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.

Fab thread, as it's like I've written it, word for word, same sizing, same lack of self confidence etc.

My job has recently taken off and I am at a lot of events. Some of the suggestions on here are new to me and I'll enjoy having a mooch and seeing what I can find.

Few things to add. My boobs are huge, Kk Cup. None of the jackets on here would work for me, I'd LOVE a jacket but they just don't fit. Be careful with a kimono with big boobs as they make you look fat. I haven't resolved this one, I have a Bravissimo denim jacket (that I love). I yearn for a leather jacket.

Also have a look at Finery. May not be 'posh' enough for your current needs but I've found some of their dresses are gathered below the chest, so they seem to work and I've found a waist again!

On wrap dresses, I stitch them together!

i would wear a cape over the jumpsuit or a cape coat? or a shrug or poncho. I am a big fan of the jumpsuit just make sure you can get in and out of it for a pee xx

@ArthurChristmas22 i have similar sized boobs. Find Zara XXL/XL jackets are a good option and some are without fasteners - well made but you do have to try a few before you get your own fit right.

I personally think longer line Kimonos are a great option to look ‘put together’ without feeling trussed up. Once you are large of nork it is pretty difficult to disguise them so I embrace it all 😂 The thread title is ‘Fat, Frumpy and Fifty’ thread but honestly, wearing great shoes, Having a decent handbag and great jewellery makes a world of difference to self confidence plus great make-up and a decent skincare routine. You don’t have to have makeup like a real housewife of Cheshire, but having a ‘no makeup/makeup’ with a luminous skin finish does make a great difference to looking more updated - esp during menopause.

Life is short, buy what you like and just go for it!

That Silkfred dress is split up to the top of the leg - it's not conservative at all 😂@Gruelle

Thanks @Netaporter. I'll have a look next time I'm being dragged round by my DD!

If you re fat then velvet will add more pounds, keep clear.

Seasalt

This is the one I meant!

Not if it's well cut and proper cotton or silk velvet. It helps to steer clear of clingy satin that shows every bump but velvet can kindly disguise the lumps as long as it's not the stretchy velour type.

Since you have a few outings, why don't you get a really good pair of trousers and a few different tops. Top it off with The beautiful Velvet jacket from White Stuff.

https://www.whitestuff.com/us/p/2541/karla-smart-velvet-coat/DK_TEAL

There is a floral blouse on Fat Face, as well as a sparkle navy sweater. That way you're not wearing the same one dress to every event.

Velvet is flattering and looks lovely . This is nice would look fab with black trousers or silver /grey

I am a 10 - in my mind’s eye. I know the crushing misery of trying on an outfit that looks good online and… I look like a frumpy old boot. I used to have a really small waist. It has just disappeared recently, along with my ability to wear very fitted things 😟

For nice occasions I think Hobbs is good. They also do petite for shortarses. I have some nice Hobbs tops with sheer arms as the world cannot cope with my wobbly white flesh (and I am always cold). I wear a long velvet skirt I bought from George Asda in 1997: still going strong! Low heels with a squarish toe are more flattering (and wearable) than pointed toes.

Suzy Quattro's fat nan

Just came on to say this is one of the best threads ever on being in our fifties, chunky and the perils of buying clothes online... If you feel like a laugh, click away.

Try wearing pin up dresses. Retro Stage has a ton, good price, note that it does ship from China so it takes a while.

I have quite a few of these dresses and love them.

Firstly, kudos to you for embracing your unique style! Your confidence is truly commendable. If you lean towards an apple shape, opt for monochromatic or single-color outfits to maintain a streamlined look. Avoid breaking up colors between top and bottom, as it might visually cut you in half. Stick to darker shades, like a chic black ensemble with a v-neck top and flattering bootleg bottoms. This creates a stylish silhouette, and adding shiny jewelry and bold makeup will draw attention to your radiant personality. Keep rocking your fabulous self at those Christmas parties!

Re the wrap dress suggestion, I have the same issue but find a couple of stitches fixes it. Or I wear a little camisole underneath 🙂

Is this the mistake I've been making for the last sixty years? I'm apple-shaped, and I love wearing bright colours. My daywear is usually dark trousers, and a bright, often patterned, shirt or blouse. As a general rule, I only wear dresses for special occasions. No wonder I lack style, ho hum.

You are probably sorted OP, but I have the white stuff velvet jacket and trousers and just put it in a gentle wash - it’s fine.

Monsoon is generally overpriced for the quality but they really do do an excellent line in bejewelled kimonos -

For make up I would either go with a modest Smokey eye rather than a red lip - I like red lipstick but if you are eating and drinking a lot it’s not great because you end up with half lippy.

Bobbi Brown do good over the counter make overs and will teach you the basics.

Then you just need a great pair of earrings and a nice perfume

What a load of rubbish - and what a confidence destroyer.

If you’re an apple shape, just don’t wear something that cuts you at your widest point, that is all.

@morningtoncrescent62 ignore

Yeah, that's one of the worst threads ever. I hate it with a passion. And every time someone refers to it I will say how terrible it is.

Lolz. Women trying to be stylish. A joke. Particularly women in their 50's. If you want to feel shit, and a bit of a joke, click away!

Yikes, I am glad I didn't see that thread earlier. I feel uneasy with women in their fifties ( or sixties, or seventies) constantly doing themselves down,, even though I sometimes do it myself! I want to stop apologising for existing,

I mean, I’ve only read the first page so it might deteriorate, but… looks like a rare example of MN at its best - witty, self-deprecating, self-aware humour. Don’t see it much here anymore, sadly.

@Galiana sorry but what on earth do you find funny? That thread is funniest thing I’ve read in ages!

Thank you @BeFrankforonce for brightening up a crappy week.

https://joanieclothing.com/bellatrix-short-sleeve-velvet-jumpsuit-green.html

I have this in 2 colours. It's a relaxed fit and very flattering. Also easy to take off when you need the loo!

I'm 5ft 1in and have to have the legs taken up but at 5ft 5in you should be ok.

This is a great thread. I'm definitely going to be treating myself to a couple of the suggestions.

That looks like she has wrapped herself in green cling film.