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Fabulous outfit for a BBQ??

98 replies

BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 19:58

I’m looking for an outfit, probably a midi dress, that I can wear to a bbq and feel, if not a million dollars, then just really confident in. I’m dreading going due to one of the other guests, who I’ve not seen in a long time and have a difficult relationship with, so I really want to look my best!

I’m five foot seven, size 12. I’ve got large boobs and still a fairly hourglass shape (less so these days after two children!). My arms aren’t particularly toned, I’ve got fairly large thighs and cankles. My calves aren’t too bad. No I’ve got pale skin and mid brown hair. I don’t feel comfortable wearing anything particularly low cut.

I don’t have any sense of style whatsoever and don’t really know where to begin. I buy most clothes from H&M, M&S, with the odd item from Hush thrown in. I’d like a dress under £150 if possible but could spend more if needed. It’s for a BBQ but other attendees are likely to be dressed smartly so I’d rather be over dressed than under dressed. They all spend a lot on clothes and are very well groomed.

I would be so grateful for any suggestions, I don’t know where to begin!

OP posts:
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FusionChefGeoff · 15/04/2024 20:10

Could you go to a personal stylist at eg a John Lewis or other big department store? They'd love a really specific brief like this!

BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 20:55

Smokedsausagesupper · 15/04/2024 20:19

White company
I'vebeen lusting after this, I reckon it would suit your figure and not look too try hard.

I really like this dress! But the the style unfortunately I think is suited to someone slimmer and flatter Chester than me. I might try to get to a shop to try it on though in case I’m wrong. Thank you ❤️

OP posts:
BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 20:58

FusionChefGeoff · 15/04/2024 20:10

Could you go to a personal stylist at eg a John Lewis or other big department store? They'd love a really specific brief like this!

Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that. Im not sure that it would be worth their time given that I only want to buy one thing, and not even anything particularly high value eg a wedding guest outfit has a few different components to it that can all add up a bit.

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Overtheatlantic · 15/04/2024 21:02

A black midi dress with tan sandals and stacked bracelets. Simple and elegant. Also get a wash and blow dry.

WonderingWanda · 15/04/2024 21:06

I've just bought this, I think you can dress it up or down. I've got a contrasting belt and sandals to wear with it. Not got a bag yet.

Fabulous outfit for a BBQ??
blue12345 · 15/04/2024 21:09

Nobody's Child have some beautifully cut mid dresses, I buy them on M&S because I find their delivery is easiest.

The Fearne Cotton x Nobody's Child range has some really nice midi-dresses.

I would also recommend if you really want to wow on the day, to get your hair done, and a light spray tan. Makes such a difference!

BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:13

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 15/04/2024 20:59

Pink City Prints?

The White Company dress is OK but it's an everyday dress, not a dressy up dress.

These are ‘wow’ dresses. Thank you, I’ve never heard of this company before. I’m going to have a proper trawl through the site.

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RampantIvy · 15/04/2024 21:17

When is this barbecue, and are you in the UK?
Temperatures aren't forecast to be much above 13 degrees for the next two weeks.

Whatever you decide to wear I would be wearing thermals underneath, trainers and a warm jacket.

BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:17

Oh yes to the suggestions about getting my hair done blue12345 and overtheatlantic. And painting my nails I think. These are very glossy haired, botoxed, beautifully made up, perfectly manicured women. I never really make the time to do anything with my hair or paint my nails. Am definitely not well groomed so even if I get the outfit right I’m the sort of person who then ruins it with shitty hair!

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Verite1 · 15/04/2024 21:23

This would also be wow I think

https://rixolondon.com/products/tillie-mono-wave

And I like this one - comes in a variety of prints

https://rixolondon.com/products/izzy-white-mini-polka-dots

they are all a bit over your budget but you can get 10% if you sign up (and you did say you could go over if special).

Alternatively - look at me and em. Their dresses are generally very causally stylish and they have good sales all year round.

Tillie - Mono Wave

Tillie - Mono Wave

Waves forever• It’s got a point collar• With a V neck• Style with a belt (you choose)• There’s some stretch in the fabric• We love the fit – it hangs close to the body• Just slips on, easy

https://rixolondon.com/products/tillie-mono-wave

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 15/04/2024 21:23

Verite1 · 15/04/2024 21:19

I have this dresss. It’s much more flattering than it looks in the picture. I wear it with a wide belt.

https://rixolondon.com/products/bloom-dress-ditsy-cream

Very nice.

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 15/04/2024 21:26

I thought of that or the Bettina dress. There's a slight risk of not being the only 1 there.

fiorentina · 15/04/2024 21:28

Nobody’s Child have some lovely dresses
at the moment. Some more casual and others smarter. i love a Ganni dress but more pricey.

BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:30

RampantIvy · 15/04/2024 21:17

When is this barbecue, and are you in the UK?
Temperatures aren't forecast to be much above 13 degrees for the next two weeks.

Whatever you decide to wear I would be wearing thermals underneath, trainers and a warm jacket.

It’s not for a couple of months, I’m over planning! And yes in the UK. I guess if the weather’s shit it’ll end up just being indoors. I want to look glam even if I end up freezing my bits off!

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BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:32

Ooh I’ve had my eye on this dress for about three years, ever since I saw a woman wearing it on holiday once- she looked absolutely stunning in it. I like the navy version with the white embroidery

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BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:33

Verite1 · 15/04/2024 21:19

I have this dresss. It’s much more flattering than it looks in the picture. I wear it with a wide belt.

https://rixolondon.com/products/bloom-dress-ditsy-cream

Thank you for sharing! I can imagine it looking even better ‘on’ than in the picture. What shoes do you normally wear with it?

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BetterLuckTomorrow · 15/04/2024 21:40

FarOutBrusselSprout · 15/04/2024 21:33

https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses/harrie-geo-cut-out-midi-dress/0001881.html?dwvar_0001881_color=BLACK&cgid=women-clothing-dresses-and-skirts#pagination=true&start=28

This is beautiful and flattering (imo). I have just purchased some Toms Wedges to go with it which I'm yet to pair up. I don't know whether the higher neck would suit though?

This is very striking. I am fine with a high neck I think, but not sure about having so much of my arms on show.

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FarOutBrusselSprout · 15/04/2024 21:44

@BetterLuckTomorrow it's Britain...It'll be cold regardless just wear a nice leather/black jacket on top 😆

I must say it is beautifully flattering. Hides all my bad points. I don't even mind my arms being on show but I understand what you're saying if you wouldn't be comfortable.

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