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Original poster

Oh the horror! Evening dress, max pudge. Help me!

31 replies

little0miss0mac · 16/01/2022 22:18

I have to go to a do at the end of the month. Dress code is evening dress, and it's at a swanky venue. I'm dreading it - I'm at peak winter fat (size 16) and feeling terrible about how I look. We'll be with lifelong friends of my husband and I know it shouldn't matter but I'm not looking forward to it because I'll look like the back of a bus. I am also feeling very resentful at having to buy a frock that will get worn once. Yes, I could choose not to go but on balance I think I should go.

So: any ideas where can I go looking for a dress I can try on in real life, other than the obvious John Lewis etc? I'm in London. I am menopausal with belly fat as well as a big wide bum, so somewhere that will have stock sympathetic to this - and my pathological hatred of clothes shopping full stop - would help! Budget up to £300ish if I can find something that will do for the occasional thing over the coming years. I've been looking at https://www.bombshellhq.com. Any other ideas?

I am also aware this is a very first world problem, which is making me even crosser with myself! Please help Grin

OP posts:
Jumpingintomenopause · 17/01/2022 00:23

First things first… tell us about yourself!

Colouring
Bits to show off
Bits you don’t love
Shoes - can you do a heel etc

GlamGiraffe · 17/01/2022 00:33

Which approx part of london? N S E W? im thinking of somewhere but might be the other end of the earth to you.

GlamGiraffe · 17/01/2022 00:42

Actually they have a tiny selection online to view. If its accessible yo you or you like something online you could ring them andxask them yo emsil you phoyos of anything suitable they have in stovk and makexa visit. They have always had so many dresses it's been a treasure trove (not sure how much they'll have just after christmas though)

www.afterdark-uk.co.uk/

Wotsitsits · 17/01/2022 00:45

Why spend £300 if you don't want to? Ebay and vinted have heaps of lovely evening dresses. You could buy more than 1 for £50!

Ringsender2 · 17/01/2022 00:51

Dress rental?

WeegieWan · 17/01/2022 00:54

If you aren't likely to wear it again maybe you'd be better renting a dress? Maybe something like this - onenightstand.co.uk/ No affiliation and have never used them, but as someone carrying a bit of midwinter weight myself I do like the idea of someone else working out what I'd look good in and fitting it to me rather than trawling the racks.

Westmeathtip · 17/01/2022 00:57

I love bombshell but I think I’d buy second hand and sell it again.

What about Collectif? Also, a wear-your-own-bra contraption can help.

TBH though, get something you’re comfy in, accessorise with killer jewellery and get shit faced.

You’re welcome!Grin

Christoncrutches · 17/01/2022 01:13

lots of decent priced evening dresses here: www.jjshouse.co.uk/Cheap-Evening-Dresses-c17/

Bells3032 · 17/01/2022 01:15

If you are anywhere near Wembley then every so often Gina bacconi have sample sales and have lots in plus sizes. After dark is also great.

Weirdly I've found a couple of nice dresses on amazon. And also marisota do some nice ones too.

Chocolatebutton0 · 17/01/2022 01:29

I’d be tempted to buy a few different options from
Vinted that you can try on at home and sell any that you don’t like. If you have a budget of £300, you should find things for a lot less than that. I got one on there for £10 that I wore to a wedding and then sold on.
If you are conscious of parts of your body then maybe investing in a good pair of Spanx would be worthwhile.

Palavah · 17/01/2022 05:39

Rent. And exercise regularly between now and then because it will make so much difference to how you FEEL in your body.

WhyYesYABU · 17/01/2022 08:21

Do JL still do personal shoppers? I think that will be your best bet and I agree with the PP that said exercise now because it will help how you feel. And get your hair done, drink water, generally look after yourself.

ShangPie · 17/01/2022 13:43

Could you do a fabulous jumpsuit or even a tuxedo? Another alternative is to wear something very simple in a dark colour that fits you well (like a 3/4 sleeve plain shift dress), and then go totally OTT and accessorise it to the max with bling!

Spend a big chunk of your £300 getting your hair done, nails done, makeup done so you feel great.

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 17/01/2022 15:14

I am of equal plumptiousness and also need a frock. I bought a really boring-looking black Gina Bacconi dress off eBay for about £15 and it is incredibly flattering. It looks like nothing on the hanger and really looks good on. I'm a bit flabbergasted to be honest. So I would recommend GB. Excellent cutting or some kind of witchcraft.

Fairyliz · 17/01/2022 15:21

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden

I am of equal plumptiousness and also need a frock. I bought a really boring-looking black Gina Bacconi dress off eBay for about £15 and it is incredibly flattering. It looks like nothing on the hanger and really looks good on. I'm a bit flabbergasted to be honest. So I would recommend GB. Excellent cutting or some kind of witchcraft.
@ElizabethinherGermanGarden Ooh that’s cheered me up on blue Monday as I have a Gina Bacconi dress winging its way to me off eBay. There are loads on there op.
Figgyroller · 17/01/2022 15:24

I am now trying desperately not to buy a Gina Bacconi dress from ebay Grin They are lovely!

gogohm · 17/01/2022 15:37

Try ever pretty (on Amazon) they have a plus sizes range and choose a size up from normal usually. They are cheaper than renting

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 21/01/2022 22:28

@Imtoooldforallthis thank you for this recommendation - I ordered it and it is lovely!

Imtoooldforallthis · 22/01/2022 17:09

[quote ElizabethinherGermanGarden]@Imtoooldforallthis thank you for this recommendation - I ordered it and it is lovely! [/quote]
Glad to be of help.

Fritilleries · 22/01/2022 18:21

I'd go on ebay. I got myself a French connection dress for £8.

londonmummy1966 · 22/01/2022 18:48

I'm a similar size and gave up on dresses for evening some time ago. I go with drapey wideleg trousers and either a black lace top over a plain black vest or a black camisole and a dinner jacket. Add a fabulous pair of earrings and a simple necklace or brooch and an unfussy black clutch. The advantage of trousers is that you can wear flats....

MorrisZapp · 22/01/2022 18:52

Love this thread. Yes, eBay or charity shop I reckon. Don't spend 300 quid on a compromise dress. Get to peak summer unfat and treat yourself then.

Heels, handbag, shitfaced. You'll be ace.

EmmaH2022 · 22/01/2022 20:55

@Westmeathtip

I love bombshell but I think I’d buy second hand and sell it again.

What about Collectif? Also, a wear-your-own-bra contraption can help.

TBH though, get something you’re comfy in, accessorise with killer jewellery and get shit faced.

You’re welcome!Grin

What is a "wear your own bra" contraption please?

And who else's bra would I wear 😂

Ariela · 22/01/2022 21:01

Don't forget to go for some decent shapewear underneath. The M&S stuff is pretty good for the price IME.