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Original poster

P lease help: need a whole new look in 2 weeks

91 replies

notatwork · 04/07/2019 16:07

I am fat and 50: need something comfortable as I am midst hot-flushes.

Graduation in 2 weeks (attending). I usually wear trousers and shirts for work and Gudrun or festival clothing out of work. I'm a size 18 with historical hourglass figure now overlayed with big tuckable tum.

I need to blend in. It's my DSDs graduation and I am very much peripheral, but because I am a bit of a hippy I get noticed for the wrong reasons. I want to look like everyone else for one day.

Hence my plea. I don't usually wear skirts/dresses at all and am very self conscious about stubble/scars/bad skin so if I wear a skirt or dress it needs to be long. I need recommendations for not too hot smoothing underwear. DH will look lovely in a soft grey suit. DSD's DM will be glamourous and I am not going in that direction at all.

I need the works please: clothes and shoes and underwear and make up and everything to make me look like a normal person and fly under the radar.

I am very out of step with all this stuff: last time I wore a dress was DB's wedding where I opted for 50s frock with underskirt, felt self-conscious so bought a size too big and looked like a marshmallow with my bra showing in all the photos. Not the effect I was going for!

Budget isn't an issue if it's fabulous/perfect but it probably won't be worn again before it is long out of fashion so designer pieces probably a waste. Thanks in advance! Smile

Oh, I'm an autumn so can't wear blue or black/cool colours very well.

OP posts:
FusionChefGeoff · 04/07/2019 16:20

Maybe have a pootle round Pinterest first to get an idea of the sort of look you want?? It might be easier once you have a vague direction!

I would guess a long summer dress with lightweight blazer might be a pretty popular choice so would that be a place to start??

FusionChefGeoff · 04/07/2019 16:25

Phase 8 is a very popular place for this sort of outfit so have a look there?? Lots of nice long dresses at first glance.

lekkerkroketje · 04/07/2019 17:01

That Toast dress looks like it's borrowed off someone's gran.

It's not really my style, but have you ever looked in Desigual? It's sort of toned-down highstreet hippy, so maybe you could find something a bit quieter but that isn't miles out of your comfort zone. It's a bit Marmite though, so you could well hate it.
This, this or this might do

Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:09

Love the dress but think it may be too yellowy for me, also I'd want to style it with leggings and boots and I need to blend in.
sorry to be so vague. I've been googling but still no idea...I don't know what is considered 'normal' any more!

OP posts:
Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:10

Love love love Desigual: very much what I would choose to wear except the L is only a 14/16 so too small for me now. :(

OP posts:
Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:14

...and also I want to look more mainstream. If 'slightly out there' was on the cards then I already have the clothes.

I need to look like someone's Mum who doesn't want to stand out. Let DSDs Mum get the looks (she'll be OTT as very body confident). I just need to not draw attention.

OP posts:
browzingss · 04/07/2019 17:16

Might be worth booking in a personal shopping session at John Lewis (etc etc)

Jaxinthebox · 04/07/2019 17:19

@notatwork - have a look at Dorothy Perkins Curve range - they work for people with boobs, bum and tummy.

Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:24

Alas no JL or Debenhams appointments available when I'm not committed in the next 2 weeks. It's testament to my sartorial crapness that this is so last minute, Please save me!

OP posts:
AnnaNimmity · 04/07/2019 17:28

Do you really need to blend in? Why? Is it your DSD who's asked you to blend in, or just what you think?

It seems such a pity not be yourself. To spend money on something that isn't you, that you won't wear again.

Pondock · 04/07/2019 17:29

We are pretty much the same person Notatwork . I have just bought this in a size 18 for my sisters wedding.. Its stunning. Even better than the photo....and it has pockets!
www.qvcuk.com/Onjenu-London-Joni-Short-Sleeve-Printed-Maxi-Dress.product.179710.html?sc=NAVLIST

AnnaNimmity · 04/07/2019 17:29

But if you really do, Boden's your place.

AnnaNimmity · 04/07/2019 17:34

dresses the skirts are also ok

Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:36

I've just bought 2 maxi dresses from evans. I'll send them back if they're awful.

this one

and
this one

style me please. I need everything esp underwear and shoes. (so lumpy!) Will I need a jacket or will a cardi do?

shoes with 2-3" or so heel for comfort, not too pointy. Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:40

@Pondock !!!! Absolutely perfect! Except the 18 is sold out. I'd have sent back the Evans (which will be scratchy) for that!

@AnnaNimmity I haven't looked at Boden in years. Will have a rummage now. Thanks

OP posts:
keiratwiceknightly · 04/07/2019 17:41

I'd strongly advise against trying to be totally different to your usual look. If you don't wear dresses (except with leggings/boots) then don't wear a dress. How about a jumpsuit? This would suit autumn colouring and is cool, and with the blazer it is suitable for the occasion.

P lease help: need a whole new look in 2 weeks
P lease help: need a whole new look in 2 weeks
Trumpton · 04/07/2019 17:47

Also have a look at Masai .
They put some goods looks together .
Less hippy than Gudrun .

Have a mooch on their website . I tend to wear long tunics over trousers as my legs are so scared .

P lease help: need a whole new look in 2 weeks
Trumpton · 04/07/2019 17:48

Bloody autocorrect . My legs are NOT scared . They are scarred !

lekkerkroketje · 04/07/2019 17:53

Mango has some nice things in their plus range, up to size 54 in a variety of brightnesses. Or, or, or, or...

Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:53

..my legs are scared...not having seen the light of day since DBs wedding 3 years ago!. ;)

I'm really appreciating the advice. Cannot believe how much I'm worrying over clothes given that I normally don't think about them AT ALL. My 14YO is poo pooing everything, but given that she walks around in what I consider to be wholly inappropriate 90% of the time I'm ignoring her (except I'm taking her feedback to heart as she is the only one in the family who has any clue).

Is there any smoothing underwear manufacturer who uses mostly breathable fabrics?

OP posts:
Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:54

I don't think I could leave the house in a jumpsuit. Looks great on the model though.

OP posts:
Atalune · 04/07/2019 17:55

What about a nice blouse like this-

loose and crisp.

Wear with some wide leg trousers, cropped would be lovely with some wedge/chunky soled sandals? A little blazer too would work.

Noa Noa has some lovely separates.

MKe sure your hair is groomed- maybe get a blow dry for the day, get your eyebrows threaded and have your nails short, and painted an neutral colour.

Original poster
notatwork · 04/07/2019 17:57

The Mango one I like is sold out in my size :(
But thanks for trying

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