Very Posh 10th Anniversary Party - HELP - what present, what to wear, am like a fat GOOSE in a dress

[StarryStarryNight]

I am going to this extremely posh 10th anniversary, 100 guests coctail waiters, staff, held in a mansion on the Thames, invite says "dinner and dancing".

Can you TELL I am not used to society events?

I am like a duck out of water, and I look like a goose in any dress. I am sixe 16 bordering on 18. Have dieted for three months prior to this, eating salads and vegetable soups, but my weight wont shift! My tummy just wont slim or shape up, my arms are chubby so needs hiding, I need to find a dress pronto! Help!

I guess, on a day to day basis, I dont feel inferior, but on events like these, I really feel conscious about our differences, and I need a nice dress!

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she wore the one Liz Hurley has on here to her ds' christening with a wrap shawl thing and looked amazing
dress

arse it didn't work. go to monsoon and click on women and she's there at the top ofthe very first page in a lovely dress

Hi Cod, I totally hear what you're saying about fat decolletage. I'm not planning on jamming my chest into the dress so that it looks like Phil and Grant Mitchell fighing!

I thought that the cover up would reduce the amount of flesh on display and sort of make it acceptable.

Do you think that might work?

If not, tell me. I'm an ex-rugby player, I can take hard knocks!

shoppingbagsundereyes, that's a lovely frock.
Do you think it's posh enough for a black-tie wedding. I am seriously stressing over this.

wg you sound similar shape to me. monsoon will not fit you, they are for the wide of hip and small waisted.
cod right, strapless for flat fronts only.

i absolutely adore the phase eight dress ruby.
any idea what it looks like from the back?

sorry, how negative. top/skirt might be easier, perhaps wrap top could be your friend. or empire dress if it isn't too billowy. oh how about shirt dress, no pockets over bosom, can skim your hips and a nice v neck so flattering.

agree with earlier posters, wrap dresses in general are just too stretchy and allow wibble. i look like a hen in shrugs.

Bugger! Would a burqha be acceptable at a black-tie do!

welshie, only if extremely posh designer one!
with manolo blahniks underneath, or jimmy choos

wg i was looking for soemting nice for you and i found something very nasty well you couldn't possibly do worse so relax eh

now what colour do you suit?

that is truly dire fishie.
will probly go for a fiver soon

if your arms are passable a dress this shape can work utter wonders on the fuller-figured
that ruched waist panel is phenomenally flattering

they have several other colours/designs in that shape - they had more last year so do check ebay for them

fishie, that is grim!

Well, I'm pale-ish and a little freckly. With dark brown hair.

I like to think that I suit black, seeing as 80% of my wardrobe is that colour! However, seeing as that's not weddingy, I also suit browns, olive/mossy greens and generally muted colours.
Strangely, bright red also looks good on me, which is handy seeing as this is the colour of the Welsh rugby team! I don't think I'll get away with jeans and a rugby top to the wedding though .

Hi MrsBadger. I would never have considered anything with a ruched waist. I will have to go and try it on.

How do you suggest I accessorise that for a black-tie do?

Thanks ever so much to all of you!

i have followed mrsb's advice previously & bought a dress that shape. have worn it to 2 weddings this summer & have had many compliments . would you like me to post a picture of myself wearing (god, this might be rash of me!).

Yes! Especially if you are larger than a 12!

I still think my monsoon dress would look fab and I think it's posh enough. My friend I mentioned who has that dress certainly is not small of waist. Try it on, then I can be smug knwoing I have found yout eh perfect dress

ooh mrs badger's choice is lovely too and will give the impression of a waist if you don't have one - try both on

HI,
I am back, lol

I read through all the advise earlier then went to Monsoon. I tried on maybe 10 dresses in size 16 and 18.

Dress 1

and this
bolero

I cant find the other dress I liked on the website, but this is similar in style, and boy is my chest impressive in this:
similar to Dress2 I liked

But I tried it in size 16, and it is perfect, only I cannot zip it up on the side in the region of my bust, just under the armpit. But, that can be hidden under the bolero above.... Would that be a terrible sin to have a dress that does not zip up??

Actually, both were nice, but I wonder if the reason I liked them is that the fit me, not that they are so fab and stylish....
What do you think?

Weshgirlie, I am glad this thread is helping you find an outfit for the wedding!

if a dress fits wlel, then it is fab and stylish.
an up to the miute fashion plate thing that doesnt fit is gawdawfdul.
i love both those dresses. which one are you ging to go for?

The bolero is fab fab fab. I think the black and white is best, then you can be all stylish in monocrome. Fab very high shoes required though. You will look like a proper girl.

like both

its me cod

ssn have you had a nice new bra lately? should help with dress / zip prob.