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Original poster

Im the size of a bus and need a ballgown.

16 replies

bowlingforsoup · 30/05/2013 12:00

Help.

I'm 24, 5'8, size 18-20 usually but im 37 weeks pregnant (will be 39 weeks by time of ball) and im enormous. Bump is measuring at 45(!) weeks.

I have been looking for ballgowns for a long time. I don't have much money to spend (£50 max) and i would prefer something maternity purely for comfort.

I've left it as late as possible due to size issues. I didn't want to buy it weeks ago then find it doesn't fit a day before the ball.

Any ideas where I should start looking?

OP posts:
JennySense · 30/05/2013 12:16

I'm thinking empire line?
HoF have a sale on at the moment - 40% off - check out their occasion dresses

JennySense · 30/05/2013 12:17

oops - sorry had misread how pg you are!
I dont think I know of any really cheap maternity occasionwear?

SundaySimmons · 30/05/2013 12:20

I think your best bet is to buy secondhand from ebay.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gorgeous-Joanna-Hope-Evening-Dress-Size-24-Summer-Wedding-Races-Holiday-LBD-/121105252472?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item1c326f8078

Would that fit over your bump?

Don't forget if you don't like your arms, you can wear a lightweight pashmina or scarf.

SundaySimmons · 30/05/2013 12:23

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LONG-MontyQ-MATERNITY-SUMMER-EVENING-EMPIRE-TROPICAL-STRAP-DRESS-size-10-26-/261095053627?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&var=&hash=item3cca7a593b

Not ball gown but suitable for evening and you want to be comfortable!

SundaySimmons · 30/05/2013 12:26

I read it that you are a size 24! Sorry.

MistyB · 30/05/2013 12:30

Do you have any clever friends with sewing machines? You could get them to make a simple dress than you could unpick and remove extra fabric from later.

Something like this style but using two pieces of material to go up for the front, cross over and down at the back, should be quite easy to put together.

Or something like this one though I don't think the top is quite as flattering and I would be worried I would spend all evening fixing it.

(sadly, neither are big enough as they only go up to Uk16.

tethersend · 30/05/2013 12:36

Do you want full length?

If not, I cannot recommend this highly enough. It's a beautiful silky jersey and hangs really well. Size 6 will fit you perfectly.

It's like an Ossie Clark dress, feels much more expensive than it is.

I wear mine all the time even though I'm no longer pregnant!

Labootin · 30/05/2013 12:40

At 39 weeks most people would be amazed you were there rather than your frock

I was enormous at the end too (I had growth scan after scan as I was 42 cm at 38 weeks which the dr insisted was impossible .. You can "only go up to 36 CM for 36 weeks then you STOP) ..errr ok tell this bowling ball strapped to my body !

if is we're me I'd go basic .. Black probably .. maxi dress so you can legitimately look like a ship in full sail .. With shruggy cardi thing ..maybe bright (hate pashminas I can never get them to stay on and the ends droop in the soup)

For feet pretty jewelled flip flops and a pedicure

MrsLettuce · 30/05/2013 12:56

This sized up would work the cut of the shoulders would allow for it being too big without it looking like it was, I think.

Original poster
bowlingforsoup · 30/05/2013 16:33

Thanks for all the replies. I've managed to find a full length maternity maxi dress on simply be. It's half price so got it for £25. I just hope it fits me Smile

OP posts:
roundtower · 30/05/2013 17:51

Yay, I did the link to Simply Be. Hope it fits now and that you have a lovely time.
Best of luck with the impending new arrival.

MrsLettuce · 30/05/2013 20:20

Excellent!

Any chance of a link?

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