Plus size “dinner and cocktails” outfit

[Bumblebee112]

So, since the last time I was out there’s been a global pandemic and I’ve had 2 children 😅 I have no idea what my style is anymore when it comes to getting dressed up! I’m a size 22. Carry my weight mainly round my tummy so like to disguise that as much as I can.

Where are you go-to shops for “dressier” pieces? Happy to spend on stuff I like. I have a few events coming up with various groups of people so can rewear pieces. Anything specific you’ve seen that looks nice?

Monsoon?

@CharlotteStreetW1 I do love them for occasion dressed but nothing on there is inspiring me at the moment!

Marina Rinaldi?

Phase 8 has a plus size range which's is usually good.
Also Boden go to a 22

I think ASOS Curve is very good

These are all good tummy hiders!

Thanks all 😊 I did order a few bits from John Lewis and ASOS curve but they’ve all gone back 😭 I’m just not feeling good about myself at the moment after gaining quite a bit of weight so struggling to find something im comfortable in!

People on here seem to be a bit sniffy about Yours and Simply Be, but they have tons of nice dresses. I like this (I'm a similar shape/size to you)

YOURS LONDON Curve Black & Pink Floral Wrap Skater Dress yoursclothing.page.link/hqqe

That link doesn't work, it's this

SCARLETT AND JO were my go to around that size

I’m sure you’ll get loads of great dress suggestions. So as something different: I’m around the same kind of size and shape, and have been wearing wide-legged trousers a lot this summer, plain or patterned. dressed down with a crisp t-shirt or up with a cami top or as a co-ord.

With wide legs I think worth paying attention to the weight and flow of cloth in trousers as some drape makes them more luxe. Weirdly this does not always correspond with price — my favourites are from TopShop.

I was nervous about tucking things in - but a tuck looks fine once you get used to it, and I think it’s pretty essential with wide legs to avoid looking like a massive brick.

i have these trousers - I like them with a crisp white t-shirt rather than anything else fancy.
https://www.riverisland.com/p/plus-sequin-wide-leg-trousers-761218

I think well-cut flares with a silk shirt always look chic - I like both in black with lots of jewellery. Boden has not been good for a few years now, but these trousers look like they might be cut right
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/brompton-bi-stretch-trousers-black/sty-r0425-blk?cat=C1_S2_G963

It’s always a gamble buying from Never Fully Dressed - some of their stuff is absolute tat, and some of it is quite decent. I like the look of this set but who knows?!? I’d wear it with a blazer which reduces the pyjama vibes (tho I don’t really mind those!)
https://www.neverfullydressed.com/collections/trousers-shorts/products/abstract-print-elissa-trousers

I think Bloomchic is great for dresses, and really reasonable. I have quite a few for work and bought a couple for weddings this year. I am a similar size to you and felt great.

Bit of a wait - as it comes from the US - and I haven’t had to send anything back before so not sure about that. They are very responsive to messages though.

I’ve just put in another order!

I love Kitty Joseph for really flattering dresses and tops

That’s a really nice shaped jacket, I struggle to find ones like that which are nipped in at the waist and not too boxy. Is it recent stock?

You look lovely @0906795m, I think black basics ( camis, wide leg trousers, dresses, stretch midis, leather leggings or wide crops) with great jackets or coats over always look good. Zara, River Island, H & M and Anthropologie all do great ones.

Adrianna Papell is nice quality and the ruching is flattering on a larger stomach. I’m a size 20 down from a 22.
https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-knit-wrap-tuxedo-dress-black/p5679670

I have this. Bought on a whim as is a bargain. The photos don’t do it justice
https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/adrianna-papell-metallic-knit-cascade-gown/_/A-83H095_10?searchResults=true&PFM_rsn=search&PFM_ref=false&PFM_psp=own&PFM_pge=1&PFM_lpn=41&PFM_trm=adrianna+papell

Jolie Moi do some nice stuff. More limited when you get to a 22. If you choose the jersey stretch, you can perhaps get away with going down a size. But best to stick to 22 if you can.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st264723/d06348#d06348

This waistband style is flattering. A bit too casual perhaps. But JM often use this waistband and change the necklines / sleeves / length etc.
https://www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/day-dresses/jolie-moi/ruched-sleeve-print-jersey-midi-dress-navy-abstract

I love Joanna Hope clothes, I generally buy mine off Vinted but they seem to be good quality, comfortable and flattering.
Wrap dresses are a good style if you have a large tummy.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=Joanna+Hope&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#piu=ps:8&oshopproduct=cid:1943123500594487842,oid:5246750040420800780,iid:11329016171943573630,pvt:a,pvo:3&oshop=apv&pvs=0

A couple more

www.crazyclearance.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-jersey-angel-sleeve-midi-dress/ii294/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=2091

www.crazyclearance.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-purple-stretch-sequin-midi-dress/ii507/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=2091

www.marisota.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-angel-sleeve-tie-waist-dress/dt229/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=9013

www.marisota.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-metallic-plisse-wrap-midi-dress/ii259/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=8013

I thought this was a good outfit inspo from M & S, the cami & jacket go up to a size 24, although strangely the crop leather trousers only go up to a size 20, although I think M & S come up quite large.

Thank you all! Some really lovely suggestions!! Going to sit down this afternoon and have a big order 👍🏻 I have a few events coming up over the autumn/winter so hopefully get some nice options to wear 😊

I was going to recommend them too.

@Doggymummar @RomComPhooey I have some lovely S&J dresses that I wore to weddings over the summer but they’re a little dressier than I need for this dinner 😊