Maxi/most flattering dresses size 22 - GO

[Usertumster]

Aibu to ask for help (again)?

I now have chub rub shorts. I’m looking for a dress that doesn’t look too awful. Loose, flowing, not sleeveless… I quite like the dress I’ve added a picture of but it’s sold out. I think maxi, nothing with a waist…. I have a really enormous waist.

I really, really want to buy a dress from an actual shop (or online if I can return it to an actual shop). So M&S, Next, Boden supermarkets etc.

Please help and send me actual links that you think look like good options - really massive bonus points if they are actually dresses you have and you’re also quite short like me.

Thank you all!!!

@APurpleSquirrel I like it!

@TurnipLover12345 any chance you fee like sending a picture of your haul?!

I'm the same size as you i managed to creep back up after previously loosing 5 stone :( and I have brought some fatface dresses that are so comfy loose and non restrictive (only restriction is price) Dresses for Women | Midi, Plain Dresses & More | FatFace UK I even have a T-shirt one that's perfect for lounging about in comfort in, there are some stores about i think and john lewis carries the range i beleve if you want an actual shop - next also fits me very well

Not a maxi but this is my go to dress: https://www.marksandspencer.com/textured-midi-tiered-dress-with-linen/p/clp22559743

@APurpleSquirrel there was one dress left. Ordered! Thank you xx

(still on the hunt - would like at least 2 more to get me through the summer…)

Only issue with Fat Face is I've found the shops (or at least the ones near me) don't stock sizes above a 20; with the exception of the outlet store near me. So if it's not in the outlet, I buy online & then return if necessary.

@mobear really love that too ❤️

My top tip is order online from Next for store delivery. Then try on and immediately return anything. This is like real shopping but guarantees that you can try what you want in the right size. Also works for M&S.

And Next carry Fatface up to size 24!

My go to for dresses is Live Unlimited (via John Lewis or direct).

This is my latest: https://www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-curve-leaf-print-midi-dress-navy-white/p110510728

I bought a couple of nice dresses last year from Peacocks were only about £20 each IIRC (if you have a store locally).

@Bluebells1970 also love this!

I have a apple shaped body and I'm pregnant! M&S linen blend maxi dress! Mine was £45 I think! I'll check when I get home. Their maxi dresses have longish sleeves too! My husband said very flattering!

Linen blend is good for us :)

Have you tried Tu ? l have bought some lovely things from there they go up to a 26 too .

H&M is your friend here!

New look always have a decent plus size selection & are fairly cheap. Have had some lovely wrap style dresses that tie under bust and float over everything else.

I've got one very similar to your first example in more of a zebra print (navy and grey) from sainsburys. I find theirs good. I'm also size 22.
I buy loads of clothes from Yours. They do have actual shops but in weird places. The ones I go to are in Yate and Nuneaton (disparity in distance due to- work/home nearby), but they aren't on 'big town' high streets.
Really easy to return though. Ours can go to a local shop, I think the last parcel of online I picked up from Matalan!

I've got this one and it's great:

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/limited-collection-curve-black-rainbow-leopard-print-midaxi-dress-p

They have a lot of jersey dresses to pick from, if you have a shop near you where you can go and try them.

https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/dresses/jersey

Also - try TK Maxx. You never know what they'll have but I got a nice plus size dress from there last year.

This is the account where I saw the Tu dresses https://instagram.com/poppyadams?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Randomly enough i got lovely dresses from Pep and Co lately. Im a size 22 and they fit lovely

I don’t have any helpful links because I live in trousers, but as someone the same size I would really try and embrace online - the selection for plus sizes is SO MUCH BETTER. You can return to shops if there’s a branch near you, or many of them now have return collection services, so a nice man from RM comes to your door.

As a trouser buying bystander I think seasalt, M and S, Mango, Boden and possibly monsoon (watch the fabrics) are all worth a look.

I second life unlimited as a go to brand for me now.
But I tend to buy their tops more and wear seperates as I need something to float over my large tum.

I ordered this one from next in a 22 and it has a really lovely flows skirt. I liked the fact it had a bit of a sleeve as well

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls286102/p94148#p94148

Joules and Monsoon , plus bizarrely Sainsbury’s are my go to places

wow, I had always thought of FatFace as being very casual t shirts & shorts (and despite the name, not with larger sizes)
Have just bought a dress😃
Green National Forest Fleur Floral Dress, National Forest Collection | FatFace.com

the hot spell will probably have ended by the time it arrives, but I have one in a similarish style that I've had for at least 20 years, so I'm sure I'll get some wear out of it.