what kind of dress would be flattering on a size 14/16 with a tummy?

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I've got a party to go to next week the invitation says it's smart or something like that - basically dress up. I'd prefer not to buy something as we're a bit strapped, but if necessary I could get something.

The tummy is the big problem, I'm very aware of it after three children it's very noticeable.

So, what shapes etc do you think would be flattering? what would Gok say? I''ve got some of those passion killer knickers, but what on top of them? Help

how tall are you and what is your colouring?

depends

what's the rest of your shape like

if you're straight up and down with a big tummy you need v diff dress to a curvy woman with a tum (the latter could wear a wrap, the former prob couldn't)

a wrap dress is flattering on big tums ime.

something like This?

I'm fairly tall 5' 7", have red hair and pale skin (was planning to fake tan tonight). I don't think I'd be described as curvy, probably more straight up and down, I do have a bit of a waist, but not much. Boobs - not big, not small 36C. DH, says I have a great bottom!

Doesn't sound great, does it.

belt not good if you're trying to draw attention away from tum area imo furball

better to e.g. have a deep v with a brightly coloured camisole underneath to draw eye upwards to cleavage

or snazzy necklace to do the same

Furball - I love it, not sure about belt either, although if it hangs down at front maybe it would hide the tum.

ok

well as a fellow straight-up-and-downer, i avoid wrap dresses - they just accentuate how wide my waist is

i tend to go either for plainish shift shapes, or very structured shapes

let me have a gander at a few things...

i love the flared 50s style dresses with a bit of mesh underneath......i have strapless ones then pit a cardigan over........EBAY

what do you already have in your wardrobe?

this osrt of style would hide a tum

That One From Monsoon is always worth a bash - the ruched waist panel is phenomenally flattering
where is it
[rummages]
it's bloody gone!

it's the shape of the dress in Outift 2
like this but not halter

bet it's in the sale in Monsoon - def worth checking your local one.

agree with ggirl's choice

Maybe an empire line dress, that skims over the tummy, but shows off your boobs?

this sort of thing

Mrs B - I had a look at the monsoon site earlier and thought how nice those styles were, but thought the waist bit wouldn't work, but on your say so will go and try some on. It didn't occur to me that the ruching would hide.

ggirl - I dont think I have enough waist, think I'd look huge in it.

thanks so far ladies.

ruching very good for disguising tums

i have a chinesey style dress from karen millen with ruching at sides, plus a drapey assymmetric panel across tum - works wonders

Or this polka dot one

www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/10/

(what is going on with next links atm?)

This first one is cute if you have good legs...

www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/casualwear/1/

loads here

don't know - my first one worked!! How irritating.

the next links all very strange here, but I'll look through the site.

I feel all inspired - I suspect dh will be in the doghouse tonight, so good timing to mention I need a new dress and all the shops you've suggested are nearby.

Thank you everyone

I REALLY want that Monsoon dress for my sister's wedding in August - they do it in loads of different materials, and there are loads of them on ebay.

Think the shape is perfect for those with big tummies (of which I am one).