Help please for novice needing style advice

[angelinterceptor]

Help, I have been invited to a wedding in 3 weeks time, got late invitation. I haven't bought a dress in several years, and i am very unstylish.

I don't have a huge budget, and access to usual high street shops, or online i guess. Just don't know where to start really.

I am size 18-20, which makes it hard to find nice things, and i don't like anything really fitted. Also I am rubbish in heels, so need to be wedges only.

I don't want anything really formal, was thinking more of smart dress with a cardigan or jacket - do people wear that kind of thing still? I won't be wearing a hat or anything.

Can anyone recommend a website or anywhere with something comfortable for the day?

Oh, and budget is low as i don't want to spend loads on something i can't wear again later

thanks

What bits of your body do you like/don't mind showing off? Would give a better idea of what to suggest. And are you more drawn to prints or plains?

Don't see any problem with cardigan or jacket issue. Especially in the chillier weather!

Perhaps post a pic of your shoes if you've got them already, or let us know what colour they are. Or the jewellery/bag you might want to wear with. Also, what height are you? Not being nosey, just trying to get more info!

Asos Curve has a great range of dresses , and free delivery over £15.

Thanks, well actually there was a clue in the title, i am pretty much starting from scratch here.

I can't actually remember the last time i bought a pair of new going out type shoes, or a bag - i am rubbish at being a girl.

I am not body confident at the moment, but was probably thinking some sort f wrap-type dress, although i am big of chest, so that can be problem and make me look old lady.

BTW i am in 40s, but like to think i am young at heart -(not helpful)

I think I would need new shoes, maybe bag and dress - oh dear this is all going to cost and i am going to feel uncomfortable all day in new clothes.

I hardly ever wear jewellery, not even my wedding ring - i have some nice silver bracelets i think somewhere.

I quite like bright colours, even though i should probably hide in black!

The last dress i bought, about 2 or 3 years ago from Next for a party and wore it to a winter wedding too.

This one is £31 in Asos sale, could wear a little cardi over it, plus would be good if you are larger chested as you could still wear a decent bra with this.

I have just looked through the asos site, i couldn't work out how to copy the pictures.
didnt see that one, but maybe tiny bit too short for my fat knees?

its lovely though, - what would you wear over it, with it?

It's in the sale section , you can search that separately , just type Asos curve sale dresses in search bar

are any of these suitable ?
or are they boring, i don't know.

I have dark shoulder length hair, and normal skin tone, not too pale

Awww, don't panic. It's going to be fine, and you will look fab. It might feel new but it's all about baby steps. There's no rule that you have to go too far from where you're comfy from, and the good thing is, you might actually enjoy the chance to embrace your body. And no more 'I should probably hide in black' comments, please. You are beautiful.

First thing I would say is that wrap dresses can look gorgeous on all sorts of shapes. I am the other end of the spectrum and am always being called scrawny but my sisters who are quite a bit larger than I am look uber sexy in wrap dresses because they have boobs! I would definitely stay away from high necklines which can look frumpy with a generous rack. Likewise, things with belts that cut quite cleanly across your middle. Empire lines (with seams that go just under your boobs, and therefore cut across the narrowest part at the top of your ribs) are always more flattering.

One thing that more curvy women tend to do that infuriates me is to wear tents hoping to hide stuff when it has the opposite effect; another reason why wrap dresses are lovely. I would also go for a proper wrap rather than a faux one, because when you can adjust the ties to the side you are able to create a pleat across your tummy that can help disguise that area if you're conscious of it.

A statement necklace can also detract - it doesn't have to be HUGE but a nice pendant can be pretty.

Some shapes I think you should consider: tinyurl.com/nuzu296

tinyurl.com/p2zmnn5

tinyurl.com/pc63mhy (not a true wrap dress but the pleating is good on this)

tinyurl.com/nq4feaq

Match them with a neat clutch rather than a tote for the day, and a heel you feel comfortable in. Wedges look fab with wrap dresses IMO.

I nearly put the third one on too!
They are all nice and look a bit longer too.
Not boring if you accessorize well, nice necklace and clutch bag , if wearing navy there are loads of colours to pick from - pink, yellow, gold...

Our posts crossed! Just to clarify, the links above are to shapes I think look good with curves, not necessarily the prints or colours, themselves! If you like your legs deffo go for a knee length.

Thanks so far everyone - i have to get back to my work now, but you have all given me lots to think about.

the asos site looks great, never even looked there before.

will check back later, thanks