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Original poster

HELP!!! Black tie event dress needed for 5”2 apple

29 replies

FlipFlapBat · 09/01/2019 18:14

I’m struggling.

I’m going as a plus one with my husband to a black tie event next week (17th). It’s very fancy. I ordered some dresses but none suit and I’m really stuck. I’m a jeans and jumper type of girl.

I’m 5”2 and a several stone overweight. Obviously no time for a crash diet... my normal dress size is a 14 or 16 and I carry all my weight round my middle. Colouring wise I’m very pale with very blonde hair (natural colouring). Pale colours don’t suit me at all, normally burgundy, deep purple, black, navy, greens, blues but not too pale or bright are best.

I probably won’t wear this dress again so my budget is £50 but I can stretch a little. I have another £50 for shoes... I can walk in heels but since having children my feet have expanded and I only have boots now so no dressy shoes.

I am a ball with legs, honestly the weirdest shape. Boob wise a C cup. I never wear long dresses but as this actually specifies “dress code black tie NOT cocktail” I’m guessing they mean long!

Please help I have no idea where to start!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 09/01/2019 18:36

Urgh that's tough.

V neck, fairly straight just not sure about from the knee down as I always s wear short dresses Confused

Can you google anything firm susannah and Trinny...

RandomMess · 09/01/2019 18:38

Thinking a slit in the dress to get your leg out Smile

FatGirlWithChocolate · 09/01/2019 18:41

I would highly recommend the Scarlett and Jo polka dot Marilyn dress..it's extremely flattering (I'm 5"4 and several sizes more than you"..comes in some lovely colours..black, a deep green, navy, burgundy, purple etc..

museumum · 09/01/2019 18:44

How are your shoulders? www.next.co.uk/style/esl89152#L89152

RandomMess · 09/01/2019 18:44

Something empire line should work. I think Pinterest is your friend look up apple shape dresses on there.

messyhousetidymind · 09/01/2019 18:47

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/issa-petite-olivia-deep-v-maxi-dress/d877965.pd#288438425

Too pale? Bargain though

Notageek · 09/01/2019 19:02

How about these ? There are loads on sale in Debenhams at the moment
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_60514+FFN0088016_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_60514+FFN0087636_-1t

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_65075+1327_-1

I’m 5’2 , 14-16 and a D bust ..I have a long dress in a similar style to the last on but in dark red ..it looks great and is comfy too ! i wear it with cheap gold strappy sandals.

RandomMess · 09/01/2019 19:06

Little mistress drape front maxi dress in House of Fraser, looks like a god shape.

messyhousetidymind · 09/01/2019 19:14

www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100014088.html

Original poster
FlipFlapBat · 09/01/2019 19:39

Thank you, you lovely people. I am in a complete panic mode.

I've looked at every link!

I think I best suit a fitted top that then flares and skims over the wobbly middle. Nothing hour glass shape as I have no waist. Something that fits under the boobs and then is loose the rest of the way will probably work best, especially if there is ruching. I have a good handspan under the boobs before it all goes to pot. Nothing with frills, ruffles or a pattern.

Notageek I don't like velvet or velour but I do really like the Izabel London - Navy lace top maxi dress - I'm not sure it will suit but will order it to try. The **Showcase Petite Navy 'Grace' Maxi Dress is nice but they don't have my size.

Shadow1986 The second one might suit me but I don't love it, I don't think the first one would and it is a bit expensive.

Messyhousetidymind I'm not familiar with the site or brand and can't figure out if returns are free. I think the dress would cling to my stomach too much.

FatGirlWithChocolate I'm allergic to polka dots but going to have a look at their other dresses. I'm a C cup but a small C cup if that makes sense and I don't think the neckline would suit.

museumum my shoulders and arms are okay. I do lift weights. They aren't good enough for that dress (or maybe the rest of me isn't good enough). I don't mind them being out though. But not my back because there will be industrial spandex wrapped round it!

RandomMess Pinterest is great for inspiration thanks, although I need to find things in stock that I can order which Pinterest is not helpful for!

Thanks all, still searching!

OP posts:
messyhousetidymind · 09/01/2019 19:48

If you like the showcase petite dress that pp found - look on the Dorothy Perkins site rather than Debenhams there are more colours and your sizes

Original poster
FlipFlapBat · 09/01/2019 20:03

I've just done a £340 order from Debenhams onto my credit card repeating to myself that I'm not spending £340, all but one (hopefully) will go back. I've ordered in both a 14 or 16 (or a 12 and 16 where the 14 was out of stock as VERY occassionally I'm a 12 depending on fit, very very occassionally).

Now checking out Dorothy Perkins. I liked some of House of Fraser I think a PP linked but their postage is a bit unreasonable and I'm no where near one. I kind of expect free postage and returns nowadays!

OP posts:
FatGirlWithChocolate · 09/01/2019 20:04

No worries flipflapbat..they also do a plain version..the great thing about it is as an apple (I am too) it gives you a lovely defined waist which is very flattering..Little Mistress are worth a look too..got a lovely maxi dress there for Christmas, cheap and flattering...Collectif also have a sale on at the mo..good luck...or even join a facebook group (fuller figure wardrobe v2 ) and ask..people often sell new or excellent condition dresses very cheaply.

Original poster
FlipFlapBat · 09/01/2019 20:05

That ASOS one is nice TopToToe but I'm not sure it is dressy enough for the occasion. It's very low cut and gappy at the front too and my boobs wouldn't fill it and it would show my bra. I definitely can't go bra-less with these droopy spaniels ears!

OP posts:
NoMoreMarbles · 09/01/2019 20:11

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F273602716859

These are beautiful and I wore one to my last black tie do!

Notageek · 09/01/2019 20:13

If you might fit into a 12 then this is lovely and again a petite !

www.precis.co.uk/petite-ally-lace-maxi-dress-dfbbf4

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