I’m 47, size 12-14 with a muffin top. Can you find me a ball gown that doesn’t make me want to cry?

[AlwaysOneSock]

As the title says really. I’ve been invited to a black tie event/ball taking place in February. I’d really like to go but very body conscious at the moment. I’m 5’’6 and naturally pear shaped. Was always size 10 curvy of hip but with washboard tummy before kids. Now best described as size 13 with hideous muffin top and bingo wings.
I don’t expect to look stunning but I’d like to look as less frumpy as possible.
Can anyone help?

Where do you live? I recently had to go to a black tie event & rented a dress. The rental fee was quite a lot but as I haven’t had to wear a full length evening dress since 1998 I felt it would be better to rent something than buy.

Sussex, which is not known for its dress shops although I’m sure there are some.
I have no idea about style and I don’t want to look frumpy.

I would hire something, maybe from an outfit like girlmeetsdress. Plenty of options in your size.

Thanks. I don’t want to travel up to London to hire then return a dress. So I guess buying online or hiring locally. I really need style pointers as I’m stuck. I don’t get out much.

What’s your budget always? What sort of colours suit you?

Sussex rental shop. Plenty more if you google.
Go for a fitted top and a flared skirt. advice here

You don't have to travel to London. They courier two or three to you.

What’s the budget? And would you prefer something that covers the tops of your arms, or could you do bare arms? Do you have bigger or smaller chest? Also colours - any favourites? What’s your hair colour?
I love picking ball gowns 🙂

Empire line gown? Cinched in under the bust, then flows down. Very flattering!
You could get one with 3/4 sleeves? Or use a wrap or bolero?

I have found Justine Leconte's videos on dressing your body type really useful

What about something like this? [[http://www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/jumpsuits/tia-sleeveless-jumpsuit/204341731jumpsuit ]] I have to attend quite a lot of black tie events and "ball gowns" are really quite dated now - and in my view (It's only my opinion) unless you're young / have a great figure / spend lots on money on the "whole package" - hair / make up / underwear / shoes / bag / jewellery, it's really quite a hard look to get right.

I've worn jumpsuits to black tie dinners and have felt much more confident than in a ball gown (I'm also 5'6, 45 and a size 12). Have a look at Phase Eight and Reiss - they are super flattering.

Oops
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/jumpsuits/tia-sleeveless-jumpsuit/204341731jumpsuit

Argggh if that's still not working it's called the Tia jumpsuit at Phase Eight

Spanx are your friend.

ebay is your friend. i have to go to quite a few black tie dinners with work and all of my dresses are from ebay or charity shops.

Look at Phase 8. I am the sane age as you, and a size bigger, curvy and booby. There stuff is generally pretty flattering and I usually have to size down. (I know it’s vanity sizing, but it makes me feel better).

I've got some big knickers from M&S which smooth out the muffin top for me. Think they are called waist trainers or something like that. They are very high waisted and really comfy.

Sorry, toddler woke up.
Budget up to about £400. Hair very dark, skin very pale. Eyes are blue/green. Not sure what colours suit. Boobs are large, bum is large too. I was a size 10 curvy pear shape and although my tummy is now muffin rather than washboard, I’m still roughly pearshape as I still go in then out. Although I’m size 13, I don’t look much wider than before from the front. But side on, the belly hang and muffin top is hideous. Bum and thighs now fatter and wiser.

Just trying to explain my shape. namechanged, if I had great legs I’d opt for s jumpsuit but my legs are dumpy imo.

www.coast-stores.com/p/harper-maxi-dress/1915235

But love, oh you are too down on yourself. Your figure sounds amazing. I'm a size 20 and I would go to ball and rock the shit out of whatever I was wearing. You're still tiny!! You will look lovely in whatever you wear with confidence

(I'll look again for more dresses tomorrow if you don't have any luck overnight)

I'm hour glass and a bit flabby of middle at the moment - I would always go for something with a defined waist, gives a good silhouette. If I try anything drapey or floaty to hide flab I end up looking like an expensively dressed bag lady.
Boned or corseted bodices would probably work a treat.
You might find your arms aren't as bad as you think, but if you find a dress you love you can have a seamstress add sleeves for the perfect dress.

Thanks, MrsPestilence.

I don’t think I can bare my arms. I just can’t.

eBay and spanx. I buy loads of black tie stuff on eBay and it saves ££££s

Use the savings to get your hair done

And you have a couple of weeks to exercise to feel a bit better about yourself?

Thank you, blue Thst dress is beautiful but I’m far too old and I definitely won’t feel comfortable enough to bare my upper body like that.

I have this dress

I am a bit lardy...its lovely on and very flattering i think it also comes in another colour as well

You coukd always wear a bolero