Help please for new mum who looks awful in everything!

[happyfeet111]

Help please wise S&B gurus!

I've got a party to go to (it's an end of season do for DHs sports team so not super formal but smart, he'll be in a suit) in two weeks and I need a new dress. I've been trying on all my old ones and they just look horrible.

I had a baby five months ago by CS and I haven't been able to do much exercise yet as my recovery wasn't straightforward. I've still got a bit of a tummy where previously it was flat. I'm heavier than normal and I feel so uncomfortable. Everything I own looks dreadful.

I'm 5'4, currently in a size 14/16 need sleeves because I hate my arms, need something that'll skim my tummy rather than highlight it and low, scoop or v neck because BF boobs (36H) and high necks will do me no favours. I can manage Spanx again now, hooray so that'll help.

Budget of up to about £80.

Any ideas?

What sort of colours/prints do you like OP?

Are more of a glam person or perhaps more hippy/boho? Vintage style?Any other notes about the looks you like best?

Not sure if this is helpful, but the 'tent style" is evidently in! See: www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/may/10/tent-dress-new-trend-aiming-capitalise-warm-weather-empowering

Also, you probably look better than you think x

Problem with the tent style is that it only looks good on willowy tall women.

If you're shorter or plumper it just looks...well...like a tent. I am a similar size to OP but without the big bust and I could no way wear a tent style.

Agree that she probably looks far better then she thinks though!

OP is your waist still in evidence? Can you see a nice hourglass? If so, I'd go for something with a nice waist on it....and wear a stomach flattening knicker.

What about trying a two-piece instead?

Sorry for late reply! Been away with poor WiFi.

Yeah tent style won't work for me, I'm quite short and the boobs mean it'll literally just look like a tent instead of a nice wafty outfit.

Um, normal style is jeans and a top at the moment. Basically no style! But pre children I'd probably have work a knee length dress with a defined waist (probably wrap over sort of thing) with a low neck.

Two piece might be the way to go. I'm just stuck!

Budget?

Up to about £80 is the budget. I've got shoes and a bag.

What colour are your shoes and bag?

Shoes are black. Bags I've got loads I could use from when I used to go out a lot way back when!

Not sure what kind of style you're looking for so casting about in the dark a bit, but any of these any good? They've all got some kind of sleeve, some kind of semi-fitted waist, and some kind of lower neckline. If you can give more of an idea of preferred colours, skirt lengths, whether it's a day or evening party etc, that would help.

Am assuming you don't need to factor in actual breastfeeding access, just breastfeeding-size boobs?

Floral with sheer sleeves

Can you do Bardot style?

Teal knitted dress

V -neck

More casual/summery

Another more casual/summery one

Ooh I will have a look, thanks.

No not going to be BF, it's just size rather than access.

That teal dress is lovely. Pre children I'd have gone for that. I just that that colour would highlight all my lumps and bumps these days