Occasion dress, size 14 was 20, dress gurus needed urgently

[Serenitesummer]

I really need help with finding a dress. I know there are so many of these threads, I’ve read them all snd am at a total loss. Please stylish dressers help🙏
Please post some ideas. I am so stuck.
I’ve been scrolling through 100’s of dresses and have no idea what to get.
I don’t mind colour, something different, stylish, it’s quite a formal wedding in country house after church ceremony.
I’m 5’6 blonde, carry weight on tummy after children. I have been so focused on getting weight off for this occasion and really despondent that the dress I wanted to wear is too tight. I don’t think I can loose 1/2 stone in time, it’s too much pressure. I couldn’t guarantee that even if I did the weight ok would come off my middle.
This wedding is in 10 days.
I’d ordered dresses but they don’t look nice and I’m so disheartened after loosing all this weight - can’t believe they won’t work. The dresses I ordered were Coast size 14 but too tight around the tummy, where I carry my weight. Wouldn’t normally bought from coast but I like these dresses. Can’t order up as there is no size 16 available and I think it doesn’t flatter a tummy anyway.

Dress must have sleeves or an ability to put them in to cover up. I’ll consider anything but would love to look super stylish and modern. I love Bardot type dresses as I have to cover up my arms, I feel it is a nice look on me.
I live v rurally and cannot get to shops so must be online. Online delivery 5 days to here, in Uk but rural.
I will be checking in constantly to see if any ideas, am thinking positively that mumsnet can help!

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/monsoon-priya-embroidered-midi-dress/ln333/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=3160

Something like this?

I went to a personal shopper and she pointed out the most helpful thing ever.
That the waist of a dress needs to be where the thinnest part of your waist is (so for me just below the bust as post kids tummy is bad so a-line) now I am better able to frantically order stuff that will actually suit me and not be so disheartened when it never looks as good as on the models

Coast are not great for tummy flattering/skimming - it's not just you!

Budget? Length?
What colour accessories and shoes do you have so we can suggest things that work?

Have you looked at SilkFred?

Wrap style are your friend!

Have a look here

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/wrap-dresses?filter=1&uk_sizes%5B%5D=UK+14

Thank you for responding.
The blue dress isn’t my style and sleeves need to be bracelet length but I appreciate you looking.

Thank you for advise on a line, I agree. That is exactly what I need to find style wise.

Wrap dresses and me just don’t get on. I know they are supposed to flatter a tummy put most of the time I can’t get them to meet to wrap over! Maybe I’ve not found the right wrap dress yet.

Budget is reasonable but under 150 (as far under as possible)

I have all the shoes/bags/accessories, that’s my thing.

Yes Coast is not somewhere I’d ever buy but thought I loved this dress.
Its very disheartening, all help appreciated so much

What kind of thing do you like?

I agree with a PP, waistline below bust and fabric that skims over is good when you have a tummy ( like me!)

Have you looked at ASOS and John Lewis?

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/little-mistress-bardot-tie-neck-midi-dress-green/p6237704?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Something like this?

www.boohoo.com/plus-satin-pleated-midaxi-dress/PZZ10772.html?color=119

What sort of style? Small floral? Bold print? Plain?

Or maybe show us what you’ve already ordered from Coast so we can see what you like the look of

You'll have loads of options, OP, and massive well done on losing that weight A you are EPIC.

How about something like this?

www.debenhams.com/product/coast-ruched-bardot-midi-pencil-dress_bcc01100

Have a look at KitriStudio you might see something you'd like there. kitristudio.com/products/della-apple-green-dress

What is your body type?

Here I am again! I bought this recently and it is so flattering, I find myself recommending it on every dress thread. I also have a tummy and this magical dress hid it! It's from SilkFred

i LOVE that dress.

actually beautiful - is there a link?

I'm ancient and decrepit (73), but I have found that Toast and Sahara London are good size-wise. (Vary between 16 and 18, depending on brand for other stores). Check their measurements before you order! Some stuff is only up as S, M, L, XL.

Not cheap! Prices have gone up this year too. I tend to try wait for sales, but when I wanted outfit for my DD1's wedding I paid full price from Sahara. I went for a linen skirt and matching jacket back then, with a plain blouse underneath. I still wear it from time to time - it's a cheerful large pink and white floral print on a navy background, and I still love it. Not that I go anywhere these days as am still shielding as vulnerable.

This was some years ago now! But I still buy from Toast and occasionally Sahara.

Good luck with finding a great dress! I'm sure you'll find something with the help of all of the people here giving you suggestions.

There's lady on YouTube, she's a personal stylist.
She have a great and informative videos for normal women, not the skinny, perfectly shaped celebrities.

https://youtube.com/c/MMStylingAcademyMMPersonalStyling

Thanks everyone for your lovely responses.
But unfortunately nothing has been right yet.
I’d like something a bit structured but not straight, stylish, long or 3/4 sleeve with a wow factor. Cannot find it 🤷‍♀️

Would any of these work? All on Next website. Remember shapewear and the right bra can make all the difference!

Thanks so much.
None right yet 🤯 but I’m getting to know what I need -

• under bust not waisted;


• flatter a bigger bust (FF) have shape wear/well fitted bra;


• long or 3/4 sleeves;


• Some interesting neckline;


• am blonde so clear bright colours;


• (or navy, can’t really wear black unfortunately)


• not straight/pencil but A-line or flowing;


• Slimming cut, kind to post children tummy;


• needs to look ‘expensive’ good material/make, formal wedding.

The days are passing and I’ve not ordered anything since the Coast dress, cannot see anything but flowery or figure hugging. Bit stressed

This?

https://m.rotita.com/rotita-v-neck-floral-print-short-sleeve-dress-g280226.html?currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5oPZgc6O-AIVP3VCh3AYg2dEAQYAiABEgKjmvDD_BwE

https://m.lightinthebox.com/p/a-line-minimalist-plus-size-party-wear-cocktail-party-dress-v-neck-short-sleeve-knee-length-cotton-with-bow-s-2021p8716483.html?currency=GBP&litbb_from=paidadwordssshopping&sku=19622%7C2009546&countrycode=gb&utmmsource=googleshopping&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=13352225695125557637640pla-440734278684&adworddmt=&adwordct=525234375495&adworddkw=&adwordpos=&adworddpl=&adwordnet=u&adworddtar=&adwsrccid=3516490533133522256955125557637640pla-440734278684&gbraid=0AAAAAD7vwYdMLwBAYXSg5AvbCwSH9fqkr&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhbDQys6O-AIV1IXVCh2c-Ae5EAQYDyABEgKUgvDDBwE#headeranchor

Well done on losing all that weight. Please tell me how! Have you seen www.bombshellhq.com/ I think they might have what you need? Good luck

Another idea:

www.johnlewis.com/maids-to-measure-suzannah-maxi-dress-navy-confetti-print/p4827586

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-keyhole-cut-out-jersey-midi-dress-navy/p5906098