dress for work and going out - size 20. Please help as I keep buying stuff that doesn't suit me!

[cansu]

I need a new summer dress - midi length ideally that I can wear for work in school but can also wear to go out. I have large boobs and am a size 20. I love Boden, but lately everything I have bought has disappointed. I end up looking frumpy which annoys the hell out of me when I have spent so much money. I am beginning to think I need to choose something more plain? I would really appreciate a steer on what is likely to suit a middle aged, size 20, large boobed woman from Boden so I can use my voucher!

I like this - is this another mistake??

www.bodenimages.com/productimages/zoom/21wsum_w0692_mbl_w01.jpg

I wouldn't wear that with big boobs. I suspect it will gape badly and be ill fitting. I am a size 16/18 apple shape with fairly big boobs and I wouldn't entertain that dress. I need things that skim my curves rather than a fitted dress.

I don't suit Boden dresses at all .... I'm a busty size 20 and they just don't sit right on me. They're too long in the body, too tight and certainly no room for my bust. I keep trying different shapes but nope. I also just end up looking frumpy rather than stylish.

I've just got a couple from White Stuff and they're a far better fit.

If anyone can link to dresses that do work for similar shaped women, I would be grateful.

What about this shape?

www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/clothing/dresses-tunics/short-sleeved-seed-packet-bamboo-midi-dress-magenta.htm#product-reviews

Plainness or pattern depends on whether or not you suit texture. What's your hair like? What shape are you? Hourglass? Apple? What colours suit you? Are you warm or cool?

www.whitestuff.com/womens/dresses/

chescadirect.co.uk/collections/dresses - I've got a couple of their jersey dresses and they're lovely quality

I also like Joe Brown dresses from Simply Be. And Studio 8 .... www.phase-eight.com/plus-size/dresses/

hair straight shoulder length. I am more hour glass. I seem to suit dresses that are slightly fitted but longer than knee length.

Whether that dress will work for you depends a bit on your shape — if your boobs are bigger than the rest of you it will likely gape over the bust. It’s all the issues of finding a great fitted shirt, but even more so as it’s a dress.

I’m the same size as you, also with substantial boobs, and the dress I like best is this: nice shape and great fabric
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/woven-mix-trim-detail-dress-black/sty-j0918-blk?cat=C1_S2_G4

I’m not sure if this would be too low for work, but I find this shape easy to wear
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/effie-jersey-dress-navy/sty-j0585-nav?cat=C1_S2_G4

You might have fit issues here, but I think the shape is good
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/mischa-belted-dress-french-navy-scattered-dot/sty-w0588-nav?cat=C1_S2_G4

I think this is pretty versatile and I like the darker print

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/jodie-jersey-maxi-dress-black-safari-fern/sty-j0896-blk?cat=C1_S2_G4

Jumpsuit?
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/estella-jersey-jumpsuit-navy/sty-j0919-nav?cat=C1_S2_G4

Also: is there really a £350 dress on Boden?!?

Try Scarlett and Jo, their peplum dresses are very flattering

I have checked out white stuff - I can't see anything there that appeals. The chesca ones are also not me and are v expensive. Studio 8 I dislike the styles. I do quite like Joe Brown dresses.

This sort of shape, but not buttoned to the neck.

www.next.co.uk/g6877s1/661368#661368

Tangelo
Thank you for all those suggestion. I liked the first three of your suggestions especially the spotted one. I am not sure about the sleeveless aspect. One is a bit too revealing for work. The first one would probably work perfectly.

I'm the same size as you and similarly disillusioned with Boden recently. I often find decent dresses on ASOS. It is hit and miss though, I order and lot and send most of it back but there is the occasional gem

Thanks all. I am going to try the seasalt one as I haven't bought from there before plus I found a 35% off discount code. If that looks shit. I will officially give up.

How about:

www.riverisland.com/p/plus-black-short-sleeve-mesh--midi-dress-780938

www.riverisland.com/p/plus-navy-floral-print-puff-sleeve-midi-dress-782650

Not sure we have the same style but to me both look work appropriate, okay for big boobs, and decent for non workwear too.

I like the first one actually. Never thought of trying River Island.

I can’t link to it which is infuriating, but Next Clearance has a long sleeved blue check cotton dress for £16.00. I bought one and it is fantastic, compliments every time I wear it. I am a very busty size 18. It is tiered but not overly voluminous, very well made in quality fabric. I could wear it every day, winter and summer.

I've just ordered that one for myself

I think this shape could work: www.next.co.uk/style/st791001/338329#338329?i=20

or this: shop.mango.com/gb/plus-size/dresses-and-jumpsuits-midi/flowy-flower-printed-dress_87029041.html

The mango one is lovely.

Joanie Clothing?

images2.drct2u.com/pdp_main_mobile_x2/products/bn/bn573/u01bn573759s.jpg

This is from Joe Brown via Simply Be and the v-neck flatters a large bust.

We have very similar figures and I recently bought this from Biden. Looks great with a denim jacket.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/rosamund-smocked-jersey-dress-pea-pineapple-geo/sty-j0868-sag?ef_id=Cj0KCQjw5PGFBhC2ARIsAIFIMNeSXJDAbEcR01Rr7ZbDOYaQzHsLoxzwokl1PwPUkmQsOFH2r8HG3Q8aAhWsEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8125!3!331554465803!!!g!532564148288!&cm_mmc=PLA--Google1706109278--66694157495-_-40275725&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5PGFBhC2ARIsAIFIMNeSXJDAbEcR01Rr7ZbDOYaQzHsLoxzwokl1PwPUkmQsOFH2r8HG3Q8aAhWsEALw_wcB

Love the Mango dress.

Seasalt can be unpredictable too, OP, I always go up at least one size with them. But they're always a really good length.