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.

Well I'm starting to think perhaps I just wear the white one with the back half unzipped and style it out.

DM will have kittens 😂

You look great in both frocks. Truly.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Every dress on Liberty in a size 14 and 16 up to £500.

I second this dress previously recommended

https://www.johnlewis.com/urban-touch-floral-print-dipped-hem-midi-dress/p109686643?irclickid=1aezwiT9axyNTQW2dm3Tk1-gUkHX7X0SzTkswU0&irgwc=1&tmcampid=99&safcid=aff10078Content&tgclid=04010009-5db7-4a27-a800-1c5b6668c103

I bought it last year and it is very flattering and has taken me to several events.
I am 5ft 8+ though (also size 16)

Can you take the white one to a local seamstress and ask them to put a panel in the bodice somewhere so it will fit you better?

Shapewear -https://conturve.com/products/high-waisted-shaping-panty?variant=32597671084131 these are great. Very smoothing and long enough to tuck under a bra and seriously do not move when wearing

Cover up for arms https://www.roman.co.uk/ruched-hem-chiffon-bolero-20022436?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=iwwwritxx&istBid=t&gadsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMDZ0nRfFWqvhPwr6Znl2Q9qDpkhRwC96yYBTUoi8M7Ur0y9q7Wg5RoCs-YQAvD_BwE lots of colours and I'm sure they are can be delivered from Next

Shoes - I can only wear wedges these days and was lucky enough to get some Hobbs ones in a sale years ago https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwif1Lqwx9SGAxWakIMHHTYzBE0YABAeGgJlZg&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMMuRrBx6QaMi1pEIzBFUyujn3ex3AYb50RIiBAa6-pNuPnhZmanuGhoCl6wQAvDBwE&sph=&sig=AOD642qC6vLhwDWl3HZOCjruG7VLHCbhg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiwo7Kwx9SGAxVNR_EDHeywA8IQwg8oAHoECAUQeA&nis=2&adurl= something like this?

Dresses https://www.roman.co.uk/floral-print-frill-cape-wrap-dress-14230838?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=rtlitpxti&istBid=t&gadsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw65-zBhBkEiwAjrqRMD-6LoEGZTnAvT5dPEqxD9uxqwDKtBPjKR3jX7ka6uxGeY0JhHdj-RoC87oQAvDBwE or

https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/multicoloured-multicoloured-animal-print-midi-dress-p-170499#mz-expanded-view-1597611763354

I think I’d be tempted to spend the budget on some new shoes to go with the navy. I do agree with you about the Phase 8 length being a bit more flattering, but the navy one looks good on you too and definitely wedding-appropriate.

The navy dress is frumpy looking.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with your arms so no need to cover them.

The phase eight dress is way nicer. How far off closing is it? Could it be let out?

The navy one looks flimsy, I understand the other won't work but in that photo it's definitely better because it has a more structured look.

Whatever you wear remember shapewear and good posture, always helps.

I think the navy one looks great as well, I'd wear it if I was you!

Thanks again for your help; I've ordered heals from Next and JL. I'll probably be back in a couple of days to ask for advice on shoes and accessories!

Heaps not heals!

Fair play OP, you have been hugely patient with some of the posts here. I hope you find something you really like <but I still think the navy looks fine>.

The white one no longer fits, but the shape, neckline, length and style are beautiful on you.
Can you find the same shape in a new dress?
The navy would do, it's fine, but the other shape and style is stunning on you, rather than 'nice'.

The shapewear a PP recommended is amazing - I’m a fair bit bigger than you and have that kind of thing in black and skin tone. You have to make sure you don’t hold on if you need the loo and it takes a minute or two to wiggle
out but it is otherwise really comfy.

Is there any scope for getting an alterations to the Phase 8 dress? You could add a short sleeved navy jacket/fitted cardigan to cover your upper arms if you’d be more comfortable.

I think the navy is fine and a good back up, I’d order a few others to try and if nothing makes you feel fabulous wear the navy.

Any chance you’ve got a local seamstress who could take out the white one for you? We’ve got a fab lady nearby who’d be able to turn it around by the weekend (assuming that’s when the wedding is!). Worth asking on any local groups you’re on if you felt good in that dress.

The main difference between the lengths of the dresses is that the blue dress ends at one of the widest points on your calf and the white dress the thinnest. The eye is drawn to this spot. If you adjusted the blue dress to just below your knee, it may look much better.

Could you buy the second one in a size up on Vinted etc?

I agree with having a scout around charity shops. I had a dress for a wedding but had brought home a 99p sale rail cream figure hugging dress with cherries on, just because I loved the print and DH thought it was my dress for the wedding, so I wore it with a red cardi. It came be amazing what you drop on.

Oh gosh, they're both awful OP. I don't mean to be rude, it's not your figure or anything personal, it's the frocks and the shoes. They age you horribly, like PPs have said. I'm glad you've ordered some alternatives, please post when they arrive and we'll happily suggest accessories. The length isn't flattering, I'm shorter than you and maxi/midaxi length tends to be more flattering as it touches the ankles/floor. Midi can shorten and fatten the legs. Shoe-wise - I'd suggest block heels, open toed sandals maybe. Ideally in a light colour like a gold.

The V neck style will suit you a lot better OP. I think a V neck wrap dress will look great on you.

The blue dress is lovely but I think the length makes your top half look out of proportion. If it was an inch shorter I think it would be OK but I also agree that V neck suits you better.

Phase 8 dress | Vinted

OP you could try Vinted - this is a similar shape but in your current size. You can always sell it after the wedding.

I think OP could find something that suits her better. There's also the issue with Vinted that you can't return it if it doesn't fit/suit, and also the advert says it needs dry cleaned which is just more £.