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Original poster

Wearing an unflattering outfit to a party

245 replies

Pickingmyselfup · 28/12/2022 07:54

I'm having a total nightmare trying to find a dress for a party in a couple of weeks. It's a dressy ish event so I wanted to go with a long dress but my hips are so enormous that they all look stupid.

I found a dress that looks nice enough but people have told me it pretty much looks awful but I'm tempted to wear it anyway. It is appropriate and it's comfy!

Pic attached of the offending dress. I look better in a super short dress because they make me look taller but they aren't appropriate so there we go.

I've tried on so many now and none of them look wow and it's just making me more and more miserable that I'm such an enormous lump so I give up. I'm either wearing this or not going.

Wearing an unflattering outfit to a party
OP posts:
Thread gallery
20
Original poster
Pickingmyselfup · 28/12/2022 08:20

sonjadog · 28/12/2022 08:16

The second dress looks much better than first. Can you take the hem up?

Possibly. I need to try it on with shoes and a bra too and see how it looks.

OP posts:
CiderJolly · 28/12/2022 08:22

These kind of shapes, necklines would work for you I think-

Wearing an unflattering outfit to a party
MisssHavisham · 28/12/2022 08:22

I prefer the second dress because it’s more elegant, but the first could work too.

Question: Are you single and is there anyone you fancy/want to get to know at this party?

bravelittletiger · 28/12/2022 08:23

@CiderJolly those dresses are all stunning 😍

CiderJolly · 28/12/2022 08:23

And worn with good underwear both bra and waist cincher

There is nothing wrong with your figure at all- you just need to learn how to showcase it

Kalasbyxor · 28/12/2022 08:24

OP, you look lovely in both dresses. Will you be among friends who love you, or colleagues who respect your work? They won't give the flatteringness your dress a second thought, and just be thrilled to see you, because you're a great friend / relative / colleague (or treasured spouse thereof), whom they already like well enough to invite to a special party.
I find it so disconcerting that so much attention is given to little details pertaining to someone else's appearance. Makes me wonder what people think of me when I go out!

AgathaX · 28/12/2022 08:25

I love the second dress. You look elegant in it.

StrawHatOnTheParcelShelf · 28/12/2022 08:25

You look great, OP!

I like the second dress best, very classy.

B1993 · 28/12/2022 08:26

I agree that the second dress would be a better option, OP. Have a lovely time and enjoy the night 🥂 💃

CiderJolly · 28/12/2022 08:27

Kalasbyxor · 28/12/2022 08:24

OP, you look lovely in both dresses. Will you be among friends who love you, or colleagues who respect your work? They won't give the flatteringness your dress a second thought, and just be thrilled to see you, because you're a great friend / relative / colleague (or treasured spouse thereof), whom they already like well enough to invite to a special party.
I find it so disconcerting that so much attention is given to little details pertaining to someone else's appearance. Makes me wonder what people think of me when I go out!

I think so much attention is given here because the op has asked.

I wouldn’t scrutinise someone’s clothing choices when out and live in joggers, jeans, leggings most days when wfh. But I can see what shapes are flattering for the figure type if someone asks.

Also, I do think you feel more confident at a party if you feel good in your outfit.

Overthebow · 28/12/2022 08:28

The second dress looks so much nicer

ValerieDoonican · 28/12/2022 08:28

Both look fine to me. The first dress is very sexy, the second more elegant though possibly less 'you', if you say you don't like it. The first one looks quite difficult to walk in though?

EasterIsland · 28/12/2022 08:29

Why are you choosing a style so close cut to your legs and hip? If you’re worried about “enormous” hips, look for something that is flattering on top - where you’re very slim - and into the waist then out into a fuller skirt.

You might look at 50s or late 40s styles. Not the cheaper 50s dresses sold as “rockabilly” but something more elegant than skin tight. Mid calf length and full skirted would look great. Channel Grace Kelly!

LadyOfTheCanyon · 28/12/2022 08:29

I would say you're a pear, not an hourglass. But you've got a lovely figure ( I don't understand why hourglass is held up as some kind of gold standard, tbh)

The second dress looks lovely. I understand what you mean about super short suiting you - a dress that cuts off just below your widest point mitigates the wideness and balances you.

Any of those Holly Willoughby dresses or similar shapes would look great on you but honestly the second one is gorgeous on you.

ASCADHDBAME · 28/12/2022 08:29

Your figure is gorgeous - ignore the haters!
Personally if I had your figure I'd go with the first but in my circle and area people are drawn towards wearing dresses that showcase curves/hips/bums and love a 'bombshell' look.

Original poster
Pickingmyselfup · 28/12/2022 08:30

Option 3 but it's a bit tight and I'm not keen on the exposed leg because I hate my legs!

Wearing an unflattering outfit to a party
OP posts:
LadyOfTheCanyon · 28/12/2022 08:31

Nothing wrong with your legs but I still prefer the second one.

stormywaves · 28/12/2022 08:32

I prefer the second one as it emphasises your narrow waist and it is not all one colour. The original one drags your eye down rather than up.

If you could get the hem taken up or pair it with some silver shoes that would look great.

Option 3 would be my second choice.

B1993 · 28/12/2022 08:34

Another good option OP, but the second dress would still be my first choice.

Dogsgottabone · 28/12/2022 08:34

The second dress is classy and flattering. The first one looks a bit plastic though that might be a photo issue.

You look stunning in dress two.

IhearyouClemFandango · 28/12/2022 08:34

2 or 3 for sure.

aweegc · 28/12/2022 08:40

I came in to say I like the first dress, you should wear it. Then I scrolled through and saw the second. It looks like it's made for you!

Team 2nd dress here. But like first dress too!

Mummyoflittledragon · 28/12/2022 08:40

Option 2 is the best. You have a lovely figure. But I do not think you look better with exposed legs because as we age we are better to hide our legs imo. Option 3 is also very dated. I think I wore things like this in the early noughties if not before. Above all, be proud of your figure. It could be worse. I’m battle scarred and a size 20/22 as a result when before i was a 12/14. Life is.

VaccineSticker · 28/12/2022 08:42

Dress number 2 is extremely elegant x

Paq · 28/12/2022 08:43

Your first picture isn't easy to judge the dress from but if people you love and trust say it's no good then I'd believe them.

The second dress swamps you.