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I look like this - what should I wear for Christmas do (and possibly in general?)

36 replies

helpmegetdressed · 28/11/2022 22:25

I haven’t been to a ‘Christmas do’ for years but have somehow been strong armed into going to one this year. It’s on the fancier end of the spectrum apparently - not full black tie but most people will be quite glam.

This was the dress I already owned which I had in mind. Tried it on for the first time in a few years earlier and clearly I can’t wear it - too tight and my belly is huge, I still look pregnant (I’m not btw).

I’m including the photo anyway (and apologise for the extreme close up vibe, was trying to crop out identifying details) as it’s easier than describing my ‘shape’ etc and thought maybe someone more practiced than me would be able to go ‘ahh yes, you need this kind of style to hide those bits and show those bits …’

I don’t really know where to start looking for something that would actually suit me - I’ve only
got 2 weeks and not really much free time for
shopping so was hoping for some direction.

Budget - as little as possible really, but I’ll spend up to £75 so we are very much talking lower end of the high st really - but if you think a more expensive dress would work I’d still like to see it so maybe I can see what sort of styles/ shapes people think would be good.

5ft 7 and size 18.

Will give myself a pedicure and attempt to do something with my pale (and bruised?!) legs.

Please help. I went freelance/ switched to working from home, had a baby/ gained a very round stomach and obviously lockdown -
somewhere in all that I’ve completely forgotten how to dress myself.

Aside from Christmas do, I probably need more general help too! Are those subscription things worth it where you give details and they send you clothes every month? Are there any that go up to size 18 and aren’t eye wateringly expensive?

I look like this - what should I wear for Christmas do (and possibly in general?)
OP posts:
MrsGhastlyCrumb · 28/11/2022 23:05

Gah. Sorry, tired. I meant your legs are great, not sure why I wrote about your ankles all creepily..! 😬

AllBellyandBoobs · 28/11/2022 23:10

DelphiniumBlue · 28/11/2022 22:54

Pretty Kitty dresses are very flattering for those of us with boobs and a bit of a belly!

I was going to recommend this company, reasonably priced as well

sausage767 · 28/11/2022 23:11

I think the dress looks terrific from the front. Would shapewear help with the side view?

The shoes are not good though, do you really wear bare legs and sandals in winter in the UK?

I wear a lot of dresses like that and in winter I'd wear opaque tights and smart heeled ankle boots.

helpmegetdressed · 28/11/2022 23:19

@MrsGhastlyCrumb 😆 It wasn’t creepy

@sausage767 I wasn’t particularly committed to the shoes, just grabbed the first pair with a heel I could find for trying on purposes. I don’t think I’d do bare legs, but wouldn’t have thought of opaques either really, can certainly experiment though as id be far more comfortable.

OP posts:
LadyB49 · 28/11/2022 23:22

I think your dress is fabulous..... Just a little tight. Any chance of letting out the side and/or back seams.
Then push the sleeves up to 3/4. Whack a bit off if necessary. I always use rubber bands to keep my sleeves up, the bands disappear under a fold of fabric.

JestersTear · 28/11/2022 23:38

Lady Vintage has some gorgeous stuff!

www.ladyvlondon.com/

Tillybobbins · 28/11/2022 23:43

Do you want the gods honest truth? You have a lovely figure, great proportion and I can’t believe your dress size.
Don’t hide your legs, boobs and arms. (I have good legs, small boobs and now crepey arms so enjoy.) Get a better bra (your current one is doing you no favours) and ditch the unfitted sleeves. The Joanie dress in a brighter colour will look tremendous on you, judging by your colouring. It seems you’re not happy with your midriff so choose something less tightly fitting in order to feel confident and comfortable. Wear a smile and enjoy the do.
I bet your OH tells you you’re sensational. Believe him. I don’t believe mine but I should do!

GettingStuffed · 29/11/2022 00:14

It sounds as if we're the same size and shape. This would work www.marksandspencer.com/lurex-v-neck-midi-wrap-dress/p/clp60573838?color=NAVY#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g4r7c3

Especially with some statement Newport on the top half

GettingStuffed · 29/11/2022 00:14

Necklace not Newport

skippy67 · 29/11/2022 08:47

Dress is nice, but don't like the shoes at all.

Justcuriouser · 29/11/2022 19:29

I'm a similar shape and i have the m&s lurex one above and it's super flattering. It looks much better than on the model who has no boobs! You'd then have some money spare for a plunge bra.

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