so yesterday i went on a mission to find 'the' dress for a party on saturday

[AnAngelWithin]

and i came away with nothing but eyes full of tears i couldn't find anything that fitted or looked nice. Even the assistant in principles said that one of the dresses I tried on made my look 'dumpy' All the dresses I liked didn't go up to my size. I could barely even fit in a size 18 I still have nothing to wear on saturday night. Think I am going to fall ill at the last minute and not bother going. I'm not good enough to be in a room with them all anyway.

bolleaux

we will help

tell us more - shape? height? colouring?

Poor you .

Aren't Evans clothes really nice these days? have you tried there?

if boobs not mahoosive, then tunic + trews = usually good

Alot of the styles just now are really weird and would make anone look dumpy.

whoa whoa WHOA! You bloody ARE good enough to be in a room with them!

Fucking bitch in principals

My advice is to get some magic underwear, an all in one type, which will smooth out your sillouette.

pmsl at mamag keeping it cool

hurry up - dsses will be awake soon

aaw, where do you live? i have occasion wear in sizes 14 - 18 which i would be happy to lend. not a vast collection mind just a few things!

what did you try on?

size? figure?

imo you can't go wrong with floaty top, black trousers and heels

unfortunately i have quite big boobs. Quite big shoulders and defo got a flabby belly after 4 kids!! im 5ft 5 si a lot of the long dresses are too long. have not tried evans but probably have to now. am medium skin tone with light brown/dark blonde hair. ugly cow i am really lol!

i have got quite big hips too

right you need a deep v necked floaty tunic (poss with cami underneath)

and slim leg trews

and high heels

thanks bossykate, but i am scared of borrowing things off people in case i wreck them! i would never forgive myself!! thank you so much for your kind offer though

Thoughtless woman in Principles

I had a birthday party to go to last year and struggled with similar issues. I was a size 16-18 and had trouble finding sizes to fit. Really knocked my confidence.

However, I ended up shopping with a very kind friend and found in a fab dress from Monsoon which made me feel curvy and womanly rather than 'dumpy'. I'm sure you'll find something perfect too

oh fgs

i have got a deep v neck floaty dress from ghost. it does need shapewear underneath for those of us with a tummy - i.e. me. the only way it could be ruined is if it got a fag burn or something - it's completely washable. would say it would need a cami underneath unless you really want to flash cleavage!

tis black.

agree with Tutter

get long length trousers to go over heels = long legs

get top to nip in at waist and flow out over hips/stomach

jewellery

can you get your hair done? if not straighten

chin up, go out

I have to go and do boring shite now, will be back later

How formal/casual is the party?

and wide legs much better than skinny legs on voluptuously ladies!

this kind of shape

loads in debenhams

its at a posh hotel. all dhs sisters have bought posh dresses

top, red velvet

this could be great if your arms are ok

i like that top tutter. be great if i could get one like that in a different colour