Help needed

[Firstworlddilemma]

Sorry to have to ask but I have no one in real life to advise me.

I have just found out I have to attend an event in early December. Not black tie but certainly heading in that direction.

I will have to be photographed and so for once in my life need to not look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.

Will lock in a hair cut and brow tidy up but what to wear?

Size 16 /18 , a very round apple shape , 5ft 6 , hate my arms and terrified of colour.

Any words of wisdom would be so appreciated.

A few more questions from me…
What parts of your body do you like?
Do you want skirt/dresses or trousers
Do you want separates or one item?
What type of shoes would you prefer?
And you say terrified of colour, but with help choosing it would you, or do you want to wear it?

Wear black. It usually photographs as just a flat black shape.
Wear nice make up and jewellery

Thanks both.

I think black may be safest. I work in a very dull industry and will be able to wear a black dress again.

In terms of shoes I can cope with heels maybe to a couple of inches provided they are squarish?

I am afraid I don’t like any parts of my body which is a bit pathetic! The worst areas are definatley my tummy - 3 c sections and too much cake - and my upper arms.

Maybe something v neck line with a sleeve? Any thoughts on length? I don’t have great calves so assume midi is out?

Any tips on jewellery would also be appreciated.

Sorry I should also have said I am far more comfortable in trousers than skirts / dresses but wondered if a one piece / dress would look neater? I would def be more
Comfortable in a trouser suit though. Budget up to say £200? I would actually really like to try different colours but have no idea where to start.

You could wear a black jumpsuit or a nice trouser suit

Colours - yes of course. It's a time of year for jewel and berry colours

John Lewis is always worth a browse - lots of different brands and returns are easy. Would suggest looking at Bombshell dresses
www.bombshellhq.com/ and also Nancy Mac www.nancymac.co.uk/ - two names that often come up as recommendations on these threads. Nancy Mac also has some stunning evening jumpsuits, velvets etc.
Here is the black collection, www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/black-and-souchong but please don’t rule out colour completely! 😀 There are some deep blues and greens which look stunning.
Hope you have fun.

What about a dark colour but not necessarily boring black? dark blue or green can look gorgeous!

Looks like @mrssmiling had the same idea

@mrssmiling

John Lewis is always worth a browse - lots of different brands and returns are easy. Would suggest looking at Bombshell dresses www.bombshellhq.com/ and also Nancy Mac www.nancymac.co.uk/ - two names that often come up as recommendations on these threads. Nancy Mac also has some stunning evening jumpsuits, velvets etc. Here is the black collection, www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/black-and-souchong but please don’t rule out colour completely! 😀 There are some deep blues and greens which look stunning. Hope you have fun.

Thank you so much for the recommendations - the dresses on those websites are exactly what I am looking for. No time for a long browse whilst at work but will be ordering some things to try this evening. The things on there are so beautiful - you may have inspired me to become a shopper!

@grey12

What about a dark colour but not necessarily boring black? dark blue or green can look gorgeous!

I know you are right - I'm hoping I can find a couple of dresses I like on the sites mrssmiling recommended and will order one in a colour as well as in safe black to see if it suits me. Thank you so much.

Definitely wear a dress