Need Help - Civil Partnership Clothes

[Waspie]

I really need your help please.

My partner and I are having a civil partnership signing in March. It's just the signing with two good friends as witnesses in the morning. The four of us are then going to a nice restaurant for lunch afterwards. We may have a bigger party in the summer but for now that's all we have planned.

For reference I'm 5'9", 46 years old and wear a size 16. I have no waist (my hips literally meet the bottom of my ribcage) and large breasts, so very fitted dresses don't look good. Plus, it's March. What does one wear in March?

I found a couple of dresses I quite like - Phase8 and Monsoon but I'm not sure if they are suitable.

I don't want to spend hundreds on a dress/suit because I also need shoes, coat and some serious "hold it all in" smoothing underwear!

Any suggestions for something which would suit me would be very gratefully received please.

Thanks in advance

It’s hard without knowing your personal style, but my initial reaction to your dresses was “are they special enough” even if it’s a small do you must feel very special. I did a quick look on John Lewis and there is a lovely 100% silk whistles wrap dress half price... still £149 though.
As for March, it’s tough, it could be sunny and warm or snowing. My advice would be to hold off until closer to the date please don’t buy a cardi!! And then see what type of weather appropriate smart coat will go with your chosen dress. And remember your smoothing undies will help keep you warm!

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-ebba-tropical-flower-wrap-dress-white-multi/p4315233?size=6

Wrap dresses are v flattering or balloon dresses with a belt. A V neck will flatter your boobs. I generally find a dress or style I like the look of then look for a pre owned version on eBay

I know what you mean about the "are they special enough" Thinkle and that was my thought too.

My style is boring [weeps] I looked through my wardrobe and it's work clothes from Boden and Phase 8 and jeans and tops from Fat Face and Gap all in sludgy blues, greys and greens!

I really like that Whistles dress you have linked to. Thank you. I was trawling John Lewis and didn't see that one!

Waiting to buy a coat/jacket makes sense. Whatever I get I promise it won't be a cardi

I agree about wrap dresses jaggynettle. I think they are probably the most flattering shape for me. I usually try to avoid belts and I've not heard of balloon dresses so I will take a look at some this afternoon. Looking on ebay is also a good idea. Thanks for the suggestions.

Are there any shops/designers I should look at in particular do you think?

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-margot-silk-dress-burgundy-cerise/p4235272 This is lovely and heavily reduced. Not sure about the high neck, but it looks as if you might be able to wear it open, maybe?

Or if you like Boden, maybe something like this with really great shoes? I've got it and am really pleased with it. www.johnlewis.com/boden-francesca-jersey-midi-dress/ruby-multi/p4315671

I love Hobbs styles Remus but I usually balk at the price .

I have never owned anything red. I am fair and freckly and, rightly or wrongly, think that red will not suit my colouring. I think I need a trip to John Lewis and try some of these suggestions on!

I love the Hobbs dress. I like the Boden dress but I'm not sure it doesn't fit into the "is it special enough?" category.

I'm fair and freckly too and that Hobbs red dress would be the perfect red for me.

The Hobbs dress is really lovely.

Sorry, the Whistles dress.

John Lewis offer a free personal shopper service. This sounds like the perfect special occasion to use that service.

That Hobbs dress is absolutely beautiful!

How about a bombshell HQ number?

I've never considered a personal shopper buggeroff, I'll look into it though, thanks.

Oh wow I've never heard of bombshell hq sunshinegirl but those dresses are amazing! If we do have a summer party I will certainly consider the confident dress

I showed the whistles dress to dp and he loves it too so I've ordered it. Fingers crossed it fits!

Thanks all. I may be back to ask about shoes

They're amazing, and they do fantastic shape wear too!

Enjoy your day!

I notice that their shop is in Muswell Hill which isn't too far away from me. A personal visit may be in order if the Whistles dress doesn't work out

The Whistles dress doesn't fit I'm just too short in the body. If the sleeves aren't falling off my shoulders then the bodice is around my waist. I can't see a way to fix it as they are sleeves rather than straps. So, regretfully, it's been returned.

How about this one? Phase 8 Fiona I think I may have the same issue with the wrap top as I had with the Whistles dress though.

Or something more tradition like this Mariposa although it's very "mother of the bride/groom" and maybe too dressy for a registry office?

I can't justify over £200 for a Bombshell dress I want to stay under £150 if possible please.

Any other suggestions for a short waisted, buxom, middle aged, freckly, size 16 please?

That's a shame! Have you looked at Lady V?

Something like this maybe?

www.ladyvlondon.com/swing-dress-baroque

Just looked - I like the "Elsie" dresses Sunshine but they only have small sizes. I'm not sure I have enough personality to pull off such a bold print as the one you've linked to!

I'm cruising the John Lewis website again and all of the wrap or V neck dresses will probably be too low cut, but a round or boat neck will just make me look even more busty.

What about this? Too worky? A Line

If you like the 'Elsie' dress, this version is available in a size 16 - also quite a bold print though!
www.ladyvlondon.com/elsie-dress-blushing-blue

I quite like that Vera , thank you - although I worry that as a larger woman someone might mistake me for the sofa

I've decided that I'm going to go to the shops tomorrow armed with some dress shoes and my shapewear undies and not come home until I've found something. Wish me luck I could be there a while...

Any joy?