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Original poster

I'm fat and need a formal outfit. Help me please!

38 replies

DoomPoodle · 18/04/2018 19:30

I have to go to a "do" in a month. I've just discovered it's required to dress in a formal style.
I am not a formal person. I am very short. Very overweight (but am losing it slowly) and have no idea what I can wear.
I couldn't possibly wear a dress or skirt. My lower legs are hideous due to the weight, I am very conscious and embarassed by them, and I can't even stand up in heels.
I usually dress in jeans, trainers and plain loose tops. I hate anything flowery. It's just not me.
It's really imortant for me to go, so I can't duck out of it and it's an all day/evening event.
And to add to the misery, I'm very poor so can't afford to buy much at all.
Any advice?

OP posts:
TheGirlOnTheLanding · 18/04/2018 19:40

eBay. I had to go to a posh wedding and couldn't afford anything expensive (and even if I could, wouldn't have wanted to spend a lot on an outfit I wore once - like you, I don't do formal or dresses). I got the whole thing - wide leg trousers, silk tunic, wool coat, shoes, handbag - from eBay. The coat was designer and worn once, the tunic was Toast and still had tags on. The whole outfit cost me a tiny fraction of what it would new. So I'd suggest deciding roughly what you're after and trying ebay to see what there is in the style and colour you want.

trigger2 · 18/04/2018 21:22

Or what about somewhere like Matalan if you’d rather try things on ? They can have some nice things. Is there anything at all in your wardrobe just now that you could adapt ?

Heartofglass12345 · 18/04/2018 21:53

What about a long dress? And wear leggings underneath to prevent rubbing? Something fitted around your bust then flows outwards

Heartofglass12345 · 18/04/2018 21:54

Also would a catalogue like simply be or something be an option, you can pay monthly for things rather than all at once

Lallypopstick · 18/04/2018 21:55

ASOS do some lovely jumpsuits in their curve range that are reasonable. www.asos.com/prd/9417900 something like this

DandelionAndBedrock · 18/04/2018 21:56

Palazzo pants with a top and shoes that you already own and are comfortable in?

Bluntness100 · 18/04/2018 21:58

What sort of formal? Wedding formal or work formal? What is the dress code? What is your height and dress size, sorry folks are just going to be taking guesses and might hit lucky or not without more accurate details,

Heartofglass12345 · 18/04/2018 22:04

What about this? Its not floral! They go up to a size 32

I'm fat and need a formal outfit. Help me please!
NellythePink · 18/04/2018 22:08

Worth a look on Love Yours and ASOS Curve. Long dress with bandalettes/similar to prevent rubbing? Nice bag and a statement necklace. Maybe an updo at the hairdresser if you fancied treating yourself

SuitedandBooted · 18/04/2018 22:19

I would go for either a long dress, with an empire line fit, or a long, (mid thigh) elegant jacket, with wide-legged trousers, in a nice, flowing fabric. (Something like the picture, maybe?) You could wear flat sandals. Finding a nice top to go underneath is easy - a loose silky vest would be fine. If you are happy to buy from Ebay you could get something really nice, and cheap!
It is definitely worth considering using an account/catalogue too, as that would spread the cost .

I'm fat and need a formal outfit. Help me please!
Original poster
DoomPoodle · 18/04/2018 23:50

What sort of formal? Wedding formal or work formal? What is the dress code? What is your height and dress size
Neither. I don't want to be too specific, but for the most part the other guests will be fairly wealthy folk.
5'2" and a size 22/24 (ouch)

I don't actually own a pair of shoes. I've got trainers and boots. I was going to buy a pair of flats, but wasn't sure if they're "allowed".

Maybe an updo at the hairdresser
Shit....I forgot about my hair....it's bluey/green at the moment, and wavy/scruffy and I've not been near a hairdresser in 10 years
The local (cheapest) hairdressers charged £40 3 years ago at my daughters school leavers ball just for an up do. No way I could justify that for one day. I'll have to find my straighteners and hope for the best!

OP posts:
SuitedandBooted · 19/04/2018 16:38

How about this with some glamorous beads & leggings that colour match each other?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-NEXT-size-24-draped-frill-nude-party-occasion-dress/273155440467?hash=item3f99553f53:g:h4MAAOSw7c1antoV

You could add a wrap or a bolero jacket.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-LADIES-WOMENS-PLAIN-SHRUG-LADIES-BOLERO-SHRUG-LADIES-TOP-PLUS-SIZE-8-26/321358884251?hash=item4ad27b6d9b:m:myTZHer-XG6IneiMcAeuV2w

Lots of flat sandals on Ebay too!

Bluntness100 · 19/04/2018 17:18

Ok, I'm still not sure of dress code, I'm guessing not black tie or long gown.

What about something like this top, teamed with black wide leg trousers, and flat silver glittery sandals. You can then dress it up with a nice long length silver necklace and good hair, nails and make up.

www.curvissa.co.uk/products/sheer-tunic-top//A-59X458_26?cs_ev=browse--page1--listPosition2--none-_-PLP

mickeymacca · 19/04/2018 17:52

Do you have a friend that could help you with your hair? I'm quite good with a curler etc but doubt I'm near you! A maxi dress would cover your legs and would be nice in this hotter weather... If it stays. What's your fave colour? When you say formal is it a party type thing or serious?

Original poster
DoomPoodle · 20/04/2018 00:20

Thanks for the advice so far.
I really can't wear a dress of any description. Rubbing isn't an issue, it's my lower legs that are hideous. Even through tights, they are mis-shapen and I'm incredibly embarassed about them.

No friends who could do hair. I might let one of my daughters have a practise, although they're like me and just wash and go!

I normally wear black. The odd splash of blue or purple.

It's quite a serious do. Presentations, followed by a lunch. A bit of a break, then a sit down meal then a party. Whatever I wear I'm going to be in it for at least 12 hours so I need to be comfortable.

OP posts:
Jenniferb21 · 20/04/2018 00:24

Asos curve range is brilliant and they do buy now pay later so you can pay a bit each week as you pay within a month. Free to try on and send back then too if no good

Jump suits are brilliant and look fine with flats go for pretty sandals ? Or tony kitten heels. Or a maxi dress so your legs are totally covered.

You can make a black outfit look more special with colourful bags/ earrings/ shoes etc again Asos is fab for this.

Frombothsidesnow · 20/04/2018 00:25

A smart long skirt?

Saltcrust · 20/04/2018 00:39

Trousers?

Top??

Helpme1980 · 20/04/2018 00:55

I think you need to look at ASOS curve and Simply Be and see what fits your shape.

Perhaps try a wide leg trouser and a tunic top plus some wedges?

Otherwise if it’s too much of a stress don’t go! Bottom line is people won’t really care what you’re wearing. PS is it Chesca or something like that as a brand that’s great for larger shapes. I’m sure John Lewis and HOF do the brand or look on eBay for second hand chesca

octonaught · 20/04/2018 01:04

Can you go to a student session at a local hairdressing school.
I don’t know where you are but I went to the Vidal Sassoon school in London. New Oxford street. It was a while back but I paid a fiver for a cut and blow dry

Itscurtainsforyou · 20/04/2018 01:07

Have you tried Scarlett and Jo? They have a range of things that could do the job.

octonaught · 20/04/2018 01:10

Here’s a link to some wide trousers on eBay. Will be a good base.

OlennasWimple · 20/04/2018 01:13

This is good for a smart day time / work type look

This is nice for day into evening wear if the colour suits you

These trousers would be great with a coloured top and a long line jacket or cardigan (and you might get more wear out of them after the event?)

Ditto

Jacket and trouser comb (comes in other colours and shapes)

octonaught · 20/04/2018 01:16

Here’s some tunics; I filtered for purple! Perhaps add a long drapey scarf and a long pendant to look a bit dressy. (Can you borrow accessories from a friend?)