Help Please. I'm neither Stylish or Beautiful

[TheWoollybacksWife]

I'm looking for a dress.

It's my silver wedding this year and DH and I are hosting a meal in a couple of months time in a restaurant for our large family. I hate being the centre of attention and I'm really insecure about what to wear.

I'm 46, 5'2 and a size 16. Dark hair and grey eyes. Good boobs, good legs but don't want anything too far above the knee. Don't mind sleeveless (all the crochet I do is good for the bingo wings) but don't want strapless. I have a fondness for navy but I like floral and I can do bright colours.

Budget is flexible. Would prefer to be under £150 but would stretch for the right dress.

To give you an idea of what I like I have been looking at Phase 8 but I'm not sure
A. Is it a lot of money for polyester?
B. It's floral (I love floral and always have but is it too young for me?)
C. Most crucially is it the wrong shape for me?
D. Is it hideous? I have no taste. I do however have a fab pair of pink heels that make me feel great every time I wear them.

Empire line makes me look pregnant
My boobs fall out of every wrap dress I have ever owned
Ruching just draws attention to the bits I want to hide

My DH thinks I look lovely anyway but I will be having my photo taken (arrggghhh) with my beautiful daughters and my handsome son and I want to feel good. I want to look polished and feel relaxed about what I'm wearing.

We married on a shoestring budget and I want to push the boat out a bit.

Help me!

I like the one you've linked to. But is it wow enough for such a special occasion? (Congratulations btw!)

How about bright and elegant

untold - not sure about the material but it's a lovely shape.

Have you thought about full length?

I really like both of those. Thank you. I think in my head I want to look like Grace Kelly which is why I like the net shoulders of the Phase 8 dress and the off the shoulder look of the Untold dress.

I'm not sure about full length. My one and only maxi dress makes me look like a Dalek. I only wear it on holiday.

I have unresolved regrets about the trappings of my wedding that still make me sad and do not belong in S&B. I think that is part of the reason why I want to put the effort in for this.

25 years married and still worried about the face from my mum

Well whatever makes you sad about your wedding day is unfortunate - but it can't overshadow what an amazing achievement 25 years of marriage is. So you deserve to push the boat out and celebrate it in style. And getting the face from your mum will show you are doing it right

What about:
Twice the budget and bridal but beautiful

Hobbs

Or back in budget:
pretty dress co.

If you suit hot pink go for that one - a really cheery colour.

As Why I Rayliotta says, 25 years is something to celebrate - you need a really nice dress for that and the hot pink one will have everyone smiling! It is your day (and Hubby's of course). Go for it!!!!

I think you would be a good contender for the pied a terre slinky knot dress, although you'd probably need to get it taken up unless you want midi length.

I think the dress you've posted sounds perfect for what you want!

It's fun, elegant and flattering and will look great with your hot pink heels.

Have a fantastic night, and use the money saved on not going mental on a dress on getting your hair blow dried and lovely manicure, they will give you that polished glossy edge

I too actually like the dress you originally posted best. Certainly not too young.

I too actually like the dress you originally posted best. Certainly not too young.

Woolly, what body shape are you? That makes a lot of difference to the style which might suit.

i love the original one you chose, just lovely.
have a great time, and congratulations!

I also really like the phase eight dress and it will go with the shoes you love.

Ps if you google body shape there are heaps of sites which help, if you don't know.

Eg

www.stylelogue.co.uk/body-shapes/bodyshapes/comment-page-1/

Or gok wan.

Another vote for your original choice. It's lovely- wish I could buy it!!

Love the dress that you posted first, team with hot pink heels & blow dry & manicure as advised above & enjoy your day.

I think the most flattering look for anyone over a size 14 and with biggish boobs is an open neckline (square, wide V or scooped) with 3/4 sleeves and fitted. Damsel in a Dress usually have some good stuff. [goes off to have a look]

How about something like this?

Sort of floral and very "weddingy". You could team it with silver as it's your 25th?

Oh Goodness! I never expected so many replies

Thank you all for your good wishes and congratulations. I am lucky and you are right we should celebrate our achievement.

All the linked dresses are beautiful. I'd get more than the face if I wore that long beaded gown WhyI. My wedding dress was nowhere near that elaborate In fact the Phase 8 dress already costs more than my wedding dress did.

I'm delighted that so many of you think I should go with the dress I linked to in my OP. I'm going to order it tomorrow and some new lacy undies and a pink clutch just to complete my outfit

The hairdresser and manicure are already booked. All I have to do now is get over having my photo taken

I just receieved the dress by Untold that was linked to above. It is very glamorous.

The off the shoulder detail, plus fit and flare shape, really does favours to those with large boobs, small waist and sli of ankle (while utterlt covering a large arse and thighs) .

But it is a very low key colour. It suits me (icy blonde) but might wash out those of darker complexion.

I'd recommend having a try!

I'm still undecided between that dress and these:

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Coast+Goddess+Short+Dress/194317107,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/L.K.+Bennett+Jama+Sleeveless+Plain+Day+Dress/195276728,default,pd.html

I also already own this: www.ralphlauren.co.uk/product/index.jsp?productId=23066181&cp=3979771.3989731.4047481.15885621&ab=ln_women_apparel_eveningdresses which was pricey but I've worn lots.

You will look a million dollars!

You can tell that the dress you posted is you don't ask me how

Don't forget to post some pics!

I bought it! I had an email from Debenhams with 20% off so took that as a sign.

Thank you all for your help and reassurances.