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.

without seeing your face I think they look super aging. Although they suit your shape, they just seem something like my nearly 70 year old mum would wear.

I don’t really think the first two do much for you and are a bit dated, sorry.

Any of the linked dresses here would be better, possibly a block colour and the bolero is perfect as a cover up anyway. Can’t see the Next one so can’t comment on that.

I agree. OP you probably need shapewear too, shapewear pants are good and you can get them from Primark and Tescos too.

On the bright side both pairs of shoes aren’t bad and you could easily wear those with the dresses here.

The white one is lovely and flattering and also quite weddingy

I love the JL- Jolie-Moi dress but I suspect it would be long on you.
The other JL one is also good and possibly a better length on you
How do you feel about a jumpsuit? Like this ?
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/helene-floral-print-jumpsuit-222314000.html#cgid=occasion&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=222314000&pos=35

Not read whole thread, but have you tried looking vinted for same dress in a bigger size?

So many people not reading the OP.
The white one does not do up!

How long do you have until the wedding? I know you said you have run out of time, do you mean it's this weekend? Vinted is a good option, if you have a couple of weeks! They may even have the white one in a bigger size.

The navy one looks perfectly nice to me.

Sorry I'm skipping around so apologies to those posts I haven't replied to yet. I will do later.

I think I'm too late for Vinted.

I've always thought jumpsuits were a bad idea unless you're skinny but perhaps I should try one!

I've never got on with shape wear, it always seems to just push everything out the top of roll down, I'd love to know where I'm going wrong with it.

I like the first one and I'd buy some flatter shoes like pumps, maybe in the greeny colour of the detail with accessories that match that and a light pashmena.

@ADress have a look at Scarlett and Jo dresses John Lewis, I think they'd be super flattering for you.

https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/scarlett-jo/knee-length/midi/_/N-flwZo2atZ1z0qncuZ1z0q18a?chunk=2

I was going to suggest this. Worth a look. When is the wedding?

Do you sew/know anyone who could alter the neckline of the navy one to flatter you more?

Oh no no, both of those are terribly frumpy. You’re only in your 40s. Buy something new for this and then get yourself on vinted for a new wardrobe.

How about this:

https://www.johnlewis.com/urban-touch-floral-print-dipped-hem-midi-dress/p109686643

or

https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-lace-skater-dress-navy/p111420879

You do also need to update your shoes. Something like this would go with anything

https://www.dunelondon.com/memee-mid-block-heel-sandals-ecru-0087500620002737.html?geCountry=GB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMNlyhKdqJJLBQcoeWmFrAyk6jsNfY_QZ6HJGNeiI3el74U5RelwDaxoCyr4QAvD_BwE

lots of cheaper options- just look up nude block heel sandal online

@ADress I don’t think the navy one is a great dress or does you any favours. I know the white base dress doesn’t fit but the v neck is more flattering and the midi length is much better on you, it finishes above your ankles showing a narrower bit of leg whereas the navy cuts across at your widest point of leg, which won’t be very flattering on most people.
If you have time to order online, I would be ruthless with your search criteria in something like JL - midi, vneck, short sleeve, colours that suit you until you find some viable options. If you can - try lots on. Don’t settle, find something you feel good in. Good luck!

I love the second one!

Navy one isn't good OP, round neck is so unflattering. The second one is lovely. If you're going for a new one look for a crossover top as per dress 2 as it works better for your bust and doesn't cut you into 2.

The white one looks much nicer with the v neck. Get something similar that you can do up

I have a lipsy skirt and dress I ordered from
Next - I am an 18 and they are both a really flattering shape.

I also love the navy one the length is perfect. You could brighten it up with maybe a pink bag/ shoes /facinator.

You're mid forties!

I'm sorry but my Gran would wear those dresses and shoes!

You have a cracking figure, I'd get on vinted and buy something there.

I think you would suit a midi wrap dress, lighter colour and open toe sandals.

I'm similar size and height, have a look at Pretty Kitty. Something like this?
https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/party-dresses/products/nude-pink-floral-print-cap-sleeve-v-neck-wrap-top-swing-dress?_pos=45&_fid=8ed886160&_ss=c&variant=42581329608963

This would be lovely. Pretty dress

Navy one is insipid.
White one better.

I've always found New look saves me when I'm in a rush and on a budget, their heels are cheap but comfortable as they have like this cushioned sole in a lot of them.

There's also a section for wedding guest dresses like these...

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/womens-graduation-dresses/mela-green-floral-wrap-dress/p/860542039

The second one is so much better. The neckline, cut, print and colour are really flattering on you.