Summer dresses for size 16?

[Batsypatsy]

So I normally wear figure hugging Jerry dresses knee length from H&M or similar or black linen skirt with long strappy top. But the dresses are showing every lump and bump - I've put on some weight.

What would suit me? I'm 5 foot 7, big boobs, no waist, big tum, apple basically. I fancy a maxi dress but haven't found any I like. Also a dress that buttons all the way down. I don't like dresses in knee length, they make my calves look big. Must be cotton, viscose or linen.

My budget is quite low. I usually shop inn H&M or on ebay.

Any suggestions? With links or photos if anyone fancies taking the time

TIA

jersey dresses not jerry

Amazon does some inexpensive loose-fitting sleeveless summer dresses in a sort of boho style. Otherwise there's always eBay.

I’ve just bought a shirt dress from fat face (similar build to you). The fabric is lovely and dress surprisingly flattering.

shivering that sounds good, do you have a link to one?

Jen I like Fatface but not so keen on shirt dresses.

Similar apple shape to you Batsypatsy and I’ve just got the khaki Simone dress from Fat Face which is v flattering.

www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses-skirts/shelley-shirt-dress/939388.html?dwvar_939388_color=phantom&dtm_campaign=shopping&dtm_channel=ppc&dtm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxcC76byQ4gIVS7XtCh10PglvEAQYASABEgJdYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I don’t normally like shirt dresses either but this was in the sale and with a further 10% off it wax only £26 so I thought it was worth a try. I got it in navy and swapped the belt for a woven tan leather one with tan wedge sandals.

I have no waist or bum and a tummy too! I've been scouring the Next pages for maxi dresses this week and these both come in a variety of fabrics and colours (search boohoo 2 in 1 or hot squash empire) I think the empire style is really flattering when you have an apple shape.

www.next.co.uk/style/esl18022#l18022

www.next.co.uk/style/st331928#338980

Thanks Little, I like the second one but ouch at the price!

Have you tried that one on little? I’d be concerned that would make me look pregnant (empire line stuff, much as I love the style, often looks like maternity wear on me), if this one somehow doesn’t do that it would be awesome!

Sounds like you're the same shape as me. I have been looking for the holy grail of dresses for years. TBH the most flattering dress I've found was from Primark of all places. It's a striped t-shirt dress with an elasticated waist, but it looks like a tie.

Less flattering but still better than most are a couple I bought from Boden. Again jersey with elasticated waists.

I've never found a more structured dress that fits properly as it fits either boobs or tum never both

I have loads of the linen dresses from Next (sleeveless). www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-dresses/madewith-linen

I'm in love with oasis curve at the mo too. If jersey just stick to normal size but if no stretch I'd go up a size

@Batsypatsy I think it's really pricey too but my MIL is treating me for my 40th, no way could I ever justify that for a frock!

@MarinaMarinara not yet, they're arriving in the next few days. I take your point about the style, I think it does depend on the cut. I am actually in early pregnancy so not too bothered about looking that way, but I still have a tummy even when I'm not so prefer this style for maxis. It's not always easy to find though!

@LittleAndOften aww congratulations! And what a lovely present. I had a few lovely maternity dresses of different styles from Seraphine so you might also find some nice things there.

The second dress from next is in the sale on Debenhams site for £88.

Thank you! Have passed on to MIL

£88 is still more than I can spend unfortunately.

The dresses with elasticated waists just seem to emphasise my lack of waist.

You're the same shape as me. I haven't found anything amazing but v neck is supposed to flatter a larger bust. I find under bust elastic creates a flattering shape.
Have a look at pepperberry dresses as they are cut for large busts. eBay have a few cheaper than normal retail price.

Thanks I'll have a look.

Yes i only wear low scoop necks or v necks, otherwise I look ridiculous.

I'm also a size 16, hourglass figure and I can't wear anything highlighting my tummy.

Have ordered this dress from h&m, I like the fit.
m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0727937003.html

I really like the alvers dress from Hush www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/alvers_dress.htm - have it in the black and is super flattering - can be dressed up or down. Am now debating getting the stripy version as well...

I love that Hush dress, sadly not there in a size 16 but I'll look on eBay. Thanks

Not wanting to antagonise but do you want to or need to lose weight, maybe then your previous dresses will fit?

I buy a lot of Hush clothing,I always go down a size,I got that dress in two colours last year,size 14 perfect,I am normally a 16.

www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb/clothes/dresses-tunics-kaftans/capri-organic-cotton-jersey-dress-lava-red-xs

This looks pretty forgiving