Size 16-18 how can I look a million dollars ?

[buttercrumble]

I have a big wedding to go to in June , and quite frankly I'm dreading it. It's a lot to do with lack of self confidence, but I feel everybody will look slimmer and more georgeous than me. I have quite a pretty face and good hair but it's the having to wear a dress that's the frightening part. I tend to cover up but would like to be brave and splash out on a fancy frock. It's my knees and lower legs which are pretty chunky but I don't fancy a maxi dress , any tips would be really appreciated thanks

I would suggest that you book a personal stylist slot at John Lewis or Debenhams. You can then pick up tips on how to style clothes together, accessorise them & choose colours which suit you. Then when you go shopping in your usual shops, you can use the stylist ideas as a template.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashion-advice-service

Happy shoping!

Have you had a look at Gemma Collins' website?
Depending on your taste, some of her outfits may be too "TOWIE" for you .... But some of her dresses are quite stunning, and flattering.

Hi butter of course you can look fab being a size 16/18, do you know what sort of shape your body could be described as? Hourglass? Apple? Pear? There is such a vast array of dress shapes out there, I'm sure you will find one that will feel comfortable and look a million dollars on you. Try to find something with a high percentage of natural fibers as this can immediately make a garment look chic. If you go for strips make sure that they are vertical, keep to simple patterns and style, something that clinches in at the waist and perhaps just below the knee in length. Phase eight do lots of pretty dresses in many different shapes, you may find a gem there.

I hope you find something suitable and have a great time at the wedding.

YY to Phase Eight - I'm a similar size to you, OP, and I always seem to find just the right thing in there when I need a posh frock. They have all the new summer range in now so it's the perfect time to look before they sell out of everything in your size.

Mint velvet go up to an 18 and they have some really lovely dresses , I love this one in particular
www.mintvelvet.co.uk/blush-lace-cape-dress/dresses/mint-v/fcp-product/4053

Try a plain maxi skirt with a beautiful top

Just come here for a nosey, and some tips. I'm also a 16/18, and just ordered a dress from Phase Eight.

Really excited now :)

Thanks everyone some great ideas, off to google. Just one question I'm more of a pear. So would a straight dress be better or one which flares out slightly suit more

Classic a line slightly flared is good for pear shapes, something to show off your waist, shoulders and neck line. These dresses may not be your colouring or style but it was the shape I was wanting to highlight, the slightly flared skirt skims the hips beautifully.

Search google images for pictures of Adele. She know how to look a million dollars at awards ceremonies.

Mmm do you mean that you want to be thinner & therefore don't like the way you look or that you don't know what to wear?
This is important as if it's the former often it clouds your judgement on all the eventual options

I'd diet as it is over a month away
Praise every lb lost
Buy decent spanx

Gully that dress is v nice but the model is 5 10 and a 10 and doesn't look like willow the wisp

I'm also a size 16-18 pear shape. I agree with the the recommendation above about something that comes in at the waist then gently flares out and ends just around your knee. I have dresses like the middle one in the photos posted by Theoldhag. I also wear a shrug cardigan or pashmina to cover my bingo wings! And look for something in a expensive feeling material do it hangs well and doesn't cling.

Are you booby? (I am) if so, have a look at Pepperberry, the clothing bit of Bravissimo. They generally have nice wedding guest type dresses.