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.

Love this

www.asos.com/prd/8478137

Pretty too

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/oasis-pressed-flower-wrap-tea-dress/yq323/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Multi%20Green,size:

Might be too pale

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/elise-ryan-chiffon-dress-with-lace-detail-top-and-flutted-sleeves/yq925/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Steel,size:

Pale again but gorgeous

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-beaded-dress/ar152/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Pale%20Green,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/studio-8-millicent-dress/yq843/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Blue%20Multi-coloured,size: loveky flattering style. Ill stop posting for now or your thread will be full of simply be links

One more because this one catches my eye everytime im on there

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/chi-chi-london-dip-back-floral-fit-flare-dress/yq545/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Navy%20Print,size:

I wore a dress from Lindy Bop yesterday for my daughter’s christening. It is their “Dawn” style of dress (as I’m breastfeeding so needed the wrap top!). It has a little capped sleeve to hide the tops of my arms and did a fab job of hiding my 7 week postpartum belly. Hits just above the knee so super flattering and not massively expensive either. They have a lot of slightly “out there” prints, but also lots of more normal ones- the one I had in yesterday was a navy with small pink poppies on it (it’s not on the site any more in the navy but they do have it in white to get an idea of what I mean!!). I like that they provide individual garment fitting guides so you know which size you need if you just do a couple of quick measurements.

Another larger lady recommending scarlet & jo.
I wore this dress to a wedding and I got so many compliments.
www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/occasionwear/products/sweetheart-dress-1?variant=19288560004

Eloise, I hope you won't mind if I don't say which store, a lot of my friends are on here and I do try to be anonymous.

Op, when I booked they asked me what my size was and didn't bat an eyelid. At the appointment I asked straight away whether it was going to be difficult to find something in those sizes, and she was quite honest that some brands would be ruled out but that there would still be lots to choose from. I tried stuff on with labels from 16-20, XL etc. I think there must be some vanity sizing going on, I'm definitely not a 16 or even an 18!

Rainy could you pm me please ?

I did very little in JL is bigger than an 18. Even online I'm afraid.

How about this www.lindybop.co.uk/amber-dusty-plum-occasion-swing-dress.html

www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-curve-mesh-embroidered-midi-dress/1600234295.prd

How about this?

www.very.co.uk/v-by-very-curve-embroidered-kimono-dress/1600215473.prd

This is gorgeous!

There are some fantastic choices here, thank you all so much.

It’s nice to see that bigger sizes are catered for and you don’t need to look like you’re wearing a tent.
I’m going to do some buying and trying on in the comfort of my own home.

I’ve discovered some great new places to shop too

How about this? www.lindybop.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/33227/s/marguerite-burgundy-pencil-dress-and-jacket-twin-set/

Damn you DBoo! I'm meant to be on an economy drive and now you made me order that first dress!

I mean the oasis teadress. And do I have any shoes or accessories to go with it? I do not. Sigh.

Well you will look very pretty in your new frock whilst saving pennies elsewhere. It's a lovely dress.

But most of all try (and I know it’s hard) not to judge yourself by your mother’s approval/disapproval rating. She probably genuinely ‘cares’ but it’s time to break away from seeking her opinion about yourself and find your own set of standards.