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Original poster

Black tie party - dress suggestions for short but large..

43 replies

wibblewibble · 26/08/2021 23:11

Hello, we’re off to an anniversary party that’s a black tie dress code. Lots of family I haven’t seen for ages and no idea what to wear. Am quite short (5”2) but a solid size 16 with big boobs & post children tummy. Any ideas what might look presentable? Usually dress casual with things from Boden/hush/M&S but nothing there looks possible. Any ideas?! Getting desperate!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
MauveMagnolia · 26/08/2021 23:14

Black tie is full length
John Lewis online have loads of full length at reduced prices

nocoolnamesleft · 26/08/2021 23:18

What's your budget? I'm short and wide, and most of my formal wear is from www.chescadirect.co.uk/

Original poster
wibblewibble · 26/08/2021 23:51

Was hoping to get away with more of a cocktail dress given I’m so short but figure it’d need to be fancy?!

OP posts:
Katisha · 27/08/2021 00:02

Black tie doesn't have to be full length. Cocktail dress will be fine.

Jumpingintosummer · 27/08/2021 00:05

Tell us a bit more about yourself…
Age?
Colouring?
Hair?
Bits you love about yourself?

Broadbeanssleeping · 27/08/2021 00:16

How about a long tunic over wide leg trousers? You can elongate your figure if the cut is good and also by wearing heels.
Will be lots of options in the sales or if later in the year could look at velvet type fabric.

MauveMagnolia · 27/08/2021 00:22

@Broadbeanssleeping

How about a long tunic over wide leg trousers? You can elongate your figure if the cut is good and also by wearing heels. Will be lots of options in the sales or if later in the year could look at velvet type fabric.
Isn’t that more beach bbq than black tie?

Very awkward to be under dressed. Is you oh wearing a dinner suit?

Jumpingintosummer · 27/08/2021 00:26

You seem to have similar proportions and problem areas to me… I am a tad taller though.

If I wasn’t going full length I would go for something like this. Good control underwear, a cracking bra and a heel you can walk in with a clutch bag and statement earrings. Draws attention to your bust in a good way, the slight ruching distracts from the tummy fitted silhouette avoids the ‘I’m hiding under a tent’ look.

Black tie party - dress suggestions for short but large..
Black tie party - dress suggestions for short but large..
Broadbeanssleeping · 27/08/2021 00:27

Actually that's just a jacket, but you get my gist.
I have a shorter friend who dresses this way and she always looks glamorous.

Original poster
wibblewibble · 27/08/2021 08:13

Thanks for the ideas. OH is wearing a dinner suit and bow tie. I’m 40 with blonde hair and pale skin…not so many good bits I like about myself. Particularly paranoid about sleeveless as seems to draw attention to size of boobs abd arms! Have good bra & will buy some support knickers!

OP posts:
Jumpingintosummer · 27/08/2021 14:34

I definitely feel more confident with a sleeve… it breaks up the boob shelf look!

Have you spotted anything you like the look of?

dazzlingdeborahrose · 27/08/2021 20:11

You'll be fine with cocktail length. Perfectly acceptable for black tie. White tie would require full length. Of you're quite curvy, you could go full retro with a 50's style dress and underskirt? Something column shaped with fringing can be quite forgiving. A wrap dress is good with fab shoes and bag?

Original poster
wibblewibble · 27/08/2021 20:49

Wrap dresses tend to be really gape-y but will have a look at 50s style x

OP posts:
Original poster
wibblewibble · 27/08/2021 20:50

Any suggestions of good shops for this type of frock?! Lots of the John Lewis ones recommended earlier are out of stock

OP posts:
Jumpingintosummer · 27/08/2021 21:02

Bombshell might be worth a look? Not cheap but well made.

lambinapram · 27/08/2021 21:23

Précis petite on eBay, Hobbs now do petite, or maybe ASOS?

lambinapram · 27/08/2021 21:27

Also don't rule out a sleeveless dress with a shrug or bolero jacket.

Original poster
wibblewibble · 27/08/2021 21:40

Thanks will take a look. Worried Id look even older or more booby in a bolero/shrug…am I missing a good trick?

OP posts:
Jumpingintosummer · 27/08/2021 22:02

@wibblewibble

Thanks will take a look. Worried Id look even older or more booby in a bolero/shrug…am I missing a good trick?
Definitely personal taste, I think they make me look matronly and older Confused
Rina66 · 27/08/2021 22:12

I really like this and at £65 perhaps you could buy a size larger and have it properly tailored to fit you and maybe not have it so clingy over the parts your conscious of.

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/goddiva/clothing/bardot-pleated-occasion-maxi-dress-in-emerald-green

shouldistop · 27/08/2021 22:22

These?

Black tie party - dress suggestions for short but large..
Black tie party - dress suggestions for short but large..
turnthebiglightoff · 27/08/2021 22:29

I'd go with a v neck, just below the knee 3/4 sleeve lace type black dress, OP. Like a "fit and flare" type thing - they tend to have a high waist and skim the tummy. NB: I am 5'2 and a 12-14 with big boobs and a tummy and I have a dress like this, makes me feel slimmer and taller! If not something like this, then something with a drawstring waist I always find flattering.

www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/14885868440340151264?q=v+neck+black+lace+dress+with+sleeves&client=safari&hl=en-gb&biw=375&bih=553&tbs=cat:2271,pdtr0:962965|962969,pdtr1:2613462|2613466,vw:g,ss:44&prmd=sinxv&prds=eto:12842567982623600908_0,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1

https://www.frenchconnection.com/product/woman-collections-sale/71qgl/doe-mix-jersey-wrap-midi-dress.htm?awaid=3208&utmsource=redbrain&utmmmedium=shopping&utmcampaign=css&gbraid=0AAAAADA7QQJOG29JlHHtBQXm8LwF9xsM7&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqKJBhAWEiwAMvGt6H0yA6edyPzTj7TaRrP7eDzO6Afw0DlrIeqedKJuT5zeS8lhOc8EeRoCv2oQAvD_BwE

https://www.aspiga.com/products/janna-cotton-midi-dress-marina-blue?variant=37860671127732&currency=GBP&utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmterm=&ateeadgroup=119173909809&atecampaign=12091429804&form=&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqKJBhAWEiwAMvGt6OR6I57Z6PiiPjMNMz-52Zg4A22oRuJpJTx2mR47Ojgp3QLMG6YX7xoCu24QAvDBwE

https://www.stories.com/engbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.open-collar-v-neck-midi-dress-blue.0774352001.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwmqKJBhAWEiwAMvGt6DZB1GJxnFod4gSMGLSsXAIvv_PyNdwv7xOVWwjEAXzaz7OOtzoLx-hoC5vgQAvD_BwE

https://m.shein.co.uk/Batwing-Sleeve-Wrap-Detail-Dress-p-2845967-cat-1727.html?urlfrom=ukadplaswdress25210607138M&gclid=CjwKCAjwmqKJBhAWEiwAMvGt6JnwFeSlBxZn1vStGWfmmCp583nb8zJwkQbbTLcKVva3nMKle-aiBoCuiYQAvDDBwE&ref=www&rep=dir&ret=m