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Original poster

A bit too short and a bit too wide but I need an occasion dress

19 replies

ADress · 27/07/2021 06:10

Tentatively turning to S&B for the first time ever and nc as I'm happy to give as many details as required!

I need a dress for a social occasion please and I don't know where to start. I've recently lost a lot of weight (over 2.5 stone) so whilst I'm still a bit overweight, I feel a bit better about myself than I have for a long time and would like to try and see if there's anything out there which will make me feel good about myself rather than hide in the usual sacks I have done for ten years.

-I'm 5'3
-Shorter in the body than legs (but short anyway)
-Looking at me front on, I've found a bit of a waistline again, but I'm high waisted so its pretty much straight under the bra line because I'm short. Relatively wide hips
-But I still have a wobbly, podgy post two recent c-sections tummy, so side on, it doesn't look great
-I'm fair and very pale
-Size 14

-The dress has to come below the knee
-Budget up to £80

I could spend more but I won't wear this often so I'd really prefer not to. I'm hoping that's enough to get something decent?

OP posts:
DrNo007 · 27/07/2021 06:20

What kind of occasion—daytime/evening, black tie, garden party, gallery opening etc etc?

Original poster
ADress · 27/07/2021 06:22

Good question, sorry! Henley Regatta so probably most akin to a garden party.

OP posts:
DrNo007 · 27/07/2021 06:50

www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/henley-regatta?image=5d547613fe40ba0008d82a60

A quick google says smart summer dresses with wedge heels (if heels are your thing) and hats and fascinators are encouraged. The link above may give some inspiration. From what you say about your figure I would go for empire line and slightly A-line/flared. Hopefully someone else will be along soon with specific suggestions. Do you have any colour prefs?

nc8765 · 27/07/2021 07:14

Will you be in the stewards enclosure then if the dress has to be below the knee?

Please don't wear a fascinator! You'll stand out like a sore thumb.

Also don't wear any dark colours - lots of women will be in florals, pale, light colours.

Have fun!

Original poster
ADress · 27/07/2021 07:39

Thank you very much! Haven't had a chance to look at the links yet (will do so when DC naps!) but to quickly answer some questions:

  • I'm a bit wary of empire lines because my boobs have shrunk relative to my tummy so I think they still make me look pregnant! They were my go to style when my boobs were definitely bigger than my tummy. I'll certainly try them on, but I think I probably need something with a bit of waist 'structure' if that makes sense to make the most of what waist I have. If it's possible to get something like that which doesn't cling the my tummy at the front?!?
  • I like blues, pinks and purples
  • Green is nice too
  • a bit of red is ok but I'm too self conscious to carry of full red
  • Not keen on yellows and oranges
  • I have been a couple of times before a long time ago, I won't be wearing a fascinator
OP posts:
Original poster
ADress · 27/07/2021 09:10

@DrNo007

How about this. www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1007461171/pretty-summer-pink-and-blue-floral?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_all&utm_custom1=_k_4aed6d5bdd9c1596f6be0da44361741b_k_&utm_content=bing_357846203_1300722459075941_81295195701272_pla-4584894771645664:pla-4584894771645664_m__1007461171engb&utm_custom2=357846203&msclkid=4aed6d5bdd9c1596f6be0da44361741b

Or on Etsy, do a search for empire line dress.

Thank you, I really like this style but not keen on these colours. I will search for similar. I've never bought any clothes from Etsy before.

OP posts:
Original poster
ADress · 27/07/2021 09:15

@justaweeone Thank you. I'll certainly try the Wallis ones, but I fear I may be too short to carry off tiering and not sure how the floaty look will work. Only one way to find out through!

I like the Phase Eight anemone but it's sadly not available in my size. I'll try the Mylen one. Not sure about the green Diana one either, but if if going to to do an order, I'll try anything!

I would prefer something dressier than the John Lewis kimono style but I like it, so may have to try it anyway and find a reason to keep it!

This is so helpful. I'm not sure I would ever try some of these styles without prompting.

OP posts:
LizziesTwin · 27/07/2021 09:16

There are some Ghost x M&S dresses that might work for you. They are the right price range. Ghost itself may also have some dresses that work. They last for years, DD is wearing one of mine I’ve had since 2004 quite a bit this summer.

HeyMicky · 27/07/2021 09:18

Hobbs twitchell dress. They have a wrap belt that crosses over the stomach under the boobs. Midi length. Lots of colours and always about on eBay in good condition as well.

I wore a yellow one with a boater and flat sandals to Henley two years ago, perfectly fine for stewards

HeyMicky · 27/07/2021 09:21

Oh and they have petite versions.

BridgeOfLies · 27/07/2021 09:22

Boden have got lots in their sale, especially if you don't mind longer sleeves. Here's the selection filtered to your size: www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/sale/womens/dresses?fq_all_size_availability=instock%7ESize%5E14&intid=SEOheader-dresses&page=3
Anything you like there?

justaweeone · 27/07/2021 09:52

I feel your pain Op in finding a dress.
I need one for an occasion recently abs just ordered loads online. I tried going into the city but the selection was rubbish.
Have you looked at these brands?

[[https://www.roman.co.uk/dresse]s]

https://www.sosandar.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4qz0hu-C8gIV8IFQBh35gQG5EAAYASAAEgJCsPDBwEE_

https://www.yumi.co.ukk_

https://www.chichiclothing.com/collections/dressess_

_
Also loads here_

https://www.silkfred.com/womenswear/clothing/dresses?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI46e2nu-C8gIVlLPtCh3HhQcLEAMYASAAEgLJMPDD_BwE

goose1964 · 27/07/2021 16:20

Also from etsy , look at the pictures of people wearing it www.etsy.com/uk/listing/977446719/french-vintage-cottagecore-sage-green?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-1

DrNo007 · 28/07/2021 14:23

OP if you are worried that boobs are too small now in relation to stomach/hips, then don't hesitate to buy a bra (perhaps padded, plunge) that will make the most of them. This might balance out your figure. It's taken me a while to realise in my own case that a good bra and other serious 'upholstery' underwear, such as Spanx control knickers, compensate (at least in part) for a multitude of sins!

Original poster
ADress · 28/07/2021 14:40

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am working my way through! I've ordered a couple of versions of the Hobbs Twitchill and the one from Phase 8. I've also noticed that actually there are lots of lovely dresses which are more expensive Blush. I'm not a spender, but I have also ordered a pricier one from Phase 8 which I liked the look of to see if actually, part of the solution in addition to losing weight, is paying a bit more!

Will work down the other suggestions now.

OP posts:
Binglebong · 28/07/2021 14:49

I got a lovely one from Pretty Dress Company- the sale ones are your budget. Go with Aline skirts. The one I had was kind of rouched on the stomach so hid my over large stomach!

Binglebong · 28/07/2021 14:51

This is the one one I got. And not tounduly influence you or anything but... it has pockets! www.theprettydresscompany.com/shop-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-hourglass-hibiscus-swing-dress-p298#attribute%5B1%5D=24

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