Wedding guest - I've been an ostrich - please help

[ADress]

I've had ages, but I'd hoped to lose more weight so I've had my head in the sand and now I've run out of time! Ideally I wouldn't spend money of a new dress or accessories, but I can do if it will make me feel really good.

I'm 5'3, size 16, mid forties, and with a lumpy tummy as a particular problem.

The only dress I have at home as an option is the navy pattered one. It fits and is nice and forgiving around the middle. Plus I like that the worst of my upper arms are slightly covered. But I don't think the length is the most flattering. What do you think of it?

For comparison, the white patterned dress is a Phase Eight which I was helped to find on here a few years ago when I'd lost weight. It doesn't do up any more so it's not an option but I'm sharing the photo for comparison of the different length dress. I feel like the length is better, but the under bust band style could be a bit too maternity at the moment and I'd prefer my arms covered.

Please let me have your kind thoughts and suggestions. Any new ideas would need to come from somewhere who will deliver quickly like Next or John Lewis.

Whistles have some nice things the aimée hisbiscus jumpsuit is nice , a bit different and looks comfy.

5 and 6 are my faves but actually they are all nice and the shoes are good too.

Good luck finding something. I don’t think the style of the navy one suits you; it seems too cute/girly so I’d get rid. The second one is miles nicer - hope you get something and have a great time.

I got home this evening much later than expected so I won't get a chance to try the last couple today, I'll do so tomorrow evening.

Thanks for the further comments, I'll make my way through them tomorrow.

Actually, you could be onto something here. They have some lovely flattering dresses and can come up big.

This is lovely:-

https://www.whistles.com/product/hibiscus-print-mabel-dress-38561.html#cgid=Dresses_Clothing_WW&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=hibiscus-print-mabel-dress-38561&pos=33

if you like this or whistles dresses OP then John Lewis have larger sizes. I’m an inch and a half taller than you and they’re not too long either.

The second is far nicer and flattering.

Yes i was desperate for an outfit for a wedding a few years ago. Looked everywhere then got off a train in saint pancras and noticed the whistles shop . Found a gorgeous outfit within minutes. It was a bit pricey but well worth it and got loads of compliments .I really like the hibiscus jump suit, may even order it myself ;)

3 or 5 for me! They are both nicer than your initial navy dress and you look lovely in both.

I'm not a huge fan of "wedding guest" dresses. I would look at Whistles jumpsuits, try these from John Lewis

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-emmie-cropped-linen-jumpsuit/p6207770
In your size and in the sale!

Or the Aimee suggested by a pp
https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-aimee-floral-print-cropped-jumpsuit-coral-multi/p111963386

Personally I would wear with Birkenstocks or some other very comfortable shoes, there's a lot of standing round at weddings, often on grass

The emmie jumpsuit is lovely too ( i suggested the aimee) love orange !

3, 5, or 6 all look gorgeous on you... Number 5 is very sexy! And please don't wear Birkenstocks like a pp suggested!

That's possibly the best suggestion. That's a dress that's "safe" in a good way.

This is the only dress I like on the thread. Not that I am any style icon myself. I seem to be allergic to wedding guest dresses and ditsy florals.

I also liked that orange Whistles dress upthread but maybe not great for a wedding.

It is very nice. It’s nice enough to look modern, should be fairly forgiving on OP’s figure and you can make it even more on trend by adding shoes and bag, no idea what colour, orange or yellow maybe?

Whistles do do nice things. I normally only ever buy things in their sales and I know MN usually criticises them for synthetic fabrics but at least they have decent designs.

Jumpsuits are a good look. I’m not overly keen just because of the toilet issue.

I think orange would look really nice with the whistles dress and Moda in Pelle do a higher heeled sandal/shoe but have listed a lower one:-

https://www.jonesbootmaker.com/products/kassidy-single-strap-heels-kassidy-323-634?variant=40188513157183&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOC6vOjfhgMV7pBQBh3JWgl2EAQYAyABEgJPmfD_BwE

I’ve been reminded I had a lovely Zara envelope suede leather clutch in orange a few years back which I think I charity shopped. 😥

I like 1b

I like no 6, I think the lower ~V~ on the top and the waist position fits and suits you.

Numbers 6 and 4

You look fab in 3. By far the best on you.

3 is my top pick, followed by 5 and 6.

Hello, hello, sorry for the delay in returning. Of the final arrivals, two were definitely out due to fit (body too long so with the waist sitting on my waist, too much fabric above the waist, my permanent issue) and I don't like this one (pink one).

I really appreciate all the comments and would wholeheartedly agree with those who say I'm playing safe. I am. I have always hated clothes and my body shape. Even when I was another 10kg lighter, I still struggled to find stuff to fit, so at this weight, I'm fighting both fat and my own perception.

I think I'm going with 6. It's not radical, but it's different for me and I like the length at the back. (Definitely won't be able to change into flat shoes though 🤦‍♀️). I've taken a few more pics.

1 is very safe. I like it, but it doesn't feel as special as 6. It was quite cheap so I'll probably keep it for a summer/work dress.

To comment on some of the others:

2- didn't like the hem length/ style at all on me. Fat calves alert 🚨
3 - was too long in the body, hard to tell from the photo, but again, the waist was sitting too high and there was excess fabric bunched around my boobs
4&5 - both Scarlet & Jo and I so wanted them to fit because I LOVE that colour. 4 just had too much fabric around the bust and my boobs didn't fill the it. Plus with all the layers, it actually felt a bit bridesmaid dress-ish. 6 had a funny wide elasticated waist band and was very low cut, neither of which I liked.

So there we are. I just hope I don't look back and think I'm wearing a sack. But then again, I normally do. I certainly did with my own wedding dress, so it's just how it is.

That pink one is very pretty on you!

If you get a chance please order/try on the Whistles dress I linked to (only if you want to though!).

For the future though, when you have more time I’d definitely suggest either shopping with a friend who gives good advice or going to eg John Lewis personal stylist. John Lewis have so much in stock.