Plus size in a Cos dress

[LadyPrigsbottom]

I have an event (covid allowing) with lovely friends, some of whom are inctedibly stylish.

I am not stylish, but I do love clothes if that makes sense.

I bought this dress and I think I'm going to keep it, but wanted to get some opinions on here, if anyone would oblige!

I've put it with a navy, biker jacket in a very soft faux suede and espadrilles. But other options if weather is worse are these boots.

What do people think please? Be honest, I can take it... I think .

I am a size 16/18, apple shape.

Hmmmm you may be right @Londonmummy66. And actually, I didn't pay too much attention to how it looked from the side, but it may be looking a bit maternity smock.

I will try again later with the Hobbs coat or a belt.

Try bravissimo. Really.

I think the first dress swamps you a bit and gives you no shape (it's a bit sack like). But the second dress looks lovely, it gives you a really nice shape and still shows off your gorgeous legs.

For clothes @fascinated?

How is the sizing please?

Without tights or nude tights and with courts. It looks a bit wintery but I think it’s a better dress

Thanks @LunaLoveFood .

Oh another vote for the Seasalt one!

It is more wintry, but the event isn't till September, so it might feel more wintry then.

I love the Cos one!

I keep seeing this thread title and inwardly singing it to the tune of "heroes in a half shell". Showing my age (and general ridiculousness) maybe!

I do love the Cos one and I feel like it is maybe more fun? But I mean...I don't want to go over the edge into clown like.

I’m a similar size and shape to you OP, and I love Cos, but the frills and the extra fabric of the belt are adding inches to your hips, and the jacket is t helping. So maybe not that dress, but Cos do have some other lovely things that do suit people our size.

Thanks @Sportsnight! I don't want to give up on Cos altogether, but maybe this just isn't the right dress.

I prefer the first dress, but definitely without the jacket. It looks better with shoes and not boots. Generally boots and a skirt/dress don't look brilliant on anyone except models - they make your legs look shorter. And I think you have good legs! Wear high heels and make the most of them.

My biggest issue with the first one is the length not the bulk. If it was midi length I'd prefer it. The colour is good on you. I think it's a nice dress though. (without the jacket and boots!!).

The second dress is frumpy and boring by comparison.

The second dress is much more flattering for your figure. You’re very in proportion which is why I think you don’t look plusnsized. You said you’re apple shaped but the second dress gives you a lovely nipped in waist
I agree don’t give up on cos but this one wasn’t the dress for you.

I think you look great in the Cos dress and such fab legs! The second one is ok but, dare I say this, looks a bit ‘mumsy’. If you feel great in the Cos dress I think you should go for it and definitely sans jacket.

I also love the Cos dress, it's more stylish than the second option. If you love it, wear it. I'm never sure about the whole 'flattering' thing, i'm very aware that for me it's about making my body look as small as possible and doesn't take into account what I actually want to wear.

I do love the Cos one. But I can also see it is a bit sack / smock like...

I am going to try it again later, but will maybe try some tweaks here or there.

I also love the Seasalt one, but I do wonder if it's a bit safe. The hostess is very chic (I think) and although she would never expect me to dress a certain way to come to her event, I would like to honour her stylishness. But I'll have another try, maybe a total rethink.

Thanks so much everyone . Your lovely comments have honestly made my day and then some .

I think it looks like a weird vintage nurse dress but you have excellent legs

I don't hate the Cos dress - at least it's different and modern.

Jacket doesn't work though. The shoes are ok. The second dress is frumpy (sorry)

I am similar size but hourglass (aka massive arse & thighs!) and I would say that Cos is more suited to your shape, so I wouldn't give up on it. They tend to cut more straight up and down, so can skim well on an apple shape. On me everything there makes me look even bigger than I am.

Not clear why everyone always advises to cinch with a belt - it's not best option for all shapes, and would look mega wrong with that dress. Perhaps the reason everyone is saying you have great legs (which you do :-) ) is because the style of dress you have chosen has done a good job of highlighting your best features. That Cos one is a good choice for you.
If it's cold just wear some thermal vest/shorts/combo underneath and maybe wear any old but longer coat or blazer shrugged over your shoulders a la Victoria Beckham (this is my trick for weddings when I don't want to shell out for an appropriate coat that would only be worn for a short while)

The COS dress is interesting and you have great legs, and the shoes you're wearing with it look great.

The 2nd dress is uninspired.

Just seen the second dress, you have a lovely figure OP

The shape / cut of the second dress is best but not keen on the actual dress

Rather than a belt, which as you say, might lead to poofyness, what about some simple tailoring? A few darts could really make that COS dress fabulous. A seamstress could do this quickly. And put pins in to show you the effect and ensure you still had wearing "ease" before you commit.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 "weird vintage nurse dress". That made me snort laugh.

The photo with the jacket made me do an intake of (negative) breath.

Without the jacket, I really like it. And I got style .

The alternative is up there with the first photo.

Wear it without a jacket. Take an oversized, clearly not meant to work with it jumper (crucially, this must look warm. Doesn’t have to ‘match’ but should look tonally correct) and it’ll look cracking.

Ps. Do NOT belt dress No1. Bad bad idea.