Party dress recommendations for size 16/18

[Gemi33]

Hi everyone

I have been invited to a party for a 'big' birthday for a close relative. At the moment I have said that I'm not going - over the last couple of years, due to a whole range of factors I have put on a lot of weight and I dread going out. What makes it worse is that my ex boyfriend will be there with his girlfriend and when I last saw him I was about a size 10. The thought of going makes me feel ill hence I've said no but I do feel bad because she wants me to go so I am having a look around for possible outfits in case I think I might be able to go but I can't find anything!

I feel like I have no shape - no waist, big boobs, short and everything looks horrible. I have no idea what would be good and feel like I don't look good in anything. Does anyone have any recommendations of places to look or lovely things they've seen?

xx

Ok so I’m the same size as you and although I don’t feel “ whoopee” about it I also appreciate that I’m alive at this moment and I need to actually live rather than hide away. This guy’s ( assuming guy) your ex for a reason ( you are not for each other ) and I wouldn’t want to miss a special event because he was going to be there. I would want to look knock out though. What are the bits of you you like? Let me show you two dresses and you tell me your thoughts about them. Both from ASOS which I don’t shop from too regularly but they do a gazillion dresses. They both cover the tops of the arms and drape in a way I quite like. Let you see a bit of cleavage which is good. I know the second one is short but they do a few different dresses with that knotted front. Anything about them appealing?

Thanks so much for your reply - to be honest I've never shopped at ASOS so I will have a look. How do you find the sizing, does it come up particularly small or big? I think I like the black one best, although I'm only 5ft 3in so not sure how the length would look on me. The other one is nice too but I can't quite picture me in it. I like the V-neck because I have big boobs I find too high necks look quite frumpy and unflattering but then equally sometimes if it's too low I can spend the whole night worrying I will fall out of it!

xx

I'd also say ASOS. Yours may be worth a look, but for me, ASOS is worth it because they tell you the height and size the model is wearing. Makes it easier for me to see where the hem of the dress will fall, and how it looks, especially if the model is the same size as me. (Size 18)

I would size up for ASOS. They have a Curve range but you can filter by size. ( they have so many dresses I would do this). If you want something less trend driven or edgier or classic there are lots of other options ( I have something similar to this one from Scarlet and Jo but I’m not wild about their range at the moment).

Scarlett & Jo are good for being flattering and giving shape.

I like the sleeves on this one. They do quite a few in this shape.

Yes I looked at that one too bloomers I think fit n flare is flattering on lots of shapes.

Thanks for the replies - I will definitely have a look at ASOS. Whenever I look at pictures like this I always think they look lovely but in general the women are tall and in proportion and have a good shape. Whereas I just seem to be shaped like a barrel :( I will keep looking and really appreciate all the suggestions!

xx

Ahhhh Gemi it’s shit when you don’t feel good in your own skin. There’s a thread running at the moment of plus size ladies sharing what we’re wearing each day. Why don’t you check it out... it might give you some ideas.

How about a kimono style dress with a sleeve and a bit longer? The print on this might not be your cup of tea but I think youll find the fit flattering.

Has anyone ever ordered from Shein? I see adverts on Facebook all the time and it looks really cheap but I had a look today and some of the dresses look lovely - not all available in bigger sizes though.

xx

I ordered a bikini.... the bottoms were fine but the top was “ inadequate “ in coverage. ( I just bought a bikini top elsewhere) I can’t help with dresses.... I’m guessing they ship from China because delivery time is long.

Couple from Monsoon.
uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/7419127916
uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1.2/7429880108

Don't go for all black it really isn't that flattering to figure or face unless you have Morticia tones.

I'd steer clear of Shein. It looks cheap and nasty and I'm not sure about the sizing & cut which is quite important to how garments hang.

It doesn't get good reviews.

I’m same size as you with boobs and tummy and I have just bought this for a black tie do. It is so flattering!
uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/7419071208