Dress help for size 22 big belly.

[Boopeedoop]

Hi.

Have a £50 budget for a dress, but I have a big belly and low confidence.

Most things look like maternity dresses on me.

My usual uniform is black leggings and a long baggy top.

What’s the occasion? Something flowing would be flattering and pretty, without sacrificing comfort.

I have a couple of dresses from Popsy in this midi wrap shape. I find it a very flattering shape.

www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/brambles-blackberry-mouse-print-midi-dress

I find fit and flare or skater style dresses are surprisingly flattering. Something like this shape:

www.monsoon.co.uk/velvet-trim-patch-jersey-dress-in-sustainable-cotton-green-34168507.html

www.monsoon.co.uk/peony-devore-hanky-hem-dress-black-44118301.html

www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-shelley-foil-print-tea-dress-black/p109485968?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-shelley-foil-print-tea-dress-black/p109485968?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-swirl-print-midi-dress-purple-multi/p109717661?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

Anything with a seam across the middle is a no. I'm a similar shape, I find tulip shaped dresses most flattering.

I do actually buy maternity dresses sometimes as they fit my shape best! It's worth looking at them as they tend to be cheaper than getting the better quality larger clothing brands.

Popsy seem extremely popular for a variety of shapes. The Facebook group has a lot of suggestions.

Hey. I'm so sorry I've re read my original post and it's come across so rude! Not my intention, I was in a bit of a flap.

I'm 5ft 3, and almost 45.

I have big boobs so cant do spaghetti straps or strapless because of my bras. I need a full cup.

It's for a wedding.

I have this in blue, size down. V flattering and had lots of compliments when I wore it for a wedding.
Only small sizes left in the blue.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st133881/t99329

Only goes up to an 18. Don't think it would stretch for my chest. Thank you though.

You might be surprised as they are really 'roomy'
Also have a look at Vinted. Some ideas here.
When is the wedding, what colours do you like etc?

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/km905

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/ol654

@Boopeedoop - I know this is over budget but my friend who is the same size as you bought this and she looks fabulous in it. Have a look at the video

Wallis have some really nice things in the sale at the moment. Their curve range is good.

Pretty Kitty dress. I have this style, it is hugely flattering for me 5'3, biggish bust and fat belly! There are long sleeved versions too, in the sale!

If it’s for a wedding, look at Studio 8 and Live Unlimited in the Plus size section of the John Lewis website. I find that Live Unlimited are cut really well for people with a tummy. Avoid anything empire line as it will make you look pregnant.

Scarlett & Jo are also good for occasion wear. I’ve also had some nice things from Joanna Hope on the Simply Be website.

And the sales are on now!

Love this one and lots of photos with people wearing it.

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/dark-green-floral-cap-sleeve-crossover-v-neck-wrap-top-swing-dress?variant=30331010777137

Have a look at Scarlett & Jo. You sound a similar size & shape to me & I recently wore one of their dresses to a wedding & felt really good in it. They have a good sale on at the moment too!

Lady V Lyra, they do various patterns/colours. I have several and am an 18/20 and managed to wear one for a wedding whilst 8 months pregnant with no bother.

www.ladyvlondon.com/lyra-dress-aw22-cobalt

Ps I'm also big busted, material is stretchy so no issue on that front.

I’m a size 20 and all tits and tummy. I make sure that dresses/tops/shirts fit me really well through the shoulder and are a good fit on the bust. This makes the whole of your top half look neater — people won’t be spending lots of time looking at your midsection! I also like a more defined waist even if it highlights tummy because it also tends to give a better shape over the bum.

I bought this dress (or very similar) in velvet for wearing over Christmas and have loved wearing it and had compliments. You’ll need a good bra, but it’s great at creating a waist.
joanieclothing.com/gaia-v-neckline-midaxi-dress-green.html

This is elegant for a wedding and also flattering (you might want to check bridesmaid dress colours first just in case)
www.coastfashion.com/plus-size-angel-sleeve-chiffon-maxi-dress/BCC02672-2.html?color=148

If you want something you can dress up for a wedding but also wear for work, this might be good? I have a chiffon frock from Mango that gets lots of wear and fits well (I think their plus offering is really under-rated).
shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-midi/flower-print-dress_37047725.

I don’t love the block colour, but I have a true wrap dress with a ruffle that I was very unsure about, but attracts compliments - I think because you’re adding curves to curves and it makes a virtue of your shape
www.coastfashion.com/plus-size-crepe-wrap-top-ruffle-dress/BCC03937.html

Mango link so it works
shop.mango.com/gb/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits-midi/flower-print-dress_37047725.html

I ordered this exact dress and 2 others from pretty kitty before Christmas. All went back. They were cheap and nasty looking, horrible fabric. Looked like a £20 shein job.