Please help. I need a dress but...

[PoptartPoptart]

I am short (5ft 1”) fat (about 2 stone overweight) and I have huge boobs.
I never usually wear dresses but I have a big fancy event coming up.
What sort of style would make me look less like a whale please?

Slightly 1950s style springs to mind - basically something that goes in and out and is tailored rather than stretchy or clingy.

Try The Pretty Dress Company and Chi Chi London.

PS I’m sure you don’t look like a whale!

Minimiser bra?

What kind of occasion is it?

I had in mind something like this maybe with some shapewear/serious strapless bra underneath.

It’s a graduation (mine!)

I can’t get away with a strapless bra, I need the straps for support

Congratulations on graduating!

You need a dress with either shirt buttons or a neckline that won't be ruined by pinning your hood at chest height. They don't stay unless hooked in place, and will be really uncomfortable if what stops it sliding off is by it garrotting you. A fit and flare shirt dress? Bear in mind that at graduating a lot of it will be hidden by the gown!

I’m actually looking forward to being able to hide under the gown!
We are going out for lunch afterwards though so I need something that looks nice and is comfortable

Is there a dress code? We had a big list of rules at my graduation.

Look at JolieMoi they are really nice dresses esp if curvy or busty.

What about this? What colour are your robes?
This dress is navy so probably not suitable with black robes.

www.phase-eight.com/product/martina-shirt-dress-230679351.html#cgid=occasionwear&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=230679351&pos=7

Wrap dress
1

2

3

From Next petite range

Where do you normally shop and what dress do you currently have that you feel good in?

The dress code just says smart/casual.
I don’t usually wear dresses, that’s why I’m totally clueless!
I did consider smart trousers and a nice top, but that’s the kinda thing I usually wear and I wanted to make a bit more of an effort.
Some of the dress suggestions on here are really lovely. Whether they look lovely on me though is another matter 😢
But thank you to everyone who has posted

Anything with floaty arms is going to make your bosom look wider.

Look at the Jessica dresses on Bravissimo, I have a couple in different colours and they’re perfect for occasions when I need to look a bit smarter. My size/stature sounds very similar to yours.

I'm a similar shape and size to you - most years h and m do a style that works. Slightly v necked and often decorative ties on the side. I have the same dress in a variety of colours/patterns and they have seen me through Christenings, prize givings etc. Easily dressed up with necklace and shoes and super comfy. And also not expensive. Krisp dresses (sometimes found on Amazon) are also stretchy and work well.

My graduation had a dress code of white blouse and dark skirt/trousers so I looked like a waitress! A smart/casual dress code is much better.

I don't know what your budget is, but there are some decent shirt dresses on Joanie: joanieclothing.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?_=1622713141727&p=3&q=shirt+dress
Some of them are maybe not quite smart enough for graduation, but there's a good range of colours and sizes.

You'll look great! And you can enjoy swishing about in the gown

If you are larger of bust, I'd stay away from dresses that close with buttons at the bust. Better to go for a dress that has a complete bodice to it, stops gapping between the buttons.

Something like this might be suitable:
joanieclothing.com/alexis-red-floral-print-tea-dress.html
or
joanieclothing.com/cecelia-cherry-print-tea-dress.html
or
joanieclothing.com/florrie-rose-print-midi-tea-dress.html

Love the Florrie -rose dress. Do you think it will also suit someone pearshape. Ie. Me?

I like the next option 3 dress and you would get lots of use from it for your subsequent successful job interviews.
Black and a simple style looks good with a gown. If not a plain bold colour looks good as a contrast. What colour is your sash?