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Can anyone find me a dress that is flattering?

69 replies

Tootired1 · 19/04/2024 21:35

I have a wedding to attend next month and having spent ages sorting dresses, suits shirts, shoes for children and hubby, I’m struggling to find a dress for myself. I’m 49, 5ft 7 and a size 16 with a pale complexion. I really want to find a dress that disguises my large tummy. I’m trying to find a midi length dress preferably with a v neck although not essential and short sleeves-sleeves are important. I avoid very pale colours as they tend to make me look very washed out and I tend to go for plain dresses as some of the patterned, floral styles I’ve bought in the past have made me look quite frumpy. I love floral patterns just struggle picking the right ones. I’m on a budget of up to approx £75 and would love a dress that makes me feel good and ideally one I can wear again. If you have any ideas of where I can find a flattering dress that does not draw attention to my tummy please let me know. I really want to look forward to the wedding and to stop stressing over finding a dress. Please help!

OP posts:
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Misthios · 21/04/2024 09:00

Big fan of Nobody's Child. I had a similar request last year and found one which was comfortable and flattering.

This is the one I wore but it comes in loads of different patterns https://www.nobodyschild.com/ditsy-floral-pink-felicia-midi-dress.html or this would be lovely for a wedding too. https://www.nobodyschild.com/black-floral-clover-midi-dress.html3

Ditsy Floral Pink Felicia Midi Dress

Ditsy Floral Pink Felicia Midi Dress

Ditsy Floral Pink Felicia Midi Dress

https://www.nobodyschild.com/ditsy-floral-pink-felicia-midi-dress.html

Willmafrockfit · 21/04/2024 09:04

would a shirt dress be better which doesnt sit above your tummy
Green Ditsy Floral Print Shirt Dress | Roman UK

actually that was a bad example

what about this , or similar
Turquoise Wave Print Tiered Shirt Dress | Roman UK

Vague1Harry · 21/04/2024 13:01

I recently bought a Jolie Moi midi dress for a wedding. It was in a lovely jersey fabric, really flowy, with a v neck and three quarter sleeves. Debenhams have quite a few on sale at the moment.

Ibelieveinangles1 · 24/04/2024 22:24

I am same size and 5’6” and I shopped for ages until I settled on an Isabelle dress from Scarlett &Jo. Comes in loads of patterns. It is stretchy, flattering, short floaty sleeves, skims and has heavy enough fabric that it drapes nicely. They’re £95 on their website but mine was £46 in J Lewis sale and there seem to be lots around that are cheaper than list price.
Wore with basic nude mid heel sandals from New Look .

Moralcompass1 · 25/04/2024 08:48

You can get something great with that. Look for a summer dress you will wear many times, not something just for a wedding. Much more likely to be classic and flattering.

Get a satin night dress (not sure of the word, looks like a silk dress with spaghetti straps) to wear under it. Will help the dress sit/skim.

https://www.asos.com/people-tree/people-tree-midi-wrap-dress-in-delicate-floral-print/prd/22310149

People Tree midi wrap dress in delicate floral print | ASOS

Shop People Tree midi wrap dress in delicate floral print at ASOS. Order now with multiple payment and delivery options, including free and unlimited next day delivery (Ts&Cs apply).

https://www.asos.com/people-tree/people-tree-midi-wrap-dress-in-delicate-floral-print/prd/22310149

Moralcompass1 · 25/04/2024 08:58

One of these to go under the dress. They make such a difference.

Can anyone find me a dress that is flattering?
nopuppiesallowed · 25/04/2024 16:55

Watching with interest. I'm due to be mother of the bride in September. A 5ft 3, size 10 redhead who doesn't want to look boring and doesn't want to wear a jumpsuit.....HELP!

EachandEveryone · 25/04/2024 17:03

YellowSunRays · 20/04/2024 18:18

@Unitedthebest I love the Hope & Ivy dresses.
Have an event coming up and just wondering about sizing? Is it generous or better going up a size?

They are small. Know Ive just sent a wrap around dress back. Beautiful but Im a 16 went up to an 18 and it still didnt tie. They are really bad on top. If you are smaller Id still size up.

ArthurChristmas22 · 25/04/2024 21:50

I am a similar age and size. I have found Finery dresses to be very flattering. Might be worth giving them a go!

PoppyAndParsnips · 25/04/2024 22:32

nopuppiesallowed · 25/04/2024 16:55

Watching with interest. I'm due to be mother of the bride in September. A 5ft 3, size 10 redhead who doesn't want to look boring and doesn't want to wear a jumpsuit.....HELP!

You should start your own post as you’re looking for something very different! Note your budget too, and would you do sequins??

PoppyAndParsnips · 25/04/2024 22:35

Moralcompass1 · 25/04/2024 08:48

You can get something great with that. Look for a summer dress you will wear many times, not something just for a wedding. Much more likely to be classic and flattering.

Get a satin night dress (not sure of the word, looks like a silk dress with spaghetti straps) to wear under it. Will help the dress sit/skim.

https://www.asos.com/people-tree/people-tree-midi-wrap-dress-in-delicate-floral-print/prd/22310149

A slip… m&s do them in different colours and lengths depending on the dress.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/search?searchTerm=slips%20in%20lingerie&intid=normal&langId=-24&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&filter=Categories%3DSC_Level_1_4772305&searchType=categoryTypeAhead

Search results for "slips in lingerie"

https://www.marksandspencer.com/search?searchTerm=slips%20in%20lingerie&intid=normal&langId=-24&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&filter=Categories%3DSC_Level_1_4772305&searchType=categoryTypeAhead

nopuppiesallowed · 25/04/2024 23:14

PoppyAndParsnips · 25/04/2024 22:32

You should start your own post as you’re looking for something very different! Note your budget too, and would you do sequins??

Great suggestion! I've done it 😊

nopuppiesallowed · 25/04/2024 23:17

The heading is 'Please! Nothing Boring'. Grateful for any suggestions ....

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 25/04/2024 23:52

I'm the same height and size as you and also hate my tummy! I bought this recently... it's really flattering and I got asked if I'd lost weight when I wore it, win-win!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-v-neck-midi-waisted-wrap-dress/p/clp60675546?intid=mobileappppdpshare

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 25/04/2024 23:55

This is lovely too..

www.roman.co.uk/spot-print-tiered-frill-midi-dress-14233408

Investinmyself · 26/04/2024 08:53

I would definitely recommend love & roses range from next.
Try tu (Sainsbury’s) they carry brands too, just bought a finery red dress.
I have that fat face dress linked in 2 colours but they are casual everyday dresses not wedding.

Squirrelsonthescaffolding · 26/04/2024 12:17

another shout for Scarlett and Jo on discount via John Lewis website. I learnt about them from MN and couldn’t believe how flattering they are, they have this kind of built in tummy support
https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/scarlett-jo/all-offers/_/N-flwZo2atZ1yzvw1q.

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