Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

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:
Thread gallery
25
teaandtoastplease · 27/04/2023 04:22

dreamingoaholiday · 27/04/2023 00:26

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

Show quote history

My last order came in 10 days

Niftythrifter · 27/04/2023 12:40

New Look?

travailtotravel · 27/04/2023 13:23

My go to is PhaseEight/Studio 8 for stuff like this. Also Monsoon but its the wrong time of year for their occassion wear to be evening vs wedding so maybe a run through Ebay? If you know what size you are in the store there could be some bargs to be had (a bit of risk if it doesn't work when you buy it but minimised by potentially being able to sell it back).

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 27/04/2023 13:52

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?

This is a nice dress and I think it could suit your shape if you are able to wear the collar open. It's not clear if you can do that - but it would present more of a stand up collar .

I do like the teal Yours dress linked to too - but understand if you think it's not dressy enough for your event .

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 27/04/2023 13:57

I like the Scarlett and Jo dresses linked to as well - unfortunately the dresses in the links provided aren't available in your size , but there may be other similar dresses on their website .

SunsetBeauregarde · 27/04/2023 14:33

dreamingoaholiday · 26/04/2023 22:32

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!

I'm a size 24 with the same issues as you and it pains me to say it, but the best range of plus sized clothing online right now is SHEIN. Lots of quirky, lovely dresses and a 4xl in everything I've bought myself has fitted brilliantly. It is the only place online at the moment that has the range and doesnt dress fat women liek theire either dame edna or a church mouse:

I have this dress and it fits me beautifully, the fabric is better than I expected and you would never know where it's from:
https://www.shein.co.uk/SHEIN-Mulvari-Plus-Polka-Dot-Print-Butterfly-Sleeve-Pleated-Belted-Dress-p-10448731-cat-1889.html?src_identifier=fc%3DPlussize%60sc%3DDRESSES%60tc%3DSHOP%20BY%20SIZE%60oc%3D4XL(UK24)%60ps%3Dtab02navbar05menu04dir05%60jc%3DitemPicking_00113218&src_module=topcat&src_tab_page_id=page_home1682602177725&mallCode=1

Also, their midi skirts are gorgeous. I wear them under bust with a puff shoulder top and it's an instant hourglass!

SHEIN Mulvari Plus Polka Dot Print Butterfly Sleeve Pleated Belted Dress

To find out about the SHEIN Mulvari Plus Polka Dot Print Butterfly Sleeve Pleated Belted Dress at SHEIN, part of our latest Plus Size Dresses ready to shop online today! Free Shipping On £35+✓ Free Return - 45 Days✓ 1000+ New Dropped Daily✓ Get £3 Off...

https://www.shein.co.uk/SHEIN-Mulvari-Plus-Polka-Dot-Print-Butterfly-Sleeve-Pleated-Belted-Dress-p-10448731-cat-1889.html?mallCode=1&src_identifier=fc%3DPlussize%60sc%3DDRESSES%60tc%3DSHOP+BY+SIZE%60oc%3D4XL%28UK24%29%60ps%3Dtab02navbar05menu04dir05%60jc%3DitemPicking_00113218&src_module=topcat&src_tab_page_id=page_home1682602177725

Youronlylimitisyourmind · 27/04/2023 14:42

Have you had a look on hope and ivy? They do some gorgeous wrap dresses which are really flattering? xx

Hersetta427 · 27/04/2023 14:53

Ever pretty has great plus size dresses. I know they come from China but the quality is excellent - I bught both my daughters prom dresses from the website and they are both beautiful (not plus size but plus sizing did come up when I ordered so there are lots of choices available.

historygeek · 27/04/2023 14:55

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/jasmine-midi-dress-royal/

I bought this for a wedding and got loads of compliments. I'm a 20/22 all tum and boobs.

Hersetta427 · 27/04/2023 15:06

They do it in dark red and navy as well

LookItsMeAgain · 27/04/2023 15:08

Would any of these work for you @dreamingoaholiday?

Option 1

Option 2 (wear with a pair of nicely cut trousers)

Option 3

Option 4

Option 5

LookItsMeAgain · 27/04/2023 15:52

Maybe these ones from Quiz:

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 5

SonicBoo · 27/04/2023 16:13

The Evans website is quite good, I've only bought tops from there but I've liked everything that I've ordered. It's slightly different since being bought out, they stock a few brands now.

Fatandnearly50 · 27/04/2023 16:40

@LookItsMeAgain has some great suggestions from Wallis! The first one is lovely, love the colours.

twofojoy · 27/04/2023 16:44

Try a website called CurveWow , really love stuff on there , all modelled by actual plus size women and very reasonably priced.