Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Glamorous plus sized dress?

48 replies

BillyDaveysDaughter · 21/10/2017 19:53

I am being dragged under duress to a works Christmas party.

I'm tired of being the obligatory fat woman in an ill fitting frumpy dress trying to cover everything up. Where can I buy something super glamorous!

I'm a size 18, with broad back and shoulders, ugly arms and legs but giant bosoms. Rather rectangular shaped - narrowest under bust, straight down through waist and hips but lumpy around the stomach.

Body con dresses look awful so I'm thinking - half to long sleeved, empire line, fitted bust but full long or knee length skirt. Plunge neckline.

I've looked everywhere but only found something which might be vaguely suitable at Evans. Where else can I try?

OP posts:
ilovecherries · 21/10/2017 20:41

Scarlett & Jo?

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 21/10/2017 20:42

Simply Be has some lovely dresses.

Pinkkahori · 21/10/2017 20:45

Chi Chi London. I'm a size 18 and I have an amazing dress from there.

Cinnamoncookie · 21/10/2017 20:45

Scarlett and Jo I found to be very hourglass. If you're curvy with a waist, then they could work. I'm generally big with no waist at all and the dresses I tried from there were completely the wrong shape.

Studio Eight (Phase Eight plus size range) often have nice things

FiveGoMadInDorset · 21/10/2017 20:46

I get most of my evening stuff at Monsoon

YouCantArgueWithStupid · 21/10/2017 20:51

I’m similar to your build but a size 18/20 and look best in a jump suit. Or this dress?

Glamorous plus sized dress?
Glamorous plus sized dress?
Original poster
BillyDaveysDaughter · 21/10/2017 21:05

Thanks for these ideas. Yes, I bought a Scarlett and Jo dress for a black tie do, but actually I don't have much waist so it didn't look that good.

Simply Be are nice but they tend to be cut high - my boobs are my best assets, as I have shorty stumpy rhino legs and the shoulders of a wrestler. I find they're not really cut for boobage.

Will def check out Monsoon, Chi Chi and Studio 8, thanks!

Thanks for the pics Youcan't - I quite like Asos Curve, never bought anything though. That high cut neckline may not work as I have 34H boobs and it's a bit short anyway - jumpsuit is an idea, I don't have wide hips though...I'm short (5'3"), should I be sporting a jumpsuit?

OP posts:
YouCantArgueWithStupid · 21/10/2017 21:07

As long as you’ve got a high waist in the garment should be fine! I find it “gives me hips” IYSWIM?

YouCantArgueWithStupid · 21/10/2017 21:07

I’m 5ft5 and often get compliments x

Tantpoke · 21/10/2017 21:12

something like this ?

www.lindybop.co.uk/amber-rust-red-occasion-dress.html

Original poster
BillyDaveysDaughter · 21/10/2017 21:36

Hmm I guess...the fabric is a kinda clingy, do you spend time hoiking it out from under the belt and fussing that it's sitting right?

Oh Tant I love that dress...what a shame the back exposes the bit where your arm joins your body, that's the part on me that looks most like a slab of beef Sad

Some lovely dresses on that site though.

I'm also in love with the Chi Chi dresses! What a shame I have such horrid blotchy wrestler arms. I know you can buy "wingz" to add sleeves but I've got some and they really just add bulk around the chest - right where I don't need any more bulk.

I'm eyeing up the bardot style and wondering whether a band of fabric off the shoulder might disguise enough. Then again, it might look like a sash around a pig...

OP posts:
slug · 21/10/2017 21:36

I can vouch for this shape. I have it with short sleeves in navy and was worth the money as I wear it to work, posh dos and weddings

ZippyCameBack · 21/10/2017 21:39

I have a very nice dress from Navabi. Tis expensive, but you do get good boobage!

Ollivander84 · 21/10/2017 21:41

I like the Lyra dresses from here
https://ladyvlondon.com/LadyVoluptuous/

Ollivander84 · 21/10/2017 21:42

Posted too soon! The estella dresses are lovely too

jeaux90 · 21/10/2017 21:43

Gina Bacconi (John Lewis app) do some nice plus sized dresses. There is a black knee length one, shift style with a cape (sounds weird but it's not)

Pinkkahori · 21/10/2017 21:44

How dressy is the night out?

FreakinScaryCaaw · 21/10/2017 21:47

Slug that's lovely

BearFoxBear · 21/10/2017 21:49

I'm a 16/18 hourglass and have a couple of cracking dresses from Little Mistress Plus via ASOS. Very curve friendly and sexy!

Orlandointhewilderness · 21/10/2017 21:51

Lindy bop/ hell bunny have some lovely ones for plus sizes and are very reasonable and decent quality.

Original poster
BillyDaveysDaughter · 21/10/2017 21:51

How have I never found Navabi! Pricey and I can't see anything with a deep v neck, but what lovely dresses.

OP posts:
MouseLove · 21/10/2017 22:00

Littlewingsfactory.co.uk lovely vintage dresses that look amazing on a bigger lady. I’ve just got myself one and I NEVER buy dresses. Great price too.

MouseLove · 21/10/2017 22:01

Sorry link is www.littlewingsfactory.com

Original poster
BillyDaveysDaughter · 21/10/2017 22:08

Thanks so much for these new ideas - you'd think Google would bring some of them up but it doesnt!

In terms of how dressy, it's the Christmas party of our parent company and I have to go with the MD. So, there will be some head honchos around to impress. Equally, most of them will simply get shitfaced and will take no more notice of me than they would a slightly overcooked sprout, so my attempt at effortless glamour may be largely wasted.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread