Phase Eight sizing, large =12-14, XL is only 14-16.

Really? I find Phase 8 very generous and normally size down, but that is in 'normal' sizes - 12, 14, 16 etc.

Gok Wan at Sainsbury

This dress looks great with curves and drapes over the tummy. It has sleeves (yes!) and is not black. The support wear slip is a bit of a job to get on but does the trick.

That dress FullBeam looks stunning. Have you bought it?

Yes, I bought to wear to a wedding. I am exactly your height but a size 18/20 and it looks very good on. I don't look skinny ( it's not a miracle dress) but I feel I look my best. I particularly like the long sleeves and the draping.