Fat, frumpy and fifty - outfit needed

[Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies]

I am, as the heading suggests, not stylish. Nor do I have any pretensions to good looks (I am a 5 on a good day)*. I wear Fat Face and Joules, just to show my completely boring middle class, middle aged vibe. I want a nice outfit for Christmas dinners, afternoon tea somewhere posh, Christmas Day, etc. And I want it to be a little bit wow.

I am 16 bottom half, but have large boobs, so sometimes need an 18 top if very fitted. 41+ shoes (wide). Budget around £200 for clothes and footwear.

No, I won’t attach photos.

I would be grateful for any help S&B can give me.

*I don’t care about this - I have a very nice life, and am actually very happy. My gifts just don’t include looks.

I might even get off my backside and walk 200m to Peacocks (only clothes shop in my town). I like the look of those trousers.

The poor op will be going out with lipstick on one lip and with one boot at this rate!

The Roman jumpsuit is lovely. I'm popping to the shops so am going to try it on. I never know what shoes go with a jumpsuit though. Summer is easier.

😀

I reckon the one boot look would wow!

I’m actually getting some good ideas. But having looked at the (lovely) White Stuff velvet, I’ve just discovered it’s dry clean only. Can’t be doing with that.

I'm similarly proportioned and age but fatter , the thing I feel nicest in at Christmas is a velvet sparkly tunic dress I got from monsoon, comes to mid thigh and I wear leggings and pointed toed flats (or v low block heel )
This is a bit similar but you and I need sweetheart neckline I think
But look at mini dresses too as can be worn with leggings

www.monsoon.co.uk/jenna-star-sequin-tunic-dress-black-34346601.html

The other thing I feel lovely in is scamp and dude maxi dress, they are so lovely and flowy and can wear flat shoes .
They also have lovely shorter dresses and nice tops , so many party things and I feel more modern in their clothes

scampanddude.com/products/button-midi-dress-blue-with-green-and-black-shadow-leopard

Black velvety trousers ( loads at marks, John Lewis, River Island, even Peacocks ( some have discreet stretch waist - great for comfort - but preferably combine with pair with more tailored fit as more flattering). Similar top plus lovely sequin shirt open over top. Comfy, adaptable and Christmassy.

If you are more conservative this could modernise any black top and trousers or jeans , they do coloured one too

I've gone down a scamp and dude rabbit hole now (help my credit card will not make it out alive!)

scampanddude.com/products/adults-kimono-cover-up-black-sequin-3-4-length-sleeves

Wyse have a great Black Friday selection, ends tomorrow. Love this..

https://www.wyselondon.com/collections/black-friday-dresses/products/harri-silk-velvet-dress-forest-green

Why doesn't I matter if it's fry clean only? Unless you're likely to spill your drinks endlessly down yourself you'd only clean it once or twice a year anyway!

From what you said are you 'lollypop' shaped?

Usually denoted by long skinnier legs/arm and small bum/hips but carrying weight heavily in their short torso area (belly/waist and BIG boobs).

My friend is that shape, wearing something that creates a waist effect and is loose and flairy at the hips (like A line) or ankle (like flared jeans) to balance the top heavy effect is usually good. Long or short dresses should work fine. V necks are good.

Avoid anything like shoulder pad, frilly/ruffly details or bulky on top (mutton sleaves etc...).

If you dont want to show too much maybe something like this style
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144697505237

Utterly fascinated by the request for something ‘more conservative’ than a Silkfred wrap dress!

‘Agog’ even.

Dare not suggest anything …

Would you wear a sequin skirt with your chunky boots? I've bought a black one from River Island and already have a silver one. Or a satin bias cut skirt? Both with a v neck or polo neck cashmere jumper from M & S? I actually went in to a stand alone M & S this week, I was so impressed!

They also had velvet blazers as mentioned up thread...and I don't know if it's your thing but the cashmere leopard jumper was beautiful colours, would look good with black leather cropped trousers?

Would this Adriana Papell dress appeal to you?

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-crepe-tailored-dress/red/p109248731

Because I’m the type guaranteed to spill something. I went out to a nice breakfast t’other day, and was so busy talking that as I took a gulp of coffee an aged to miss my mouth.

I am a similar shape and have recently started being invited to some formal things. To build my wardrobe I have been browsing in a hospice charity shop in an upmarket area. Over time I have had some great finds, including some Hobbs and Phase 8 dresses that I would have bought new, ie £150 rather than the £15 I paid. Everything goes straight in the wash and so far everything has washed well. (I may be a bit more careful now with the threat of bed bugs, so put things in the freezer first then a delicate wash.) I found a small Roman black jacket that goes over most dresses and have a cream one for others.

V necks suit me, albeit sometimes with a discrete pin. Also scout round for some nice costume jewellery.

I also wear flats. The M&S footglove range can be good for comfortable but slightly dressy black shoes, though some of their other stock is awfully clunky.

The dress in question did expose a lot of leg, tbf.

I mean, my 23 year old, size 8 dd would have looked stunning in it. I would fall into the “put it away, luv” category.

I will definitely be looking at velvet or satin.

If I’m feeling very brave I might even try lipstick.

Another tip. Go into shops like Hobbs on a quiet day, explain the occasion and ask if they can suggest things. With luck you get someone savvy who rises to the challenge, and you end up with something that did not look good on the hanger but looks perfect on you.

@Needmoresleep I do love charity shops. My current winter coast is a beautiful MaxMara cashmere number (£10). But I generally don’t find them good for slightly dressy things. Okay for full evening wear, but I don’t go to events like that.

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/satin-drape-fluted-sleeve-top-green?variant=44451904946342&istCompanyId=5cb36b28-3b54-4573-9793-5e46611a0358&istFeedId=862761a5-2bf0-4417-ab0a-7e46ee93302a&istItemId=llxpaptqx&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9ourBhAVEiwA3L5RFtiZwOa7yQyBf-8Ga7M6wPvmVuN952zEBk9doT5PsKhaSUGzzJRi-xoCVbMQAvD_BwE

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/trousers/product.the-silk-trousers-black.1184439001.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9ourBhAVEiwA3L5RFoonbD4Nwy7oxJcrBW35-P2C2amTRCYKjWOmArCFBScaNCCvc4d62hoC_ewQAvD_BwE

Anyway, thanks for all the suggestions so far. I am getting great ideas.

I’ve also appreciated the lack of snarkiness. When you get into a lack of style rut, it’s very difficult to get out of it.

If I’m feeling very brave I might even try lipstick.

@Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies, as I said don't be afraid of stronger colours. It's easy to get a sheer effect. Just apply lip balm and the dab the coloured lipstick on top then press your lips together. This adds a sheer colour that looks just a bit like you've been eating berries. Then you can add intensity as you like.

I am lucky in that I have found my charity shop! Next door to a favourite cafe so DH can be persuaded to go for lunch at the weekend and then I get to browse. Donations support a popular local hospice, the manager arranges things well and it is in a very affluent area. My theory is that there is someone exactly my size who refreshes her wardrobe every year in up market High Street shops and donates what she no longer wears. I wonder if she has spotted me wearing her old clothes. If so she is too polite to say.

Check out this item from M&S…www.marksandspencer.com/velvet-relaxed-single-breasted-blazer/p/clp60625641
I have this green velvet suit from M&S - it is v flattering. Good with a blouse underneath for fancier occasions or a light jumper for daytime.

I'd suggest black wide le trousers, a white cami top and a striking kimono over. I am loving this brand at the moment

onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/midi-kimono/products/midi-kimono-stork-black

I recommend Whistles - their mesh dresses are beautiful and go up to a size 20, lots of choice and availability with 20% off at the moment. I'm a similar shape to you (including the blessing of long arms) and find their dresses fit beautifully.