Plus size party dress - where should I be looking?

[dreamingoaholiday]

I've done John Lewis, Monsoon, Debenhams, Scarlett and Jo and Phase Eight.

I'm a size 24 with a huge stomach so can't wear anything body hugging - or with a waist!

It's for a work do - note quit black tie, but I need to look like I've made an effort!

Where should I look? Thanks :)

Have you looked on Simply Be. Joanna Hope has some beautiful dresses on there that are very flattering.

You might get lucky with Simply Be, although they seem to have quite a lot of bodycon at the moment (why???)

Asos.

Simply be have some lovely dresses - especially for the summer

Chesca - they have a good selection.

Another vote for Chesca. Either direct or from the John Lewis website. Really classy and comfortable clothes.

M&S is not at all bad this season, and I’ve just bought an excellent pair of sequinned trousers from River Island plus for a festival themed wedding this summer.

You might also take a look at City Chic, an Aussie brand stocked by Evans. They are well cut for plus size and not as staid and unflattering as most of Evans’ offerings. Coast, Warehouse and Oasis also have some
plus-size stuff too.

My friend is fat and has just bought a really nice dress for a wedding from Nobody’s Child. I think was a 22.

I love vinted!

ASOS have over 1000 in your size , some of which are very pretty.

Have you tried YOURS

God this is depressing. I've done the entire of most of the shops suggested and can't find anything.

The problem is, I have a massive stomach these days, I'm basically roughly the shape I was when I was 8 months pregnant! Except it's much more wobbly.

So, anything figure hugging is out the window, as is anything with a waist - if it comes in, it needs to do that at the bust e.g. empire line - not the waist.

I have big boobs so have to wear a decent bra - anything strappy or strapless is no-go, and halternecks make me look too top heavy.

I wish I could go try some dresses on, but none of the shops in my town stock plus size except the supermarkets and Yours, that's it. (Nothing suitable in Yours).

I'm feeling pretty stumped, any tips much appreciated!

John Lewis website is your friend, and in particular the Studio 8 dresses or Live Unlimited. Get them on click and collect, try on in store and return anything that doesn’t fit then and there.

What do you think of the shape of this?

https://www.roman.co.uk/curve-floral-asymmetric-chiffon-dress-14148872

Yes, that'd be a great shape (or, arguably, lack of shape!) for me.

Something along those lines would be grand, thanks.

Not keen on that print though.

What do people think of this?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/lace-high-neck-midaxi-shirt-dress/p/clp22559048#intid=pid_pg2pip48g2r5c2

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/curve-teal-blue-textured-collared-dress-p

What about a shirt dress style?

I don’t think high necks or shapeless tents do much for plus sized women. I would go for something that skims your tummy, or that is semi fitted to the waist and then flares out a bit, perhaps with a scoop or v neck.

What do you think of this? It's quite simple but fits around the bust, not the waist, and could be dolled up with accessories:

Scarlett and Jo dresses are cut well, and good for parties.

Having another look now...

I did look at JL the other day but ran out of stream...

@haribonoyoudont that’s a really nice dress and easy to tart up with accessories.

When do you need it for @dreamingoaholiday ? If you have time to order online & from US then try bloom chic. I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality, fit & service. Delivery took about a week

This is beautiful & very flattering https://bloomchic.com/collections/dresses-1/products/tribal-print-surplice-neck-lantern-sleeve-pocket-belted-midi-dress?_pos=6&_fid=df874b91c&_ss=c&variant=44338539823274

Ooh, what about this one?

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-lulu-lace-dress-navy/p109920275

I like the way they've teamed it with a bright colour. Do you think it'd work for my shape, though?

Ooh, I love this! And short dresses suit me well.

I'm not sure it's smart enough for this event though :(

I might get it anyway though, for other occasions...