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.

The floral one is so much better for a summer wedding.

This navy/ floral ones only £35

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/womens-graduation-dresses/mela-navy-floral-wrap-midi-dress/p/890401341

I am the same size and shape as you op and I tried this in today. If you can cope with the print (too big for me) but the shape is amazing - so flattering and the quality is exceptional for the price. I felt a million dollars in it, shame the print didn’t suit me!

https://www.littlewoods.com/v-by-very-twist-front-midi-dress-print/1600961320.prd

@ADress when is the wedding? You need to go shopping. The navy is OK but neckline is rather matrons. White is OK but off the table as doesn't do up. The vinted one upthread is much nicer. Wear a hat too, instant glam

How much too small is the white one? Could you get some hold you in underwear if its only a teeny bit too small? If not go for a v neck or sweetheart neckline, so much more flattering on you than the first dress.

Have you tried some shape wear? That might get the white to fit!

I think you need to go shopping. V neck, longer length. Which shops do you have locally, we can have a look for ideas. Do you have a TKmaxx nearby? I’ve bought some fab dresses from there for special occasions

Both look lovely!

In you 40's ....neither!!!
They are both very dated and ageing, some lovely suggestions in here though.

The navy one is fine. It’s not amazing but it looks nice on you and it’ll serve the purpose. The bride and groom will be pleased to see you, that is the main thing.

As many others have said, the white one is fab on you. When you can wear it again it will be perfect for a summer event.

Don’t worry. Enjoy the wedding.

I agree, if you don't manage to get another dress don't worry, the navy one looks ok. Glam it up with nice hair/ makeup. Shoes and bag and voila! Have a great time.

How about something like this? Loads of patterns, under £30 and delivery tomorrow with free returns?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OUGES-Womens-V-Neck-Pattern-Pocket/dp/B083FDXQVC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=19B27BHAGO0XG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CqtxDFUW8scJ5sqj4RgKra8jKbls7sF5Z7j4ZZCVVr1FmHGQooj0pKA8PeUV3I3zBIrNtl_aLSVpd8wkYCAKuhXrbNnVYotDiSnB_T3KXfo8QOctB8M34RsuVO2fCC4wVwjtg8mnwSX8Ae1XMM-wGJXAPbqd5gtxC9s344vfqFzQt4DE_RCjayBLuuUO2mgqrzvmnCg5xHDpyDdlXfJ_-fLqjQLKomQ8WSQm_mw9ud6GFsqsLHuuji1mDhEjUOdu8T2-7eWwor06TILdS3JOc4IB4kciRXN9tcAEGpygsAg.Il-Mom6wizGB5_xkSCUS2HtBZ9LWCveOVnhlnzO3I3I&dib_tag=se&keywords=v%2Bneck%2Bdress&qid=1718133209&sprefix=v%2Bneck%2Bdress%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

The floral looks so nice on you. You look longer and slimmer in that sihouette. The v neckline is very flattering and the mid shin length looks really nice too - accentuates your slim ankles 😀

You were asking about shapewear before. This is the best I've found because you wear your own bra but it can't roll down

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-rae-firm-control-slip/almond/p4361126

Both dresses would be absolutely fine, but I have to say the white floral one looks fantastic on you. Really suits you.

As for the dresses, they both make you look older than you are. I think you can find a much nicer V- neck dress.

The navy one looks nice and the length is fine but you need different shoes.

Sorry, just seen that you need a new dress! MN will find you one

Oh jeez, I really wish people would at least read the OP.

THE REASON OP LOOKS THINNER IN THE WHITE DRESS IS BECAUSE SHE WAS THINNER IN THAT PHOTO.

Sorry for the shouting OP, but you made it perfectly clear in your post.

Do you like this one?

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/sage-green-floral-print-cap-sleeve-crossover-top-swing-dress?variant=42581207515395&currency=GBP&utmmedium=producttsync&utmsource=google&utmmcontent=sagorganic&utmmcampaign=sagorganic&gaddsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMLJAHIWg3sXYuqxS3l47Rx4AbSIZlxkWl3QHBGpptdMTVmf1U69t7RoCQUIQAvD_BwE

Midi or Midaxi length would be more flattering. Try M&S, Debenhams, Coast, next.

www.johnlewis.com/mela-london-floral-print-wrap-midi-dress/orange/p6434862?size=8&srsltid=AfmBOoq9Cp4Ra5uaNEUG4zg2XmC4GFjrC1K0zPwgxxpx8QHsxQa4cUBcYD4

I find next sizing odd so I order everything I like to store in my size (as they only seem to stock 10’s) and try on there. They dispose of the reams of packaging ( ignore the guilt this time) and return the others . I hope you enjoy it whatever you choose x

Thank you for looking for something, unfortunately the link just takes me to the Next website not any specific dress. Please could you share it again?

Next links always seem to play up for me.

It was a Yumi floral midi wrap with floaty sleeves. Wedding-suitable but also suitable to wear again. There’s loads on Next that would suit you.

On shapewear, honestly I prefer wearing more forgiving clothes that don’t require it.