Event fashion nightmare! Help! Please!

[Fruitbatdancer]

Help! I am a 43 year old size 22 frump. I have two big events coming up and need dresses (I think, trousers make me look like an elephant unless black skinny jeans which will fit neither event!
I have big boobs.
i am apple shaped.
I like v neck I like below knee, I need to hide my c section apron and big tummy 😭 (I’m dieting and going to PT but they can’t work miracles)

Two events are:
fancy cricket event in corporate box thing (for work)
and
presenting to 2000 people on stage!! 😱😱

both are 2 / 3 weeks away!

oh and I have fat ankles!

hereeeelp me!!
xx

If only people would suggest a budget, @Fruitbatdancer!

Also, what’s the context of the presentation? Government policy conference, music awards night, Brownies convention? Serious suit, serious glamour, fun??

Oh, and what’s your height?

This could be super-gorgeous for the presentation. You’d be an 18 in their sizing. They make clothes up to a UK size 24 so I’d expect the proportions to be ok.

https://batsheva.com/en-gb/collections/new-arrivals/products/maryjane-dress-in-black-velvet?variant=43871576719609

Linen dress, fuchsia | Marina Rinaldi

How about this? There's one size 23 left. There's also a sale on.

I think this could work for both events.

ooo thanks guys, I’m worried long length will make me look even grumpier than I feel!
budget up to £250 for each.
presentation is city financial services formal (men in suits 🙄)

Oh and 5ft 4

This kind of thing/ shape is my comfort zone… https://bloomchic.com/products/solid-pocket-sleeveless-ruffle-hem-tank-dress?_pos=1&_sid=d9923e19a&_ss=r

Or this. But I need to be ‘fancier’ https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-london-black-mesh-panel-skater-dress-p?currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwxaanBhBQEiwA84TVXDSnSK5iNVkflgF_P4r4XSoZ5g691UppndFR7bGwO85NzRMnLoSN0hoC6GcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The styles are nice, but black is too safe!

I know!! But I’m scared 😂

Have you looked through all the dresses on the Batsheva website? Personally I think they’d be ideal. Showy and smart and therefore authoritative.

And dresses can be shortened …

How did you manage to find the one natural fibre frock on the MR site, @BlackSwan? Respect. (Though it might be a bit informal for the presentation?)

Cricket. Add smart Autumn coat with queenly brooch …

https://palava.co/collections/womens-dresses/products/louise-green-postcards-dress

Grace Shirt Tie Front Dress in Emerald Herringone – Bombshell London (bombshellhq.com)

Luxe Jersey Swing Dress in French Navy – Bombshell London (bombshellhq.com)

I don;t understand the love for Batsheva on MN. Everybody on that site looks batty.

The cricket won't be dressy, most people are either in work wear or smart casual. They really stand out from the usual crowd

I think the ones you have linked yourself are really nice and probably flattering styles. I would go for them in the emerald green colour.

I've just popped over for a snoop...bloody hell?!

Well, Batsheva does say "clothes with a prairie or Victorian sensibility" but personally, I do not want to look like a gothic corpse bride when presenting before 2000 people.

I think that first Bombshell dress linked by @BlackSwan is a lovely colour though perhaps a bit shiny? I was going to say The Fold but they only go up to 18.

Do you mean the actual clothes? Or the presentation of the models?

If you scroll through all the photos for an item you may find one that looks more natural to you.

Generally it’s worth the effort to separate a garment from any editorial / promotional context. But everyone’s different! I personally can’t stand influencers pouting into their phone camera on Instagram - that’s guaranteed to put me off anything. Whereas I really value the vision and artistry of stylists and photographers who take the trouble to tell a story through a fashion photo. That prompts me to think outside my own limitations. But I also don’t find styling disguises the potential, or otherwise, of a piece to fit into my own wardrobe.

I really like the way Batsheva increasingly includes a good variety of models for each item. And they seem to be at the stage where they’re actively translating creative … exuberance into wearable clothes.

(I have absolutely no connection to them! Or indeed any clothes designer. Sadly …)

I don't like the clothes or the styling @RandomersAssociation. It's very Helena Bonham Carter ( whom I love but I can't get away with looking like her). I find them very unwearable.

I think there are probably clothes to be found between pouty influencers like SilkFred and Victorian Gothic like Batsheva. But plus size seems way more challenging.

I think I suggested this on another thread , but how about this for the presentation? Poetry - Printed silk wrap dress (poetryfashion.co.uk)

Oh just saw your update. I am not alleging that you have any connection to them @RandomersAssociation . I am always suggesting certain brands and I have no connection to them either.

I didn’t think you were! But it sometimes seems advisable to state the fact - especially if advocating for a favourite brand.