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Fancy conference dresses for the curvy

9 replies

Blacknailer · 29/02/2024 23:32

I'll be heading off to a conference in a month. Weather will be warm-ish. It's pretty fancy - there will be multiple brunches/lunches/drinks/dinners to go to and lots of meetings. There may be yachts involved. Not the kind of conference which involves sitting and listening to talks in a venue!

I need a dress or two and would love suggestions. I'm 5 ft 3 and a size 14-16, and have a very hourglass figure with particularly massive boobs that don't fit into much.

I'm looking for midi dresses probably. Shirt dresses are generally good. Must have sleeves. Nothing particularly revealing. No very clingy plain polyester. Things that will work for day to night as I won't get a chance to change. I usually like geometric prints or interesting textures more than bright florals, but do go for them sometimes.

Budget up to about £275 for something great but ideally more like £100. Have some minor sewing skills so could adjust things as necessary.

Had a brief look in Zara, Hobbs and Cos today it didn't see anything.

On the lookout also for a blazer to wear over the top. Shoes will be loafers or fancy trainers - no heels as I can't walk around in them all day.

Thank you for suggestions!

OP posts:
user1471548941 · 29/02/2024 23:34

Take a look at Forever New- Aussie retalier thaT’s recently started selling over here. I have a very similar shape and find they have a wide variety of flattering dresses- mini and midi with button up and a defined waist. They also do a Petite range. Get a lot of my work dresses from there!

Cvoight · 29/02/2024 23:38

As an hourglass, I often feel more put together in skirt/top as I can get fit so much better. Takes more effort to get right, but often looks more styling on me.

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 29/02/2024 23:38

The Anthropologie Bettina dress and if you can wear short sleeves, the Somerset.

Don't bother with a blazer. Very over rated garment and usually look terrible over dresses.

Anthropologie Bettina dress

Anthropologie Somerset dress

Blacknailer · 01/03/2024 08:08

Thank you!

I do like some of the ones on the Forever New site and the pricing is reasonable. Is the quality good too?

Not a big fan of the tiered skirts on the Anthropologie dresses, and the top part of the Bettina one isn't going to fit me. They are nice for something more casual though.

OP posts:
Blacknailer · 01/03/2024 08:15

user1471548941 · 29/02/2024 23:34

Take a look at Forever New- Aussie retalier thaT’s recently started selling over here. I have a very similar shape and find they have a wide variety of flattering dresses- mini and midi with button up and a defined waist. They also do a Petite range. Get a lot of my work dresses from there!

Also, any thoughts on sizing? I was thinking a 16 to be on the safe side but it would be useful to know if they come particularly large or small.

OP posts:
LittleMonks11 · 01/03/2024 08:32

Baukjen. I bought a lovely zebra midi dress in the sale and wore it to a conference. They have lots similar.

user1471548941 · 01/03/2024 22:24

Forever New I find true to size! I am anything between an 10-12 depending on how generous that particular store is on the boob area and I can reliably fit a 10 in Forever New- the bust area I think is generous, they have lose loop buttons which never gap but do usually need an appropriate coloured vest top underneath.

I find the quality good for the price point- they wash well, dry easily, don’t need ironing and haven’t shown much wear and tear. Generally they have outperformed pricier items I have from Ted Baker/Reiss/Karen Millen. Material can vary- some are more viscose type material, others are Tencel or other sustainable materials, the website does detail clearly for each so easy to chose!

I currently have a basket of about 10 dresses I am eyeing up for spring/summer!

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