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

[wibblewibble]

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!

No idea what your budget is so I may be completely out of line, but Bombshell HQ has some gorgeous stuff like this: www.bombshellhq.com/collections/summer-sale/products/limited-edition-chrysanthemums-black-tea-dress?variant=39296290586704

Some great links - thanks everyone. Silk Fred link sent me down a rabbit hole of lovely dresses so have ordered some to try. Had forgotten about next so will look there now. Not sure on budget technically could stretch to the bombshell one but think for that price I’d have to really love it! Think maybe for a plainer dress that I could wear to fancy dinners it might be worth it. The bravissimo option is good but think they’d be too long. Are any petite brands still going?! Précis petite seems to have disappeared.

A cape dress could be a good option for covering arms without looking grumpy. These are just 2 I pulled quickly from google as an example.

The Jolie molie dress is really nice but sadly not available in my size. Will google similar as think that style would work well. Thank you x

Another cape option. Maybe over budget though gb.marinarinaldi.com/p-1223161004036-dieci-bordeaux

A different style, younger and more festive: gb.marinarinaldi.com/p-1222151004082-diedro-dark-navy

Black tie is full length

Eh?

black tie is cocktail length for women, white tie is full length ball gowns,
decorations to be worn -> tiara

If you can afford to throw money at the problem, try https://www.bombshellhq.com

The gold one is beautiful esp with blond hair

I see Bombshell recommended a lot on this thread so guess they are good ? Was wondering what the sizing is like irl

Ops pressed too soon -meant to say to OP I would go for cocktail less as more versatility for future wears and also plainer so you can accessorise different ways with jewellery , shoes etc

@BeaLola

Sorry long answer ...

I purposely didn't look at the sizing, as I find myself with the nonsense that is favouring a dress just because I got into a smaller size than normal rather, than the much more important what it looks like in me.

Bombshell have a few different shapes, all accommodate fuller bust though slightly different necklines. Some better for wider and other for relatively narrow hips.

I’m short and a size 16 and I only ever wear trousers to dress up. First of all I object to buying a dress I wont get a wear from. Secondly, I am more comfortable in trousers. I had a lovely velvet trouser suit from M n S once. I have black and navy evening trousers and a few dressy tops to go with them.

I always find it hard to feel smart enough in things with sleeves
I don’t like my upper arms but try to ensure I’ve tanned them a bit (no sleeve tan lines) and I go for a sleeveless dress with shawl/wrap

I’ve had some nice things from phase eight/studio 8.

I am short size 16/18 with big boobs and tend to go for fit n flare type shapes

This sort of thing
Sleeveless but not strappy

www.phase-eight.com/product/breesha-tiered-v-neck-fit-and-flare-belted-dress-209687700.html#cgid=occasion&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=209687700&pos=34

I have bought Gina Bacconi (linked above) for several occasions - I am the same shape as you! I feel pretty comfortable in them - might be worth a look?

Agree you certainly don't need to wear long.

Have fun when you get there!

Thank you! Have made a few online orders and will see what fits x

This is gorgeous the silver around the neck draws attention up www.phase-eight.com/product/kieley-embellished-maxi-dress-220102983.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=false&sz=60&start=58&cgid=Occasionwear&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=size&prefv2=16&pid=220102983&pos=89

I went for this one in the end- with hair ted up and some strappy metallic shoes/bag it looked fine. Very floaty fabric and with the belt tied gave a decent shape

Xx

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-frances-metallised-spot-flared-dress-navy/p5765985?size=14?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1haWw=

That's really nice