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.

Get a bombshell wrap dress. They don’t gape. I sent one back because it didn’t gape enough. The v wasn’t deep enough.

https://www.gudrunsjoden.com/en-gb/clothes/dresses/bloom-lyocell-elastane-jersey-dress-cochineal-s
I love this brand

I'm eyeing up this at the moment.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mariah-glitter-stretch-velvet-belted-midi-dress/

I saw it on someone I follow on Instagram and it has a popped for modesty which is good if you are large of nork.

I have this in an 18 (I usually take size 20) and it's gorgeous and very swishy and flattering. Also looks good with chunky black boots.

Ankle length on me and I'm 5'5".

https://www.baukjen.com/products/luna-midi-dress-brown-leopard-print

You may try out that roman one, it will look good on you

I came on this thread for inspiration - I'm a similar size & shape to the OP, though 60 not 50! My upper arms are flabby, so sleeveless or very short sleeves don't work for me, and my arms are also very short, so long sleeves are usually far too long. This dress looks perfect, and I'm about to order it. Thanks for the recommendation @rogdmum, and also everyone else who's contributed - a thread to bookmark and return to! (After payday, maybe.)

https://www.sosandar.com/pewter-metallic-wrap-sparkle-jumpsuit

I have the same dilemma OP & I've bought this! It's really lovely. Just the right amount of sparkle & it's a lovely fit. There is a tiny wee popper thing which stops my rather large boobs from popping out. It's very flattering & also comfy. Haven't decided on footwear yet

The Fly Yuna pump with the ankle strap looks good with dresses.
Bohemian though rather than 'glam' but absolutely fine.

Otherwise New Look do a wide fit in shoes. They have a good range.

What about velvet waistcoat and a black velvet blazer with trousers?

@JMAngel1 @Gruelle It has a massive leg slit. For someone describing themselves as 'fat frumpy and fifty' could you not imagine that amount of leg showing might be a bit uncomfortable?

Like a few others on this thread just want to thank the OP for starting it - in a similar boat and starting to feel the ‘it’s Christmas make an effort’ panic, have some great ideas now

Have a look at Zara. Lovely bias cut satin skirts which you could dress up. Their large /xx size deffo fits the size you say you are and I saw this one paired with a beautiful olive loose fit jumper.

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/satin-midi-skirt-p08632845.html?v1=320656833

I read an article about just thinking ‘fuck it and wear the sparkly dress’ so I did at the weekend and bought this. I have mahoosive norks and this was surprisingly flattering and not at all clingy.

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/long-sequin-dress---limited-edition-p09325103.html?v1=313867950&v2=2290817

Oh @Netaporter that is a beaut!
Giving me Robert Palmer Addicted to Love vibes, you're going to look amazing

And ruins the line.......

You can't claim lack of style if you found a MaxMara cashmere coat for £10; that is style! I am, I admit, envious.............

I am in a similar situation to you, @Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies and have recently discovered the One Hundred Stars Rachel dress: the M/L would fit the size you describe and would be terrific for large boobs. I wear a little vest/cami under. Also would pair well with chunky boots. I just got the Stork in Black for Christmas. So comfy!

https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/stork-black-crepe-dress

Right. You've convinced me to buy this too 🤣 not sure it will fit well, am fat frumpy and 40, but quite a bit shorter....

Exactly this, thank you @wiseoldcat! The comments make me think that the posters are very far away from fat, frumpy and fifty (which perfectly describes me, hence clicking on this thread!) - otherwise they’d understand that baring my fat knee and wobbly thigh to the world is very far from conservative!

Are you me?

@StandardLampski I have that jumpsuit in black. I'm short, fat, frumpy and near 50 but feel quite put together in that outfit.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/freda-velvet-midi-dress-black-64074101.html

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-metallic-v-neck-midi-skater-dress/p/clp60622557#intid=pid_pg1pip27g4r1c1|prodflag_New Will hang so much better on.

I agree a black jumpsuit is super flattering. I am exactly the same size, age and generous boobs as you and I have two black jumpsuits from Hibbs which I love, they are well cut and hand beautifully. I also wear a lot of Adrianna Papell but have to have her things shortened. Have a look on John Lewis site at her jumpsuits.

I've been invited out for Christmas dinner and needed an outfit, many people recommended Roman. I've bought elastic waist wide legged velvet trousers and smart ankle boots with a heel from M&S, and a floaty tunic from Roman. I'm 66 and five foot, no-one will be looking at me for long! :)

PS My Roman top arrived in the post this morning in a big bag. It is sent on a hanger, in a very useful transparent plastic bag! I'm on a widows web site and apparently Roman is used by many for their cruise gear :)

I have this dress OP. I am your shape and size. I was told last night that I look amazing. Nuff said.

@Rina66 😘 I wore it already and indeed I felt fab x