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Original poster

Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss

35 replies

craptastic · 21/09/2015 11:24

I'm a keen reader of style and beauty and today wondered if anyone can help me find some dresses to suit my shape.

I have lost a lot of weight over the past couple of years and really want to change my look a bit, after years of wearing nothing but jeans and boring tops.

So, I'm 30, 5'6 and a size 12/14 depending on where I shop. I am after some casual, every day dresses for the autumn/winter that can be worn with tights or leggings and fall just above the knee. I tried on several at the weekend, and two styles I chose looked awful. My smallest part is under my bust (32G) so I chose dresses that went in under the bust, but whilst they flattered that part, they made my chest look enormous and made me look a little pregnant. So I chose another style, which was more straight up and down, which just made me look like a shapeless sack of spuds. I tend to avoid v necks as I don't like my cleavage on show and sometimes they are cut low which reveals my bra (I have to wear full cup supportive bras).

I'm feeling a little defeated, as after losing six stone I still struggle so much to look nice and feminine and choose clothes to flatter, please help!

OP posts:
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pdxs · 21/09/2015 12:25

Have you tried pepperberry, joules, white stuff - all seem to have more fullness in bust (I am a similar shape to you)

Another interesting tip for fuller busts I read was to avoid low arm-holes (like batwings) & loose/blousey sleeves - if dress has sleeves go for a slim sleeve ideally 3/4

for the v-necks - why not a cami underneath? really cheap (i like M&S), cover you up & smooth it all out

Congrats on the weight loss & hope you enjoy choosing your new dresses!

pdxs · 21/09/2015 12:26

also - were you wearing heels? that would go some way to take care of the 1st fit problem you mention...

Original poster
craptastic · 21/09/2015 12:33

Thank you for the suggestions. I haven't heard of Pepperberry so will check that out. I ordered a bundle of clothes from White Stuff a while ago and not one garment fitted properly, though maybe I shall look again.

I think I may have to wear a cami underneath, though I was hoping to avoid as I get so uncomfortable in layers!

I can't wear heels! I mostly want the dresses for a trip to New York in a months time, just so I can look a bit smarter at times. I will be wearing flat ankle boots as I will be doing a fair amount of walking.

OP posts:
Lovewearingjeans · 21/09/2015 12:46

With White Stuff you have to be really picky. There is a style of dress they do, with 3/4 length sleeves, that are really flattering for a big bust (I'm 32f), and I always get compliments. Will try to find the current colour online and link on here. It is a day dress, rather than evening.

Original poster
craptastic · 21/09/2015 12:48

That sounds ideal, thank you Lovewearingjeans

OP posts:
Lovewearingjeans · 21/09/2015 13:25

On IPad so can't link, but I think it's the Dancing the night away Dress.

ImperialBlether · 21/09/2015 13:28

This is the Dancing the night away dress.

Original poster
craptastic · 21/09/2015 13:31

Thank you, I've just had a look, and really like the style and colour but not keen on the pattern...

OP posts:
ameliameerkat · 22/09/2015 11:25

That White Stuff dress still looks a bit straight up and down for the OP! You sound a similar shape to me and I'd look terrible in that frock (tbh). Maybe instead of princess line dresses (I think they're the ones that are most fitted under your bust) go for hourglass shaped e.g. nipped in at the waist?

For the boob issue (speaking as a 30F) I would say avoid really high necks, or anything too v necked without a vest underneath. I got great super cropped vests from Primark ages ago that are essentially more like crop tops - vests that finish just under your bra! They're great for wearing under low necked things. Maybe look out for some of them? They don't feel like you're wearing layers, and you don't get a 'vest line' around your bottom.

Maybe something like this?
www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/black-bird-print-bell-sleeve-skater-dress-_358692509

Mumelie · 22/09/2015 11:32

I'm the same shape and size as you and second that style dress from White Stuff. Curve skimming - not shapeless.
I also buy from Boden - like this dress
Avoid all the elastictaed waist dresses out at the moment - they will ping up to the small bit under your bust and look odd (I cant wear them at all).

Mumelie · 22/09/2015 11:34

Oh and congratulations on such an amazing weight loss - I cant even manage a few lbs at the moment!

Original poster
craptastic · 22/09/2015 12:00

Thank you for the advice both of you, Mumelie, its been a struggle and still a stone or two to go but I feel amazing compared to what I did a couple of years ago!

Mumelie, totally agree with the elasticated waist dresses, tried them before and they were shocking! Will have a look at Boden.

Amelia, I still have a wobbly tum so I'm not sure if that dress would emphasize that? Its not huge but far from being flat. But I do like that dress. Thanks for the tip on crop tops, its now on my to buy list.

OP posts:
nottheOP · 22/09/2015 13:04

We have similar sounding figures. I tend to go for Oasis, Next, Dorothy Perkins, Sainsburys & ASOS (they're a bit shorter though)

Please share if you find any - I like to basically live in that outfit all winter.

Glasspumpkin · 22/09/2015 13:08

You can always use a belt to pull a dress in at the waist.

Buglife · 22/09/2015 13:15

I've always found a skater dress shape good, I'm a G cup and also lost weight to become a 12-14 (back to 16 post baby and with added belly so working my way back down!) and I find the flared skirt balenced boobs. Also makes waist look nice.

Buglife · 22/09/2015 13:23

This is too low cut on its own I guess, but I always found this shape to be flattering as there is no waist band to speak of to cut in, and it flares out. I'm 5 foot 3 and so mini dresses aren't mini as all the Asos models seem to be about 5 foot 10! But an idea for a shape perhaps?

OP posts:
goodasitgets · 22/09/2015 13:26

Size 16 and 34K here so I get what you mean! These are three of mine, don't know if any of them appeal? I live in dresses so am scrolling through to see what might work for you. I do always wear waist belts mainly because I have a good 12 inch difference between bust and waist so things are often too big on the waist

Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss
Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss
Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss
Original poster
craptastic · 22/09/2015 13:29

Yes, a bit too low cut, but I get what you mean.

Glasspumpkin, I'm not really sure about a belt as I don't have much of a waist to be honest! I don't really know what shape I am. Going by measurements I am an hourglass but my waist doesn't go in enough (yet- I'm working on it!), to show it off, if you see what I mean?

OP posts:
goodasitgets · 22/09/2015 13:30

Two others... Red one I wear a cami under and the other patterned one I'm wearing the wrong belt with but it works with boots

Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss
Need dresses to suit my shape after weightloss
Original poster
craptastic · 22/09/2015 13:31

Goodasitgets- you look great! I'm not sure I could get comfy with a wide belt like that on though! I like the heart print dress

OP posts:
goodasitgets · 22/09/2015 13:31

That new look one is lovely

goodasitgets · 22/09/2015 13:32

Heart print is Dorothy Perkins - they did it in a few patterns, their tall range is best for the extra length

goodasitgets · 22/09/2015 13:34

This comes in other patterns, good shape though
m.dorothyperkins.com/h5/product?productId=20984596#