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Original poster

Plus size party dress - where should I be looking?

116 replies

dreamingoaholiday · 25/04/2023 23:22

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 :)

OP posts:
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Original poster
dreamingoaholiday · 26/04/2023 22:58

Dancingfairydreams · 26/04/2023 22:51

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

Again, I really love it but not quite right for this event. I need evening wear.

OP posts:
haribonoyoudont · 26/04/2023 23:01

Are you very large busted, OP? I'm always wary of paring a high neckline or collar with a large bust because it often just makes you look like you have a coastal shelf under your clothes.

phishfoodforlife · 26/04/2023 23:01

dreamingoaholiday · 26/04/2023 22:53

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?

That's lovely and I really like the one you posted earlier too. The M&S one.

Just a warning about Yours, I find the sizing awful. Tops way too big, trousers that are really baggy on the bum and legs. Also the fabrics seem quite cheap and synthetic.

crazecatlady2 · 26/04/2023 23:03

@dreamingoaholiday Nightingales have a beautiful dress on their w/site Don't know to lift the picture sorry

Workyticket · 26/04/2023 23:05

Have a look at the Jess Milichamp range on In the Style

Plus size party dress - where should I be looking?
PinkFootstool · 26/04/2023 23:07

I've got handmade dresses from a couple of British designers - Donald Stanley and Isolated Heroes. Both are amazing for plus sizes. I'm a 22/24.

I wore a very sparkly gown by Donald Stanley to a ball a couple of winters ago and had nothing but lovely comments as there was noone else wearing anything quite like it.

Original poster
dreamingoaholiday · 26/04/2023 23:08

haribonoyoudont · 26/04/2023 23:01

Are you very large busted, OP? I'm always wary of paring a high neckline or collar with a large bust because it often just makes you look like you have a coastal shelf under your clothes.

Yes I am. Do you think the Phrase 8 one at JL above wouldn't work then?

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 26/04/2023 23:09

@Workyticket the only problem with ITS is the quality is very low and the fabric is very cheap - and looks cheap on.

I bought a summer dress from one of her ranges and it's like a hankerchief in quality. It's a shame as the cut is actually super flattering, but two wears and two washes and it's fraying at the seams.

Workyticket · 26/04/2023 23:12

@PinkFootstool my friend has a couple.of dresses from In the Style and they're lovely

A party dress isn't going to washed and worn lots. Their green pleated one is lovely in real life on my friend. She's a 26

gogohmm · 26/04/2023 23:14

Unfortunately John Lewis no longer stock in store formal dresses I found out when searching for one, they do have some online, they were able to order in a selection when I spoke to their consultant in store. Simply be is your best bet probably as they specifically stock clothes suited to us over 14's.

gogohmm · 26/04/2023 23:16

Another thought depending on how dressy, is ever pretty who get full marks for have plus sized models for some of their clothes, at least on their app. Dsd got her evening dress from them, size 22 true to size

sidee · 26/04/2023 23:17

www.thandth.com/gowns/camilla-in-tea-rose

newmummy16 · 26/04/2023 23:29

River Island

Dixiechickonhols · 26/04/2023 23:52

Laura adlington does plus size try ons on instagram she looked lovely in some pink phase 8 dresses recently.
When I was a 20 I use to favour tunics and leggings. They looked tons better than a dress on me (I carry weight on tummy) Scarlett & Jo were good.

Original poster
dreamingoaholiday · 26/04/2023 23:56

What about this one? (And, it has pockets! Grin )

Plus size party dress - where should I be looking?
OP posts:
Fatandnearly50 · 27/04/2023 00:05

That last dress is nice.

As a 22/24 with similarly awful tummy, I find Scarlett & Jo dresses work brilliantly to emphasise the boobs but not the belly. You say you’ve already tried them but may be worth another look. I ordered several online and then sent most back.

teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 00:15

Depending how quickly you need a dress, you could have a look at shein's curve range. I have bought quite a bit from it and everything has fit well and had been good quality.

I like shein because people upload photos of them wearing the clothing so you can see how it would actually look on you. If there's not enough time or you want something from an actual shop, then you could just look at the different styles to give you an idea of what would suit your figure.

Original poster
dreamingoaholiday · 27/04/2023 00:26

teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 00:15

Depending how quickly you need a dress, you could have a look at shein's curve range. I have bought quite a bit from it and everything has fit well and had been good quality.

I like shein because people upload photos of them wearing the clothing so you can see how it would actually look on you. If there's not enough time or you want something from an actual shop, then you could just look at the different styles to give you an idea of what would suit your figure.

It's not for a few weeks - how long does Shein take to come?

OP posts:
Gilead · 27/04/2023 00:29

Have you looked at Cider, they do some lovely stuff.

Original poster
dreamingoaholiday · 27/04/2023 00:37

What about this? (on Shein)

I wish I could try them on...

Plus size party dress - where should I be looking?
OP posts:
miri1985 · 27/04/2023 01:00

How do you feel about hi-lo OP?

I have a similar one to this (mine was in fuschia) that I got in my local TKMaxx.
V neck looks great with big boobs and its skimming on the stomach area

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/pink-frilled-dress/p/09255040

miri1985 · 27/04/2023 01:03

Another nice one from TK Maxx with longer sleeves https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/clothing/dresses/green-lace-midi-dress/p/09310646