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Original poster

Sparkles for someone distinctly unsparkly

54 replies

Whenwillglorioussummercome · 17/05/2023 16:18

I've got a work black tie event with the theme 'sparkle'.

I have put on quite a lot of weight recently (could be menopause, probably chips) and am currently size 16/18. I easily look pregnant as my stomach is bigger than my boobs. I'm 5'5". Many of my colleagues are young, beautiful things. I have never felt less sparkly.

Please offer me some ideas. I've drifted round John Lewis and Selfridges and seen nothing that called to me. Nothing clingy, empire line sees me asked when I'm due, doesn't have to have sleeves if I can add a cover up thing but no weird stuff happening at the top that means I can't add a cape/shawl/cardigan as I do NOT want my wings on show.

Thank you.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
Original poster
Whenwillglorioussummercome · 17/05/2023 19:26

Thanks for more ideas.

Not trousers. No trousers are ‘sharp’ on me. I wear them all the time but I mostly look a mess. I need a skirt/dress to look remotely smart.

The Bombshell stuff is lovely. My only worry is that I’m not big enough in the chest to create the curvy look. But that sort of thing feels in the right area. They have many sequins.

OP posts:
nopuppiesallowed · 17/05/2023 19:39

Another vote for Bombshell. Just wear a really good (padded) bra underneath.

SirVixofVixHall · 17/05/2023 19:42

I agree with Bombshell, the dresses are so glamorous. I thought you wanted something less figure hugging, but Bombshell dresses do work on all shapes.

Original poster
Whenwillglorioussummercome · 17/05/2023 20:01

No, I do want something that doesn’t cling too much to my stomach. I am trying to work out if those have the sort of drapery round the middle that works on me.

OP posts:
User63847484848 · 17/05/2023 20:31

I am very big of belly and feel nice in the drapeyness /ruching of the stretch luxe dresses. I haven’t tried their other ones but have a luxe stretch velvet and stretch jersey one I love. Worth a try perhaps

User63847484848 · 17/05/2023 20:32

I’m 16-18 and have 18s and they’re quite snug so possibly size up

tribpot · 17/05/2023 21:39

I wonder if it would help you to feel sparkly for the event to have your hair and makeup done on the day?

I think it's either that or go with a crown. This looks understated.

Sparkles for someone distinctly unsparkly
Original poster
Whenwillglorioussummercome · 17/05/2023 22:06

😂😂

That’s probably the answer.

Hair and make up would be great but as usual I will have about 45 minutes max prep time after getting the kids sorted.

I’m just looking through options trying to shake my grumpiness. I might try a bigger John Lewis and look with greater purpose as Phase Eight seem to have a few options on their website that might work, or even Gina Bacconi.

OP posts:
Stellawella · 28/05/2023 08:55

If it’s something you won’t wear again then look on Vinted. There is a load of stuff on there.

angela99999 · 28/05/2023 09:03

(The second link didn't come up as a picture, sorry!)

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 28/05/2023 09:06

Would you consider black silver glittery trousers? A friend of mine of a similar size to you has those and they’re really flattering on her.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 28/05/2023 09:09

If you do want a figure hugging dress then try Spanx with your dresses, they really work! I’ve worn body control tights with Spanx too and that also works.

BTMadmummy · 28/05/2023 10:36

Whenwillglorioussummercome · 17/05/2023 16:18

I've got a work black tie event with the theme 'sparkle'.

I have put on quite a lot of weight recently (could be menopause, probably chips) and am currently size 16/18. I easily look pregnant as my stomach is bigger than my boobs. I'm 5'5". Many of my colleagues are young, beautiful things. I have never felt less sparkly.

Please offer me some ideas. I've drifted round John Lewis and Selfridges and seen nothing that called to me. Nothing clingy, empire line sees me asked when I'm due, doesn't have to have sleeves if I can add a cover up thing but no weird stuff happening at the top that means I can't add a cape/shawl/cardigan as I do NOT want my wings on show.

Thank you.

SHEIN do a curve section, you could have a look there. I loved this one

Sparkles for someone distinctly unsparkly
Mosaic123 · 28/05/2023 13:52

Jewellery can be your sparkle.

Zebracat · 28/05/2023 16:35

lots of sparkly stuff in Next clearance in your size.

Crazykefir · 28/05/2023 17:05

you poor thing. im exactly your size and shape, this would being me out in a cold sweat. Go for sparkly accessories. can you get your nails painted sparkly professionally (cheaper than a full maincure). walk in carrying a wand and lose it after the first drink. just pay lip service.

Eirlys1986 · 28/05/2023 17:21

Could you wear something you feel comfortable in that is more plain? Black would provide a perfect contrast- then take the sparkle theme onto very sparkly nails/ eye shadow and earrings/necklace etc?

Ayabbadabbado · 28/05/2023 18:04

John lewis do dress hire. They also have personal shoppers who are good at helping to pick stuff. https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashionrental

FrizzledFrazzle · 28/05/2023 18:44

I think sparkly earrings or a sparkly manicure is a good bet for the "sparkle" part. Or maybe sparkly shoes. Then find a dress that is in your style and makes you feel happy without having to worry about whether it "sparkles".