Plus size wedding guest for January

[Januarcelebration]

Hi all, my auntie (70) has just announced she is finally marrying her dp of 40 years. In January.

Its a small wedding at a registry office with a lunch at a posh restaurant afterwards. My aunty is stunning and very glamorous. As is her daughter in law.

I feel like a bit of a lump. I seem to have lost my style in the last few years. Between the pandemic and my mum (my aunties sister) dying last year, I haven’t been out anywhere in 3 years. I have put 2 stone on which seems to be on my middle and become a bit of a recluse. I have no idea how to dress my body. I have been actively avoiding going anywhere because I hate how I look. I did used to have an hour glass shape, but my waist seems to have, mainly, disappeared

My Auntie wouldn’t actually care if I turned up in a potato sack. But I want to look nice, so that I don’t have the anxiety about going. Or not as much.

I have taken losing my mum really badly and almost 12 months on I am still devastated and my Aunty has been a pillar of strength and support. I really want to go and enjoy and look good.

Can anyone give any tips for my shape or shop recommendations?

I’m sorry to be a grouch (and realise people will hate me for saying this) but I do think if someone posts saying they’re happy to spend £300 on a dress (which they hope will make them feel wonderful) it’s maybe a bit unhelpful and confusing to suggest things costing (new) only a tenth of that. We’re all aware that pricing can be random and inexplicable - but we generally expect better quality at a higher price. At least one or two of; fabric, cutting, proportions, colour, originality - should be demonstrably superior to a cheaper version.

The OP is asking for suggestions for clothes of a quality that either cost close to £300 or (even better) that have been reduced to £300 in the sales or from a vintage shop. Possibly because she’s found cheaper clothes aren’t helping her to feel good about her appearance. Or because she wants something more special. Or … whatever. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I find when you're not feeling great, then colour can be really cheering. Sahara dresses are very forgiving and they have some gorgeous velvet ones. I have one in their last year's winter floral I got off eBay with a matching loose coat which is gorgeous and even though I've lost weight I still love how it makes me feel!

Quickly looking at their site I can see a couple you might like? They're beautifully made and comfy to wear and I find I always get lots of compliments... www.saharalondon.com/clothing/dresses/winter-garden-velvet-bubble-dress-multi.htm

www.saharalondon.com/clothing/dresses/peacock-swirl-velvet-dress-multi.htm

OP you sound really nice. Others have taken care of the dress suggestions (I was going to say Phase Eight but PPs have it covered already) but I just wanted to say that you come across as a lovely person and in my experience, that makes people look even nicer than they might otherwise. You'll find something perfect and look fab.

I agree about colour @cunningartificer - that’s why I posted the link to the next dress. The cobalt blue is really flattering and stands out without being too out there.

Thank you all. I have ordered 2 bombshell ones. I am going through a few websites now and ordering. I will send the ones I don’t like back but I think people are right. I need to try before I know.

My Dad ia coming shopping with me in a couple of weeks as well. He has been quite worried about me recently, which I feel awful about. So me asking him to come shopping and have lunch was something he jumped at.

Coffee with my friend was really nice. I have told her I am struggling in general. Told her I a dreading Christmas and putting the decorations up as mum died in early December and I just remember spending night after night staring at the tree. She has organised some friends to come round and do it with me. She also wants to take me to dinner on the night of mums anniversary. Not sure I am up for that. But I appreciate the offer.

Between how lovely everyone, here, has been and my friend I feel a lot more optimistic about going to the wedding. I can’t thank you all enough.

Hope you find the right dress and have a lovely time. I’ve been following this thread with interest. I’m the same size as you and have been invited to a posh wedding next September. I’ve been avoiding thinking about it as couldn’t imagine what I would end up wearing. You and this thread have inspired me. I’ve got time to lose a bit of weight, maybe down to a 14/16 and save money to buy good fitting underwear and maybe splash a bit on the dress. Thank you 💐