Need a dress but lost confidence

Sundayrain · 2023-07-04T14:57:14+00:00

I really need suggestions for a dress for a close friend's 40th birthday party. It's not a fancy venue (nice pub) but I really want to feel good for once. I've gone from a size 10 to a 14 since having kids and it's mostly around my middle, I've had people think I'm pregnant a couple of times which is super embarrassing, but I've always had a big tummy even when a size 10 due to PCOS. I'm 5'5" and pretty slim around the shoulders/arms/legs, I just need something that covers my tummy without being completely shapeless! Hair is mid-brown and I'd really like something a bit edgy (style has always been a bit rock). Budget is up to £100 ish. Can anyone help?!

24Dogcuddler · 04/07/2023 16:02

Rock vibes on here have a browse

https://hellbunny.com/clothing/dresses.html?utm_campaign=18794442710&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=632293128603&utm_term=hell%20bunny&adgroupid=146878675390&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxvrM2Kj1_wIVU6fVCh1w_wDWEAAYASABEgIpwPD_BwE

50s Swing Dresses, Retro Dresses, Gothic Dresses, Hell Bunny Official

50s dresses available at Hell Bunny with 10% off your first order. Shop our rockabilly dresses and retro dresses.

https://hellbunny.com/clothing/dresses.html?utm_campaign=18794442710&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=632293128603&utm_term=hell%20bunny&adgroupid=146878675390&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxvrM2Kj1_wIVU6fVCh1w_wDWEAAYASABEgIpwPD_BwE

Hopingforagreatescape · 04/07/2023 16:02

I think a skirt and top can help disguise a tummy quite well, at the same time as giving shape.

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 17:12

This is cute:

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.pleated-midi-kaftan-dress-green.1162601002.html

This could be dressed up:

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-dresses-jumpsuits/products/cotton-dress-straight-red?variant=31765409890358

Over budget but fun to wear:

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/3d-jacquard-strap-dress-F7449.html?dwvar_F7449_color=Sugar%20Plum

Pleated Midi Kaftan Dress

Pleated kaftan midi dress crafted from soft, matt textured fabric. Designed with allover intricate pleated detail, a deep v-cut neckline and airy short sleeves in a style that loosely drapes against the body, secured at the back with three thin ties....

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.pleated-midi-kaftan-dress-green.1162601002.html

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 17:37

This possibly isn’t what you’d want for a Summer party, but it’s wondrously versatile and on sale:

https://www.youngbritishdesigners.com/shop/kate-sheridan/products/edie-dress.-blue-cord/aw22.ks.02/

EDIE DRESS. Blue Cord by Kate Sheridan

Edie is our favourite kind of dress. One that is almost too easy to wear. Time and again. In soft, wide, comforting inky blue cord. With pockets. Of course.

https://www.youngbritishdesigners.com/shop/kate-sheridan/products/edie-dress.-blue-cord/aw22.ks.02/

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 17:46

Roll up sleeves, add silver jewellery. Tap photo for details.

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 18:01

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 17:46

Roll up sleeves, add silver jewellery. Tap photo for details.

This looks awful. Like a sack

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 18:04

You’re wearing yours wrong, @veryfluffyfluff!

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 18:06

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 18:04

You’re wearing yours wrong, @veryfluffyfluff!

And what's with the shoes and clumpy boots? It doesn't say confidence to me

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 18:07

*socks even

Just looks like the model is trying to hide in a sack.

Rina66 · 04/07/2023 18:14

I agree with @Hopingforagreatescape I'd wear a black satin bias cut midi skirt, black satin cami and a cream evening blazer with sleeves rolled up - strappy sandals, good jewellery and a nice handbag, oh and definitely agree re hair & nails being professionally done. You'll wear it all again and look modern.

These sandals from ASOS are so comfortable, you could wear them all night....

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 18:46

What about some of the dresses on here?

Frontiers
Rixo
Camo dress
Ruby dress
Vita embroidered dress

Buy Online Women's Designer Dresses | Frontiers Woman Edinburgh

Shop our Collection of Women's Dresses at Frontiers Woman for the Latest Designer Brands & Styles. FREE SHIPPING AVAILABLE and SAME-DAY CLICK & COLLECT

https://frontiers-woman.com/collections/dresses

Original poster

Sundayrain · 04/07/2023 18:50

Thanks so much everyone, great to have some ideas. It's so hard to find something flattering that doesn't look I'm trying to hide under it.

OP posts:

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 18:53

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 17:12

This is cute:

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.pleated-midi-kaftan-dress-green.1162601002.html

This could be dressed up:

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-dresses-jumpsuits/products/cotton-dress-straight-red?variant=31765409890358

Over budget but fun to wear:

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/3d-jacquard-strap-dress-F7449.html?dwvar_F7449_color=Sugar%20Plum

Those are good choices, especially Ganni. There might be something in their sale and they're a lot more interesting than an MN blazer. NRBY and LFMarky are the same ball park.

NRBY
LFMarky

DRESSES

LF Markey Modern Basics and Luxury Workwear. Shop our signature boilersuits, dungarees & more innovative cuts, bold colours, and fine fabrics.

https://lfmarkey.com/collections/dresses

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 18:59

Sundayrain · 04/07/2023 18:50

Thanks so much everyone, great to have some ideas. It's so hard to find something flattering that doesn't look I'm trying to hide under it.

It might not be to your taste but I really like this. It would be fine for a nice pub, and shows your arms and legs.

The thing with this style of dress is not to think you're hiding under it. The dress is meant to be oversized and patterns, colours, general swishiness of material is to show off the dress, not hide the wearer.

Vita embroidered dress blue.

Vita Dress - Blue Embroidered

SS23 NEW INThe Vita Dress is made from a beautiful linen cotton blend fabric and features a bespoke placed embroidery on the front and back. The silhouette of this dress is loose but flattering with a high waist/low empire seam and gathered tiers. Th...

https://frontiers-woman.com/collections/dresses/products/sideline-vita-dress-blue-embroidered?variant=44325036884259

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 19:14

Or this?
Sideline Gaia dress orange

Gaia Dress - Orange print — SIDELINE

The Gaia Dress features our seasonal print inspired the wildflowers of our home, the South Downs.  The base fabric has a slight slub created by the linen which gives a lovely texture the print is a scattered floral featuring flowers reminiscent of...

https://www.sideline-clothing.com/shop/p/gaia-dress-orange-print

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 19:16

NatashaDancing · 04/07/2023 19:14

Or this?
Sideline Gaia dress orange

This one looks fab!

Whataretheodds · 04/07/2023 19:23

If you like your arms/shoulders and want to hide your tummy I'd go for a halterneck that flows out from the bust without a belt. I'd be v careful about the fabric though so as to not look twenty or twee.

something like this?
https://www.frenchconnection.com/products/isadora-elitan-drape-swing-drs-cobalt-blue-br-marig?gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgModygxrG_9JjxRol2_Pi6XWX4i4PNOaahTImFBh7i_VTZt1IfbYHqyEaAgTXEALw_wcB

Or this?
www.warehousefashion.com/metallic-lame-pleated-halter-neck-midi-dress/BWW04341-126-56.html?istCompanyId=9875fbb9-8403-4ba5-a198-ed8f594c95e5&istFeedId=da0f5c51-3435-4ead-bbfe-845651be6b20&istItemId=rilxialwx&istBid=t&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgMofDH7XZBBwaPrMxB6lbvt6ATu2zNfiWf7zL3CHKGNRBUhlsrPPAwdcaAknDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Isadora Elitan Drape Halterneck Swing Dress

Swing into summer with our Isadora Elitan Drape Halterneck Swing Dress. A print in sunset shades and a petite swing silhouette brings this dress to life, hosted by a modish halterneck and complete with a flared hem, this mini is a playful piece to be a...

https://www.frenchconnection.com/products/isadora-elitan-drape-swing-drs-cobalt-blue-br-marig?gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgModygxrG_9JjxRol2_Pi6XWX4i4PNOaahTImFBh7i_VTZt1IfbYHqyEaAgTXEALw_wcB

Whataretheodds · 04/07/2023 19:26

This is the 2nd one

L1342 · 04/07/2023 19:27

Anything peplum would work well

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 19:28

Another (over budget) possibility:

https://kemitelford.com/collections/dresses/products/copy-of-dola-stripe-tank-statement-dress?_pos=55&_fid=eb60cd0d5&_ss=c

Dola Pink Tank Statement Dress

This is a special, oversized, wide-cut dress, with a dropped shoulder, for those who love style and comfort. This dress has an adjustable neck opening with a long tie at the back for you to pull the dress into your size. Tightening the neckties and tyi...

https://kemitelford.com/collections/dresses/products/copy-of-dola-stripe-tank-statement-dress?_pos=55&_fid=eb60cd0d5&_ss=c

midlifecrash · 04/07/2023 19:36

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-ella-linen-midi-dress?inventoryCountry=GB&currency=GBP&color=001&size=S&_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE&utm_campaign=PMAX&utm_term=UK_PMAX_Zombie&utm_content=EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD-P_JKfL60SsUpeK-tc7UsB0K5io&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE

UO Ella Linen Midi Dress

Shop UO Ella Linen Midi Dress at Urban Outfitters today. We carry all the latest styles, colours and brands for you to choose from right here.

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-ella-linen-midi-dress?inventoryCountry=GB&currency=GBP&color=001&size=S&_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE&utm_campaign=PMAX&utm_term=UK_PMAX_Zombie&utm_content=EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD-P_JKfL60SsUpeK-tc7UsB0K5io&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqZua9Nf1_wIV5z0GAB0ZKwEsEAQYEiABEgKDpfD_BwE

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 19:57

Gorgeous fabric:

https://beyondnine.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/winnie-dress-pink-and-red-stripe

Winnie Dress - Pink and Red Stripe

Much loved Winnie is now here in classic black. Beautifully cut, with a flexible fit, thanks to the wrap (which also allows easy access for breastfeeding), this dress works brilliantly with and without bump. With our take on the balloon sleeve, elastic...

https://beyondnine.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/winnie-dress-pink-and-red-stripe

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 20:14

WhatWillIWear · 04/07/2023 19:28

Another (over budget) possibility:

https://kemitelford.com/collections/dresses/products/copy-of-dola-stripe-tank-statement-dress?_pos=55&_fid=eb60cd0d5&_ss=c

It's literally called a tank dress! How is that going to be flattering

veryfluffyfluff · 04/07/2023 20:15

Whataretheodds · 04/07/2023 19:23

If you like your arms/shoulders and want to hide your tummy I'd go for a halterneck that flows out from the bust without a belt. I'd be v careful about the fabric though so as to not look twenty or twee.

something like this?
https://www.frenchconnection.com/products/isadora-elitan-drape-swing-drs-cobalt-blue-br-marig?gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgModygxrG_9JjxRol2_Pi6XWX4i4PNOaahTImFBh7i_VTZt1IfbYHqyEaAgTXEALw_wcB

Or this?
www.warehousefashion.com/metallic-lame-pleated-halter-neck-midi-dress/BWW04341-126-56.html?istCompanyId=9875fbb9-8403-4ba5-a198-ed8f594c95e5&istFeedId=da0f5c51-3435-4ead-bbfe-845651be6b20&istItemId=rilxialwx&istBid=t&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgMofDH7XZBBwaPrMxB6lbvt6ATu2zNfiWf7zL3CHKGNRBUhlsrPPAwdcaAknDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

This could be good if you like your arms OP. Nice fabric. A bit different but not weird.

TWmover · 04/07/2023 20:20

What about something from All Saints? They're quite rock/edgy? They have sale on at the moment, they have some good dresses or kimonos you could put over something plainer?

This dress focuses the attention upwards away from your stomach without being sack-like. Would be easy to wear with chunky sandals or boots in winter...

https://www.allsaints.com/women/sale/gian-sabrina-asymmetrical-dress/WD059Y-5.html

Gian Sabrina Asymmetrical Dress Black | ALLSAINTS

Shop the Gian Sabrina Asymmetrical Dress in Black at ALLSAINTS from our collection of All Sale. Free UK shipping & returns.

https://www.allsaints.com/women/sale/gian-sabrina-asymmetrical-dress/WD059Y-5.html