Size 20/22 wedding guest outfit required

[ShirazSavedMySanity]

I’m overweight. It’s my DM’s favourite topic of conversation. I look fat and frumpy in most clothes. I used to enjoy shopping, now with 2 DC, I can’t remember the last time I bought an outfit for a purpose.

I have a family wedding to go to at the end of May. Lots of family, I’ll be in lots of photos. DH & the DC have an outfit sorted.
WTF can I wear?

I need help! I want something that looks like I’ve made an effort, something I don’t need to breathe in wearing all day. Something that DM will do the ‘look Shiraz up and down’ but actually smile when she sees me.

I’ll need shoes, bag and fascinator too.

I can’t wear pale clothes, im too pale for that. I’m not concerned about cost at the moment.

And I think I’m actually a 22 not a 20.

It needs to cover the tops of my arms and hide my tummy.

Any links would be much appreciated. I’m in denial that this is happening and I need to get myself sorted.

can't do links on my phone, but check out asos - they have lots of wedding type outfits in plus sizes

This is an expensive recommendation, but Taking Shape have some gorgeous and VERY flattering clothes. I can't recommend them enough.

The reason I say it's expensive is because it's an Australian company. They had stores and warehouses in the UK, but closed them all down about 18-24 months ago as they didn't get enough business.

I only discovered them near the end of the tenure in the UK and I love their stuff.

They will ship to the UK, but obviously that costs money. Also, if your order is more than £130-ish, you'll have to pay a customs charge (found this out too late 😳).

Every now and then I still buy stuff from them online. I just make sure to research it well and read all the reviews, so it's unlikely I'll have to return it.

Sorry, should have put a link!

takingshape.com.au/dresses

ginabacconi.com/outlet.html

Anything here?

I'm a 20-22. I'm wearing this to a wedding on Friday.

www.littlewoodsireland.ie/v-by-very-curve-jacquard-prom-dress/1600192365.prd

Nude shoes & bag, hiring a fascinating, job done.

All my weight is in my belly, but I do have magnificent boobs and legs, so I'm showing those off and fuck the begrudgers.

Scarlett and Jo are great.

Or this sort of thing?

www.studio-eight.com/fcp/product/studio8/party-dresses/minnie-double-layer-dress/230386050

Or Monsoon go up to a 22 and so do Boden. House of Fraser can also be useful for plus size Occasion wear.

Anna Scholz. www.annascholz.com/online-store/dresses.html. I only ever but in the sale but some of the normal stuff is affordable. Don't be put off by the mental patterns they are carefully cut (though I have had to send a few back for being too, er, eccentric!)

I bought lots of things from Lindy Bop for my honeymoon to a swanky resort, and have worn the dresses since to a wedding. All bright, flattering and funky. I'm a size 22-24 these days. Try there.

Another vote here for Scarlett and Jo

I’m thinking of getting this for a wedding in the summer, probably with some hot pink accessories.
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/coast-ada-mono-midi-dress/gt893/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Mono,size:

this top with some dark, swishy trousers?

Wow, some great ideas here.
I’ve never heard of Scarlett and Jo, they have a section called dresses with pockets! Love that!!

I like that Littlewoods dress too. Are you wearing a shawl/cardigan with it? I’m conscious about the tops of my arms

I wore this Scarlett and jo dress to a wedding last year, loads of compliments. I was a 20 at the time.

www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/pocket-dresses/products/pocket-dress-7?variant=41384031172

I wore it with nice patent shoes and belt.

100% agree with Scarlet and Jo! Their dresses are amazing.
I buy lots from yours clothing too.

Wore it with NUDE shoes etc.. although I thought they were nice

What's your shape OP? Hourglass? Apple? Rectangle? Height? Skintone? So we can recommend based on those info. :)

Love the one Barleys posted. And your mum sounds awful, I hope one day you can think about something like this withoit worrying about her opinion. What sort of mother makes her own child feel that bad? (My own mother is the same and I don’t get it.)

I can recommend the personal shopping at John Lewis. I'm a similar size and went there in desperation for a wedding outfit at Christmas.

The stylist was lovely and felt good about shopping for the first time in ages. She asked me lots of questions then left me with a glass of wine while she went looking for outfits. She came back with about 15 outfits for me to try on, including lots I never would've considered. In fact, I ended up buying a dress that I would never have tried on in a hundred years!

I didn't feel under any pressure, right up to the till she was telling me that I didn't have to buy anything and could return anything that I did buy.

I know I'm gushing, but it was such a positive experience and I got so many compliments on my dress. If you lack confidence, hate shopping or just want to save hours of time I'd give it a go.

Or any other dept store, I guess they all offer a similar service.

Rainy
That sounds like such a positive experience.
Which John Lewis ?

Rainy - that sounds fantastic. I didn’t even realise JL catered for my size. I’m so self conscious about shopping so I rarely do any clothes shopping anymore

Drowning - I don’t know how to define my shape. I’ve got broad shoulders, big boobs, thick set waist and short legs. Although I do like my legs from the knee down! I’m 5’7

I’ve got broad shoulders, big boobs, thick set waist and short legs. Although I do like my legs from the knee down! I’m 5’7

Then you definitely need to show some legs!

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From City Chic but sold through UK site

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5 - I like this

From City Chic Au but I think they ship internationally:

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I'll have a wrap but that's only for the ceremony/transport. And assuming I can find said wrap.