Christmas Party dress help!

[traceyturnblatt]

I'm not long back to work after maternity leave and have a Christmas party night this year. I'm completely dreading it. I've had two children in the past three years and my stomach is horrible. I also don't like my upper arms. I like my legs though so that's something I guess.

I know it's next month but I really like the team I work with and want to go out with them but want to look good too! I haven't been out properly in years without a baby attached for me and want to enjoy my night off.

I'm a size 14, smallish busy and 5'7''. I'm a peely-wally Scot with dark hair and normally wear black.

Any advice on wear to look or suggestions?

OP I came on to write basically the same post as you also have small kids, bit of a tummy, decent legs, early 30s, dark haired peely wally Scot (waves out window) and need something for the Christmas party.

The Becca dress looks good. It's very like Hush dresses of which I have a few, they are beautiful but tend not to be party-ish, more office.

I had wondered about a sparkly stretchy skirt and chiffon top tucked in. That can be flattering and hide a multitude of tummy sins. I haven't found anything yet as I keep waiting until I've lost that final stone before going shopping...

Oh just seen the Becca dress in petrol that has sequins on top... Think it's a winner!

@LurkYouLongtime hi!👋🏻 I do like the idea of skirt and top but would be worried that it all would cling around my stomach.

I've not looked at Hush, do you think they are too 'office wear'?

This is such a palava!

I've made my peace with the fact my stomach won't be the way it was after carrying what were effectively two small hippos but you'd think I'd be ok to wear something/anything and not mind!

Lurk the one with petrol blue sequins looks fab..would you not really want a flat stomach to pull that off?

Not too sure bitofabelly. The hush ones I have (Tara and Tina styles) which are similar are quite good with a belly as the loose material is at the tummy/chest and then it's fitted only around the hips and bum which I don't mind. I'm hoping the Becca is similar.

I've ordered 3 different Becca dresses my credit card has now melted... I'm happy to post photos once they arrive for interested parties.

OP, yeah the Hush ones are good quality and flattering but either officey or casual. There are none in a glittery or sparkly material. I've a navy one I've worn out for drinks/dinner but it's not a glammed up, Christmas party throw down some funky shapes dress

m.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/skater-dresses-4888369/glitter-spot-mesh-top-skater-dress-8105596?dual-run=dorothyperkins.com&

Lurk would love to see pics when you get them..always nice to see dresses modelled more
Realistically

@Lurk, are the Hush dresses the Tara dress?

@LurkYouLongtime I tried on a becca dress today and I was totally impressed! Tried on one with blue stars and one that was glittery and both were lovely. I went for a 14 and they fit really well.

Going back after payday to get them ( if you haven't bought them all )

I did go to H&M and buy a jumpsuit- something I've NEVER worn and would like an opinion if you guys didn't mind?

Following to read later

Definitely OP, let's see the jumpsuit!

The phase eight ones I've ordered are a 12. Possibly a bit optimistic but I've got time to exchange them. And lose a stone obviously

@Creme yes I've got two Tara dresses which are a sort of cotton t-shirt type material with a ruched skirt. I've got three others in a similar shape, possibly Tina(?) which are knitted jersey and not a ruched skirt.

Honest opinions please! I'm not too sure about it because it's not jeans and a jumper

Ooh! I think that looks really good! You have such long legs!

@LurkYouLongtime really? I'm just worried it's not Christmas party-ish and my DH commented that it's very 'retro' 🙄

Love the jumpsuit OP! Wish I could wear them, I get camel toe

Am going to investigate the Hush dress too

Op, I'm not digging it...for the mere fact that we can't see those fab legs you obviously have...I feel the pattern is ageing or dated or maybe retro 70's..maybe something in a plain unpatterned material...i don't want to upset you in the slightest as you were brave enough to ask for opinion. I think you can do better and show off that figure better

Ps I really like Batwing sleeves on you

Pps..it looks good from the side but from the front the legs are too wide
and don't do your legs justice if you get me

@bitofabelly no you've not upset me! The more I look at it the more I'm not convinced about it.

(Glad I've managed to be camel toe free though!)

Back to the drawing board I think.

As an aside, there are Becca dresses in the clearance bit online in a size 12 on the Next website in Brands

Tracy can you link to those reduced Becca dresses..can't find them..thanks so much

@bitofabelly

www.next.co.uk/clearance/search?w=Phase%20eight%20becca

I've just bought one of the Next Becca dresses as well - the lacey one in a 14 so I can compare size wise with the 12s. So I've now bought 4 dresses thanks to this thread...

I see what bitofabelly is saying about the jumpsuit - I genuinely think it's lovely on you (and I'm horribly jealous of your legs) but it doesn't scream Christmas party WOWSER. Good for Christmas day? Or maybe some drinks after work or something?

I think swing and skater style dresses are flattering when you have a bit of a tummy (I have too). Also ones that rouche at the side and are like wrap around style IYSWIM. You don't want them too long as you want to show off your legs so knee-ish length is best IMO (it's driving me mad atm that all dresses/skirts seem to be either very short or very long).

@LurkYouLongtime thank you for the lovely comments not used to them!

I think I'm going to get a dress or two and probably a Becca one and try them on.

Would you guys mind if posted them on here for opinions?

@goingonabearhunt1 I know exactly what you mean about the dress length! Really frustrating!