dress help

[scoobdoob]

Hi. Really hope someone can help me. I feel totally beyond help!
I have 3 parties coming up between now and December. All require more than my normal jeans and tee shirts.

I am a size 20 and not a nice curvy one either just a big lump with a massive middle. 5ft 5. I am mid 40s and look it!

If I do go out I normally wear black trousers and a top. I would like something that makes me look good(ish) not expecting miracles.

One of the occasions is dressy and most will be wearing glamorous dresses. The other 2 not so much but will attended by people who know how to look good. It would be nice to have something to suit all the occasions.

My normal response is not to go. Never go out really but starting to think life is to short. In the same way I am looking at my diet. Going to have my hair coloured and look at my makeup.

Oh and have young children and its christmas coming up so not lots of money. I could cry, get myself so stressed about it. I know it is my own fault I look like I do!
Thank you for your help or even just for reading.

Have a look at pink clove . Lots of going out clothes here on a budget.

I like this black dress as you could add lots of accessories.

Thank you very much.
Going to have a good look and see if there is anything that may slightly suit me. I think to below my knee may look best. I need something to help diguise my middle. It is beyond shaping pants!

I'm a size 18 and 5'2 and my middle is my biggest problem too.

If you have more to spend I've seen some amazing dresses on Little Mistress too. They have a good selection in bigger sizes.

How about something like top

Thank you very much. I will have a good look at the simply be website later.
I like the top and with trousers that is more me. But do you think it is ok to wear a top and trousers to a ball?

Sorry to ask more questions. I have looked at the websites and there are loads but I have no idea what type/shape may suit my shape. A dumpy apple

One of the parties is a ball, right? I don't think I would wear trousers to a ball but I am short and have never been able to pull off the dressy trousers look.

What are the other events you have coming up?

How do you feel about your legs? Would you wear knee length?

Don't neglect underwear, a properly fitted bra and spanx go a long way, smoothing out the silhouette always makes people look more put together, the most beautiful gown can look terrible without a proper base layer.

Remember that spanx are not about being smaller but smoother/less lumpy. Get the proper ones if you can afford to, they really are worth it and last for ages if you take proper care of them.

Don't forget Asos Curve.

this is pretty

I had seen that dress and thought it was nice.
Well it is called a ball but it is a Christmas party so not a real flashy one.
Yes I will have a look at proper underwear thanks for that it makes sense.
To the knee I think I could try.
Thank you very much for all the help.

Right I have had a look at some spanx. Does anyone have any experience /tips of what works well? There were lots to choose from.
The other events are a birthday party and a leaving party.

Going to spend time looking at the websites and in the meantime get the underwear sorted. That certainly makes sense.
Thanks again, I really have lost my confidence in everything since I had my children.