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?

My Quiz dress is arriving today but we're away til tomorrow...can I get opinions pls? I want to get involved!

I'm considering ordering the Hush Tara dress as it's reduced for Black Friday-anyone know how it compares to the Phase8 one?

@Lurk you look fab in them! Glad I started the thread too (although my bank balance can't say the same!)

@CremeDeSudo definitely show us pictures- sure it'll look great! I hate to ask but what is the link for the Hush dress?

I would wear the becca op, with a long gold necklace, gold strappy sandals and pale tights? or go with the boots but paler tights.

I have just ordered two Becca dresses. Curse you Mumsnet!

Where are you all getting the best deals on the becca dress x

Also do I size up or down I'm a size 10 top and size 12 bottom?

@CremeDeSudo I have 6 Hush dresses and would describe them as follows:

Tara: the most casual of this style of dress, made of t-shirt type material. Very comfy and easy to wear and flattering but for me it's not Xmas party wear. I wear mine to work regularly with a cardigan or blazer. The ruched skirt can be worn longer or shorter depending on what you're comfortable with.

Tina: slightly more formal than the Tara in a jersey knit, also wear this to work with a blazer but would wear out for dinner. Very comfy and flattering. It's a bit longer in the body and skirt than the Tara.

Alexandra: the top price point for this style of dress, I have one of these in Burgundy. It's fine but the material (a thick wool material) has gone quite bobbly after minimal wear, it's quite heavy and it's definitely the longest of them all. I wouldn't buy this again or recommend.

I have a size M in them all, I would say that equates to a large 12, so the sizing is quite generous.

Compared to the Phase Eight dresses they are all more casual/businesslike than the Beccas, and also longer in the body. The bottom of the jumper bit sits down at the top of my bum wherease it's higher up on my hips with the Becca. Also the Beccas are lined with a silky under-dress (at least the ones I've tried) whereas the Hush dresses are not.

Hope that's helpful. I do like/love my Hush dresses, I think the Tina is the best in terms of quality v price v fit v most flexible BUT would I wear it to the Christmas party night and feel glammed up? No.

I appreciate casual/businesslike is somewhat of an oxymoron. I mean they are not partywear like the Beccas I've tried.

@Babydon'tcry
I ordered mine from the Phase 8 website. Both less than £50. Seemed to be cheaper than Next and Debenhams.

@Myothercarisalsoshit I've got two in my basket already but debating whether to order size 10 or 12

I'm the opposite to you - size 16 top (big boobs) and 14 bottom. I ordered the 16. I would always go bigger but then I can't bear tight clothes.

Wow Lurk thank you for the comprehensive reviews! I'm going to look later and may be buy a Tina