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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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Blarn · 16/04/2024 13:09

I am nearly 40, and inch shorter than you and a large 12 with a large chest, hips and a definite waist but that is not as toned as it once was and all these dresses would long wrong on me and I suspect, not great on the OP either. I would look like I am trying to wear the sort of fabulous dress I have heard women wear at BBQs.

I would suggest separates. A midi skirt and top co-ord or wide leg trousers. Easy to wear and comfortable but you will look like you know what is currently on tend.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/black-linen-blend-crop-top.html?glCountry=GB&utm_source=NMPi&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PaidSearch&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccMAEoPym1Pe_1gsoHcRiidkSf-z659Q11p2hvWY7DcxKuDc9brqU6RoCPUkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-sevilla-linen-blend-wide-leg-trousers-green/p111720566

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-leila-wide-leg-linen-trousers/navy/p111898630

Black Linen-blend Crop Top

Black Linen-blend Crop Top

Black Linen-blend Crop Top

https://www.nobodyschild.com/black-linen-blend-crop-top.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccMAEoPym1Pe_1gsoHcRiidkSf-z659Q11p2hvWY7DcxKuDc9brqU6RoCPUkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&glCountry=GB

Ilovemyshed · 16/04/2024 13:15

OP I really suggest you look at jumpsuits, there are sone fabulous ones and I think they are just the right balance of glam and casual. You can dress them up with wedge heels or fancy sandals, or down with lace up pumps and add statement jewellery and a wrap or not. Really versatile!

Ilovemyshed · 16/04/2024 13:16

Something like this:

www.phase-eight.com/product/janine-print-jumpsuit-222174000.html#cgid=occasion%20jumpsuits&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=222174000&pos=22

Otherwise what about a shirt dress from Bombshell?

NonPlayerCharacter · 16/04/2024 13:24

Verite1 · 16/04/2024 12:51

No offence but I think this is a little reductive. The waist doesn’t have to always be seen as an hourglass! I’m an hourglass and although I have some clothes that cinch in at the waist , I also have some lovely floaty/flowy dresses that don’t. Not everything has to be about showing off curves. Plus the whole retro style is a bit of a cliche now I think.

The waist doesn’t have to always be seen as an hourglass!

It may depend on how exaggerated an hourglass you are. At any rate, I'm happy to agree to disagree.

mitogoshi · 16/04/2024 13:26

I echo some saying spend less on a dress and use your budget for a manicure and possibly a blow dry (cut as well if possible). These dresses are fine but no different than those from cheaper alternatives, having been hunting for a dress for my DDs wedding I concluded the difference between a £60/70 dress and a £400 was the label, certainly not the fit

PTSDBarbiegirl · 16/04/2024 13:33

Jumpsuit with warm leggings & top under. Cool trainers and soft cosy longline cardi. Nice long colourful light cotton printed scarf.

yogagivesmepeace · 16/04/2024 13:55

Came on to say Aspiga, too

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 16/04/2024 13:58

Verite1 · 16/04/2024 12:51

No offence but I think this is a little reductive. The waist doesn’t have to always be seen as an hourglass! I’m an hourglass and although I have some clothes that cinch in at the waist , I also have some lovely floaty/flowy dresses that don’t. Not everything has to be about showing off curves. Plus the whole retro style is a bit of a cliche now I think.

Agreed re "showing off curves" Bombshell for example do that splendidly if "showing off your curves" is what you're after, but for me, they aren't "wow" dresses by a long way.

NonPlayerCharacter · 16/04/2024 14:03

It isn't so much about showing off curves as much as not looking like a sack of spuds. If your chest and hips are big but your waist isn't, it's very hard to wear something that flatters and doesn't make you look shapeless and bigger than you are if you don't somehow get the waist in there, especially as many hourglasses are short waisted to boot, so it's in dangerous of disappearing entirely. Most people don't want to hide their good points.

Nearlyadoctor · 16/04/2024 14:05

Came on again to recommend a jumpsuit, i think they’re generally incredibly flattering especially if you’ve got a decent waist.
Nobody’s child have some nice organic cotton ones at the moment , that can be dressed up or down. Flattering sandals and some nice jewellery and you’re good to go.

NonPlayerCharacter · 16/04/2024 14:09

I know how a lot of people feel about Bombshell, and I don't entirely disagree... but if you're wide hipped and really must wear a jumpsuit, theirs have a mini sort of skirt across the hips and very top of the legs, and that really does make all the difference. It's a variation of that mid 00s, skirt over trousers look that we like to laugh at now but really did work well for wide hips...and which I always thought of as a western version of the salwar kameez.

TheMildManneredMilitant · 16/04/2024 14:29

What about one of the One Hundred Stars 'Rachel' dresses? I ordered one to try, print was fabulous but wasn't keen on the shape. However I then added a really thin waist belt and now absolutely love it. (I get not everyone wants to accentuate waist but I usually do).

Cauliflowery · 16/04/2024 14:56

TheMildManneredMilitant · 16/04/2024 14:29

What about one of the One Hundred Stars 'Rachel' dresses? I ordered one to try, print was fabulous but wasn't keen on the shape. However I then added a really thin waist belt and now absolutely love it. (I get not everyone wants to accentuate waist but I usually do).

I have a similarish shape to op and I get lots of compliments on my Rachel dress.

fridaynightdinner12346 · 16/04/2024 14:59

Fatface has some really lovey dresses at the mo! Always great quality and fit

Chewbecca · 16/04/2024 15:22

I think something like this would suit you and make you feel together and confident. With good sandals and chunky earrings.

Do you know what colours suit you? Always helps.

I would avoid the patterned dresses of the last few years, they look dated now.

Fabulous outfit for a BBQ??
abracadabra1980 · 16/04/2024 16:11

That is gorgeous - I wish the White Company did petite sizes though 😔

myusernamewastakenbyme · 16/04/2024 18:54

Also seen on Amanda Holden.

Fabulous outfit for a BBQ??
rockstarshoes · 16/04/2024 19:16

What about one of the Never fully dressed sequin maxi skirts with a white shirt or T shirt?

That might be suitable for a BBQ, casual fabulous!

Fabulous outfit for a BBQ??
Lj8893 · 16/04/2024 19:23

rockstarshoes · 16/04/2024 19:16

What about one of the Never fully dressed sequin maxi skirts with a white shirt or T shirt?

That might be suitable for a BBQ, casual fabulous!

This is perfect!

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 16/04/2024 19:40

Am I the only person who doesn't like the look of blow dried hair, nails , pedicures, grooming etc?

None of that is "wow". I guess "wow" means different things to different people but that orange dress isn't "wow".

Lj8893 · 16/04/2024 19:54

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 16/04/2024 19:40

Am I the only person who doesn't like the look of blow dried hair, nails , pedicures, grooming etc?

None of that is "wow". I guess "wow" means different things to different people but that orange dress isn't "wow".

No, it’s not a wow dress, but it’s much more flattering and age appropriate than some of the others on this thread.

phase 8 for example is not appropriate for someone under 40!!