Clothing emergency!

[thesootherfairy]

I have a proper clothing emergency and very little time to sort it. I'm literally desperate.

Next week I have an event. It's evening drinks but v posh.

Problem is that any suitable "nice" posh suitable outfits no longer fit.

I changed career after DC came along and new work so way more casual so not needed anything like this for 15 years.

I obv have dresses etc but they're too much for this event.

Event is branded smart casual but it's incredibly upmarket

I could cry as I am now too fat for everything suitable that I own.

I'm 5' 10" and a size 14 😢 I was a size 10/12 until recently so I don't know how to dress myself any more.

I've literally only got tomorrow to hit shops. I already tried to order something off Biden but I looked terrible. Like a fat sack of spuds. Wasn't suitable for my shape (extra weight seems to have gone on tummy and thighs just make it all worse).

What do I do and where to I go?
I had an idea of wide leg linen trousers (not white) but with what?
Happy to spend whatever is necessary to avoid turning up in jeans

All suggestions appreciated

Very best of luck @thesootherfairy

Are you in the London area? Can you can get to a large department store (Harvey nicks, selfridges, John Lewis at Westfield White City etc) and book a personal styling appointment? They plonk you in a nice changing room and do all the running around for you on suggestions and sizes so you get a lot done in 1 hour across all the different brands they have in store. I’ve done this and come home with something fabulous I wouldn’t have picked out for myself.

At Westfield White City they have an area of designer stores which might also help. Being able to hit multiple brands in a short space of time/close proximity is what you need here.

I also do this and understand the stress! Hope it works out x

Hope you had some success @thesootherfairy

How can a dress be "too smart" when you've said this is "v posh"?

Setting aside Toast style Bloomsbury set potter/ art teacher sacks or beach dresses the great thing about dresses is that most dresses are "dressy".

Hi OP, Have you found something? You are the same height and similar size to me, usually 12 in tops and dresses, depending on cut and 31 in jeans, size 14 in trousers. I have quite a lot from Me and Em (actually the trousers are sometimes a 12), Max Mara silk trousers (def. 14), a great silk dress from Costume Nationale from Liberty and some things from Jigsaw and Massimo Dutti.

Update:
The Me and Em jumpsuit became available again online this afternoon! In all sizes.

Bought the 14

I did go to the shops with DD this afternoon but not much luck as many of the things we picked were out of stock in my size. Anyway jumpsuit is on its way.

I'm now suddenly worried it won't look right. The model in the photo is tiny and I'm definitely not. Worries the extra wide legs will make me look like a clown now.

With dresses. I always shy away from them. I don't really suit skirts and dresses. Never looks right on me. I'm just a strange shape. I only tend to wear them on tropical holidays. Never at home. Not worn a skirt in years. Have strange knees and now with a big tummy it all just makes me look fat.

That’s good news! I think buyers remorse is so common. It’s such a great jumpsuit, cool, sophisticated without being too try hard.
You will look great. I think it feels strange wearing wide legs after so many years of skinny jeans, but you will soon get used to it.
Have you thought about shoes?

Is there a John Lewis near you? I had a massive panic purchase issue and managed to get into a personal stylist session (they are free) was out within a hour with a perfect outfit.

@ThatshallotBaby
Thinking. Am quite tall and have inflammatory arthritis so prefer flats. I have some Giuseppe Zanotti silk satin flats in pink but slightly darker pink than the jumpsuit.
Have some LK Bennett wedge sandals but prefer not to wear due to arthritis. Have a number of Jimmy Choos but again heels. Those are from the days before arthritis

I think the flats definitely. Just remember everyone else is focusing on themselves, not you. Just feel proud of yourself for going.

I think the pink flats sound fab, definitely wear those! It will help to boost your confidence if you can walk and stand in comfort.
What about accessories, earrings etc?

That’s a gorgeous jumpsuit, OP! You must let us know how you get on with it. If you like that pink, I saw a gorgeous dress in Next. I loved it, but that pink makes me look ill (v pale, olive skin, reddish hair). If they had it in another colour, I’d snap it up. The back is lovely, and the sleeves are super forgiving. All lined too, so should flatter over any lumps and bumps - and I’m a fair bit bigger than you, at a size 18.

Whoops!! And with the link 🤦🏻‍♀️
www.next.co.uk/g6429s1/260726#260726