Empire Line Dresses - suitable for larger sizes?

[doglover]

I'm a size 22 and looking for a dress to wear to a friend's 50th party. It's in a local hall / disco / buffet etc, so I need something 'nice'!! I'm going shopping tomorrow but just wanted some advice before I hit the shops! I'm 5'9" and a pear shape. I'll attempt a couple of links ...........................

www.marksandspencer.com/Una-Smocked-Front-Tunic-Dress/dp/B0062FISKQ?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_58&nodeId=527058031&sr=1-58&qid=1328557180e

www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Clearance/Womens-Dresses/Knee-Length-Dresses/BR008/Womens-Silk-Chiffon-Dress.html?m=3

jeez those matalan one-the shape of the dresses are nice but vom at the print

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=4584003&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=228107&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=200&refinements=Size{1}~[22]&noOfRefinements=1

How about this?

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=4584003&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=228107&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=200&refinements=Size{1}~[22]&noOfRefinements=1

Grrrrrrrrrrr. can't get link to work!

link

I like that last one the best

I'm same size as you (hourglass and tall) and I have several very successful empire line dresses and tunics from Boden (not the current collection) but have also tried some others from them in empire style that didn't flatter me - so it does depend on the shape and cut of the individual item. Certainly wouldn't rule them out.

Personally would steer clear of anything Per Una.

Agree shape not size dictates the sort of dress to wear and something that comes in defines the waist.

How about this? It's cheap as chips

I have one of those matalan dresses with the gathering at the front (however the print is nicer). I thought I looked pretty smart in it till TWICE in the one day different people said 'i didn't know you were pregnant again' . fuckers.

Dress is now at the back of the wardrobe.

(I'm an apple shaped size 12 14)

I like the asda dress olympiceater linked. You could add a big red belt and some red shoes and red lippy and it would look fab.

I only managed an hour and a bit shopping today and it was a salutory experience. I scoured lots of shops - but didn't manage to get to Debenhams - and found precisely NOTHING. The reason was basically that there's hardly anything out there for a larger size and, what there is, looked flipping awful!! I'll probably need to but on-line and will utilise all your tips from last night. Many thanks

Sorry to hear you didn't get much luck going to the shops!

OlympicEater that dress is lovely actually.

I liked it too, but think it's a bit too clingy for me: I can imagine my tum and bum looking gross as I was dancing around! I'm think that I'm still happier in my comfort zone of tunics, I suppose, although I do see the importance of finding a clothing shape that suits your body shape. I wear Boden jersey dresses to work so would like something a bit more glam for the party but would feel so self-conscious in anything too fitting when boogying!

Tabulahrasa, I love that dress! Too long for me though, wonder how easy it would be to get it taken up?

doglover sorry to hear of your frustrating afternoon.I guess that's the reaon I end up buying things from Boden. Even though I return lots for every one that I keep I have found some really good things.

Thanks for the Kaliko ideas. I'll have to venture into town again at some point and will also have a look at Boden and Monsoon online. Ebay could be an option, too, I suppose.

I've started to browse ebay to get an idea of what's available and I quite like the look of some dresses. A couple of the buyers do accept returns so this could be a real possiblity. Thanks again.

I've found it!! And you'll never guess where!! Well, I'll put you out of your misery ..............................................

BHS!!

I haven't been in there for years and there were actually 3 dresses that were strong contenders. I'll attempt a link:

www.bhs.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/bhsstore/877792/230325

The dress I bought isn't the same fabric - mine is a striking floral black and white - but the style is identical. I am absolutely over the moon, as you can probably tell!!

Absolutely!! But hurrah!!!