Motivate me using the power of fashion!

[GinevraMollyWeasley]

I've been horrendously overweight all my life. I'm finally, at age 29, getting down to a reasonable weight- I've finally gotten to 'overweight' BMI. Problem is, I have no idea how thin people dress! My shopping has always been- go into Evans/Asda/M&S, buy tops which cover my arms and wear with jeans from Matalan. Now I'm a size 14-16! I can buy things in real-people shops! But I don't know what!

My good friend is getting married in June, which may not seem a huge deal but this will be my first ever wedding! I have no idea what to wear, where to get it, what shoes... and I assume a sporty backpack won't cut it!

The other thing is, well, I've stalled in my weightloss. I have 6 weeks to the wedding and I know it's possible to lose another 7-14lb in that time. Maybe more if I stick to it. Yet my stupid, all consuming (literally) desire to eat dodgy food has re-surfaced and I'm eating crap!

So what I'm asking of you all- tell me about weddings, what people wear, what shoes they wear, accesories. Link me to beautiful items that I will fall in love with and make me throw out all the junk! Motivate me!

I'm 5'2, currently a size 14-16 (oh ok, sometimes still an 18 but that's still better than the size 28 I once was!) I can't walk in heels. The wedding is in a hotel, I'll be staying there the nights before and after so no travel or anything. Due to my past and body shape, I can't show my arms far above the elbow as the stretchmarks are so pronounced. Big boobs (36G), bigger stomach but maybe just maybe that'll be reduced by the wedding!

Budget? Colours?

I totally recommend The White Company for flattering jersey dresses which can be dressed up or down - and some of them even have sleeves. But only good if you like black, grey or navy.

I.... don't know.... what is a good budget?!! This is how clueless I am. this is pretty much my first time going out and buying an outfit for it- apart from one funeral I wore a dress at. Colours again, no idea. I've always worn black, grey, darks because A. that's mainly what you get in fat clothes and B. the whole 'trying to hide' thing many a fat woman does! I could try brights. To be honest, I will try anything.

I've googled White Company and they have a shop in Kingston. I should have put in the OP, I am so very clueless about this whole clothing thing that I'll need to try things on. I've never ordered clothing online. But I live in the Richmond area, so tons of shops and access to White City, Kingston, central London etc.

Many thanks for the reply! Also your name is good. Werewolves don't get enough love.

something in this shape but nicer colours?

could you walk in something like these?

what colour, hair eyes etc have you got??

Awww - werewolves don't get enough love. Poor wolfies. :(

Love the detail at the waist on this one and you could maybe go with a jewel colour to brighten it up? It's expensive though.

Hello hello, congrats to you on your weight loss. It's altogether liberating and bewildering isn't it!

I ditched a heap of weight about 6/7 years ago and still don't really feel like I "ought" to go in Topshop. I always pick clothes up that are too big and am shocked when I try them on. It's ingrained!

Anyway - things to try:

1. Very good bra(s). Worth their weight in gold. Can lose a dress size (or more) by taking the weight of big boobs off your tummy.

1. Primark: Cheap, colourful, current. Perfect for experimenting while you find your style, ditch some extra pounds etc

1. Hair cut & colour: to give you a sense of 'self' to base clothing purchases around.

For weddings, try 1950's style dresses - they look great on curves. There are LOADS around (and a few recent threads on here if you search). Easy to sling a pretty cardi over the too to cover your arms, waist belt to cinch you in and get a brilliant hourglass (maybe some shape wear underneath for extra confidence), cute pumps, red lippy, flower in your hair, bish bash bosh!

Sexy red one This is in the outlet bit so won't be in store, but you can get free deliveries into a local store.

Great shape but not sure about the print

Sorry I didn't come back straitaway- no wait, not sorry at all, just had a phone interview for a new job!

omydarlin I don't think i could walk in those.... eek. I should say, my body shape is 'dumpy'. I'm not sure what fruit that it! Dumpy fruit. Hair is mousy brown, short, eyes are brown. Boring! Also wear glasses, though I am thinking of trying those new-fangled contact lenses for the occasion.

Remus I don't think the grey dress would do, simply because of my stomach- it's further out than my boobs and looks very pregnant though I'm not, nor have I ever been! That dress looks a bit 'skimmy' BUT I'll go in and try it on because I need to think outside my head!

Mombo Thanks! I was wearing the same (42F) bra through my weightloss then gave up when they, ahem, fell through I went to Bravissimo and well, not impressed, the bra they sold me rubs to the point of bleeding so nearer to my goal I'll try elsewhere. Primark- I've gotten all of my work clothes there! I resisted as long as I could, wearing my size 26-28s till I just couldn't so I went and stocked up on size 16 stuff! Still don't believe it, convinced everything has shrunk everytime I do a wash! And I'm already writing the 'pampering after weightloss' thread in my head, I plan to get a proper cut and maybe colour again, once I approach my goal! Still got 2-3st yet. 1950s good idea, just googled that and have to say I love this and this and everything!

remus (again) the red looks a bit grown-up, is my first thought! The black and white is more what I would pick, I think. Clearly a lot more stuff out there than I realised! Whole new world etc.

So, this may seem stupid, but buying a bag and shoes.... do you choose the dress first then get everything else?

Dress first and then shoes.

Worth doing hair & some pampering now -- you have done well and you will look fabulous just the way you are today.

I've booked the day off work the day before the wedding and plan to do something pampering, no idea what yet. I quite like the idea of a manicure, never done anything like that before. Sorting hair the weekend before in case it goes wrong.

Hi ginerva

If you could it might be worth going to a department store (HOF) and asking for one of their assistants to suggest lots of outfits - personal shopper. In some stores try don't cost anything bit you might need to book. Don't buy anything you re not sure about but it s a good way to get an idea how to dress your new shape.
Also don't be shy in stores to
Go in and ask the assistants to suggest something - try stuff on - you re not obliged to buy till you ready! Don't get discouraged if stuff doesn't fit/ look
Right it ll
Take a while and trying on different stuff to get your groove!!
I m now a size 8-10 i can go to every store on the high street and try on stuff in each store and still Stuff won't fit right, look right etc - but you ll find the right outfit for you and then feel lovely in it! Trial and error - remember sizes are generic and not necessarily every style
Just cos it has your no on it will work.
Happy shopping / pampering !
Lots on here recommend dressipi- I haven't personally used it.

I was just going to suggest a personal shopper too. John Lewis, Jouse of Fraser etc all offer it. It's free and you don't have to buy anything.