Please help a fat woman find a birthday outfit!

[fatterthantheaverage]

It's a milestone birthday for me soon and I'm going for brunch with my friends.

They are all 2-3 sizes smaller than me, and I don't want to feel like an old frump.

I've gained a lot of weight since 2020 and am about 5st overweight, a size 18-20.

I went out a couple of months ago (another friend's milestone!) and wore a long slightly sparkly top with bell sleeves (that I've had since before I was thin last time, think I bought it in 2017!), leather look leggings and heels. I got lots of compliments and felt very comfortable yet also that I looked sufficiently dressy for the event.

Of course now I'm thinking of something similar for my own birthday but can't find anything remotely similar. Everything seems to be 70s prints or frilly florals, neither of which is suitable for a woman of almost 50!

Has anyone seen anything that might fit what I'm looking for please? I'm really struggling, and time is not on my side!

How about something like this?

A sharp blazer? There are some great
double blazer dresses that will make you feel tailored.

Or like this

The first top is ok maybe, not in love with the frill round the neck but it might look better on? It's a possible.

Blazers - definitely not, sorry. They don't suit me, I end up looking like a fridge, just a big rectangle

I'm probably the same size and you and wear midi/maxi dresses which fit to the waist then flow from there. Also like jumpsuits too

m.shein.co.uk/Surplice-Neck-Swiss-Dot-Split-Thigh-Dress-p-10069147-cat-1727.html?scici=Search~~EditSearch~~1~~Dress~~~~0&src_module=search&src_identifier=st%3D2%60sc%3DDress%60sr%3D0%60ps%3D0&src_tab_page_id=page_pre_search1651866149532

I know Shein are pretty cheap and cheerful, but in the reviews you can see real people wearing the dress and see if there's anyone wearing it with a similar figure to you!

😂

A fridge!!

I'm more of a Hagrid in one 😂

A floral print low cut midi with wedges (shoes not potato) 🥔

Also this one is flattering on. DD said I looked like a birthday cake in it tho , so might suits if you're getting into the true birthday spirit 😅

www.next.co.uk/style/ls200122/P32904#P32904

I met a friend for lunch recently. She's the same size as you and she was wearing a green wrap midi dress which she said was from Shein. I always thought Shein was for teenagers but she looked fantastic.

How about this kimono wrap dress from Asos? It's slightly nipped in at the waist and the fabric has just enough stretch to be flattering.

Wear the same outfit? You loved it, got compliments, don't have to go shopping. Done!

When I say fridge I'm thinking more Smeg style than normal fridge freezer

I don't think wrap dresses look particularly good on me, I'm quite large busted and they never seem to sit right, and then even if the top part looks ok, my stomach ends up looking massive :(

I'll look on Shein though, it can't be any worse than Asos where I've spent the last hour searching fruitlessly!

Unfortunately I'm out with exactly the same group of people, otherwise I would wear what I wore last time. I've not seem them since either, so I really don't feel I could wear it again!

How about this dress, it’s very flattering I have it in a 16 it fits in all the right places, can be worn with pumps for casual lunches, or heels for a more glamorous evening look.
www.joules.com/Women/Clothing/Valerie/Tie-Neck-Woven-Dress?size=10&id=215894|LRGNVFLR|10

God it’s a bit depressing to be considering Shein for your birthday outfit. I would want something comfortable and a bit glamourous. I don’t do tons of print but a kimono is a bit special and versatile… looks good over dresses or trousers and jeans. I think knee length or longer rather than the shorter ones personally. These are from 100 Stars ( British brand)

I like this OP. In fact may treat myself to it!

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/product/api/getzoomimages?productid=61411&modelid=0#0

That's out of stock in the OP's size. It's a lovely dress.

OP - Can I recommend investing in some good/decent control underwear before you start looking at what you'll wear over that?

I'll paste in a few links in my next post with some suggestions.

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

Outfit 3

Outfit 4

Dress 1

Dress 2

Dress 3

Dress 4

I'm not sure how dressy you want to go so hopefully there is something there that might start you thinking you're less like a fridge and more like a steaming hot kettle (if you're describing yourself as a kitchen appliance) 😉😉

Here are a few more suggestions:

Wallis Outfit 1

Wallis Outfit 2

Wallis Outfit 3

Wallis Outfit 4

Love dress 2 that's very flattering

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/tops/tunics?f=t&sortby=ourfavourites&page=1

how about any of the stuff they have, or is it too casual?

The “yours” site in my link above also has dress 4 from Lookitsmeagain’s list in the right size.

I've recently bought this, although mine is longer (I'm 5 foot 7) you could wear it with the same trousers as before www.yoursclothing.co.uk/curve-blue-floral-print-pintuck-shirt-p

Could you get the previous top copied in a fabric that’s reminiscent of current trends?

I like this kimono look, with your black leathers and a black cami?