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Original poster

Challenge: dress for Friday, lost all confidence

148 replies

saturdaydressmare · 03/07/2023 19:40

Hi wonderful kind people

I have a school reunion (20 yr!) on Friday night, I have only just read the instructions and it's Black Tie dinner in a London hotel!! What!

I need dress recommendations quickly!

  • Size 16, c section tum but suit things with a clear waist as once upon a time was an hourglass
  • Needs bra so no backless, some sort of sleeve even if cap / short
  • Midi or maxi or ankle grazer
  • Need to feel WONDERFUL as have lost all confidence. When I last saw these people I was a size 10!
  • Could spend up to £250 for something amazing
  • Brown hair. Like black, navy, red but open minded.

Anyone got an ideas? Yours eternally great full,
Friday Dress Lady (yes I got the date wrong on my burner username!)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
19
Stravaig · 03/07/2023 22:33

It's over budget and time is short if hemming is required, but I'd be tempted by something a bit different, like this.

Challenge: dress for Friday, lost all confidence
Challenge: dress for Friday, lost all confidence
Challenge: dress for Friday, lost all confidence
Whataretheodds · 03/07/2023 22:37

saturdaydressmare · 03/07/2023 20:37

@NatashaDancing Oh no really?

No, the phase eight and the needle and thread ones are nice- can you order several and try on to return the ones that don't work for you?

ShakeYourFeathers · 03/07/2023 22:38

Iknowitsgonnabealonglongtime · 03/07/2023 20:48

This is my favourite

I like the slit at the front to add a bit of interest but it doesn't show everything

ShakeYourFeathers · 03/07/2023 22:44

90s · 03/07/2023 22:13

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/amily-sequin-maxi-dress-221051065.html#q=Sequin&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221051065&pos=4

Im size 20 and wore this for a do at my house with 50 people. I felt a million dollars. At size 16 you will look fabulous x

This is my second favourite

Original poster
saturdaydressmare · 03/07/2023 22:45

The orange would look very tenty on me alas.

I like the Tallulah and Hope one but will it look too dressing gowny?

I also love the Self Portrait rental, guess needs a strapless bra?

OP posts:
cathyandclare · 03/07/2023 22:46

I love the Needle and Thread and Self Portrait dresses- don't like the monsoon at all.

Stravaig · 03/07/2023 22:53

Now you've said dressing gown for the Tallulah and Hope I can't unsee it!

90s · 03/07/2023 23:24

I’m large at the minute but had to dress up so risked it with this. Did my hair and make up and it was a wow! For being a huge size 20 I actually felt amazing x

Challenge: dress for Friday, lost all confidence
Original poster
saturdaydressmare · 03/07/2023 23:31

@90s You look absolutely stunning!

OP posts:
Sequinsandfrills · 03/07/2023 23:51

The first one - Phase Eight Teagan - should be hands down the winner. It's got sparkle, but subtle. Will be so easy to wear. You can contrast with bags/shoes in a jewel colour or just black. If black accessories then I'd go for a jewel coloured bangle - something to give the outfit a bit of colour. I don't think it needs a necklace, as a necklace will interrupt that neckline but if you wear earrings then they would look good.

I really know my dresses and going from all the things you've said I think that's the best option. It might not be the most fashion-y, like the orange lace tent. It might not be the most bombshell like the gold sequin bustier. But it will fit the occasion, you can likely wear it again to other occasions, you should feel comfortable in it and that neckline and sleeve is usually very flattering.

The Needle & Thread one is pretty, but likely not nearly as comfortable and the gathered skirt can really emphasise all but the slenderest of middle sections.

starfishmummy · 04/07/2023 00:12

DailyCake · 03/07/2023 21:05

Not being disrespectful, but a size 16 in the orange one will be like wearing a pretty tent. The shape is only for skinny minnies, that one, or if you're 6 foot tall, in towering heels and an updo.

I agree. The OP could camp out in it!!

SammyScrounge · 04/07/2023 02:25

LabradorVibe · 03/07/2023 20:20

Those sweetheart.dresses are just beautiful,
Especially the nave edge of the shoulder one.

Greengrassoh · 04/07/2023 02:40

I love the folkster one!

theatrical · 04/07/2023 03:20

saturdaydressmare · 03/07/2023 20:12

I think it's lovely. Really nice.

EnjoythemoneyJane · 04/07/2023 03:30

Sequinsandfrills · 03/07/2023 23:51

The first one - Phase Eight Teagan - should be hands down the winner. It's got sparkle, but subtle. Will be so easy to wear. You can contrast with bags/shoes in a jewel colour or just black. If black accessories then I'd go for a jewel coloured bangle - something to give the outfit a bit of colour. I don't think it needs a necklace, as a necklace will interrupt that neckline but if you wear earrings then they would look good.

I really know my dresses and going from all the things you've said I think that's the best option. It might not be the most fashion-y, like the orange lace tent. It might not be the most bombshell like the gold sequin bustier. But it will fit the occasion, you can likely wear it again to other occasions, you should feel comfortable in it and that neckline and sleeve is usually very flattering.

The Needle & Thread one is pretty, but likely not nearly as comfortable and the gathered skirt can really emphasise all but the slenderest of middle sections.

100% this, was just about to say the same. A lot of the suggestions won’t work well on an hourglass, esp if you’re a bit busty (def swerve the high neck one - potentially v ageing and may look as though you’ve got a ‘boob shelf’ going on).

Time is of the essence so can you afford to just order 3 or 4 of your favourite options & return super quick before the charges hit your card? You can never, ever be sure of fit and fabric until you’ve tried things on, and you’ll know immediately if you feel fabulous (or not, as the case may be). Hope you find something you love 🤞

Iknowitsgonnabealonglongtime · 04/07/2023 06:11

this is also lovely. Suits lots of shapes.

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 06:16

Iknowitsgonnabealonglongtime · 04/07/2023 06:10

I really like that one and the Me+Em.

Everyone has different tastes but to me the Phase 8 one is so dull. I wouldn't give anyone wearing it a second look . The Needle and Thread one is just awful - it's far too fussy.

StopStartStop · 04/07/2023 06:31

I'm with @NatashaDancing about the black dress. If it makes the model look dumpy and untidy, what would it do to anyone else?
Red Doen looks like a great dress - for housework.
Bombshell navy looks like a smartish day dress.
Mint Velvet handkerchief point - urgh. Sorry. I had a lovely handkerchief point dress in 1976 but this one doesn't cut it.
Nobody's Child - 'How to disappear completely'.
@90s, I like your dress, you look great.
Roman - boring.
The orange is just nasty.
Just looked at two more - red - and lost the will to live. There was one acceptable dress, long, sequinned, I think you liked it, OP.