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 white one is by far the nicest, it's fresh and summery, dressier and more flattering than the dark one. It looks lovely on you.

Did anyone read the original thread?

THE WHITE ONE DOESN'T FIT HER

https://www.dancingleopard.co.uk/products/havanna-maxi-wrap-dress-in-abstract-pink-on-sea-green

Would anything like this be any good. Most places will do next day delivery.
I can imagine this being extremly flattering.

Hope you find something.

I actually thought you looked nice in the navy one! Navy is stylish and I think the small print younger looking than the floral. I think other shoes could make you look a bit more youthful as well.

I feel you don't want to stand out anyway and you will look nice and like you made an effort.

And maybe update by wearing a jacket that picks out the colours in the print (looks pale blue to me?)

https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/light-blue-single-breasted-longline-blazer-jlpza020-b40?glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjqWzBhAqEiwAQmtgT3gujWWbPFa_qkLXffn9skgbKD-_SSquc61WAcdLtPh4ETuTB_vwAxoCj5AQAvD_BwE

Have a look at Roman Originals I find they have some really nice things

What about this?
Covers arms
Similar colourway to what you had from phase eight and covers arms
Yumi Ivory Bird and Floral Print Ruched Waist Kimono Midi Dress | Yumi

Yumi is also available from john lewis

Same here

OK so the white one doesn't fit but was that photo taken recently but not zipped up? If so, I think you could have it altered so that it has a short zip, v-back and a tie to fasten it. It could be easily adjusted if it fits at the waist.

The blue one is too short and looks a little dated.

Some lovely dresses here. Deep v neck and longer length with kimono or statement sleeves looks good. Update your shoes though! You are still young. Gold platform sandals go with almost anything https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/sandals/gold-metallic-2-part-block-heel-sandals/p/889455393?_cclid=Google_CjwKCAjwjqWzBhAqEiwAQmtgTzpXx21gOiiTIQgKR0OWriU2SEDDj4OVO12-3nR2d7s0mCOfJ0ix9xoC5XYQAvD_BwE&extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_Core_NC_Google_DV_m_AGID_125238513574_PRID_8894738&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjqWzBhAqEiwAQmtgTzpXx21gOiiTIQgKR0OWriU2SEDDj4OVO12-3nR2d7s0mCOfJ0ix9xoC5XYQAvD_BwE

or this
Mela London Floral Short Sleeve Frill Maxi Dress, Navy/Multi (johnlewis.com)

Like this.

I am so glad I am not invited to weddings these days, as wedding dressing is so difficult. I don't like any of the dresses here, or they are polyester and would make me sweat like a beast. The only wedding dresses I like these days are £££.

am so glad I am not invited to weddings these days, as wedding dressing is so difficult

I just fill in all the filters on Next online, order a load of dresses, keep the best one (up to about £50 and send the rest back) without overthinking it. That way I’m not trying on too small, too long etc dresses, I always look and more importantly feel good at any dos I get invited to.

How long do you have? I found this on eBay which will get to you by next Tuesday

eBay Dress

That’s stunning. So’s the Dancing Leopard one linked to.

In the past 10 years I’ve bought 3 “wedding/christening” type dresses (Monsoon and both Coast). They all look fairly up to date and suit me though.

2nd dress with first shoes

@ADress I would wear the white one undone after working out some way to secure it, with a waterfall cardi and some high shoes. Done similar before as am also heavier than I should be.

The longer dress makes your ankles look fab.
Sleeves, either loose above elbow or longer, seem to still be in fashion, hurrah! (Just got to trawl through the sleeveless ones which are also in.)
On Phase 8 or JL just adjust the filter to sleeves and maxi or midaxi (I think?) and loads of options will appear.

Dress doesn't fit her as has been stated many times throughout the thread. She was putting it up to show different lengths of dress on her.

My body is similar . I think the round neck in the blue one is the problem,.you need a V or a square neck. Not a wrap. The length on the white one is good

Thank for the continued ideas, I'll keep checking the links, but I probably wouldn't ever buy a dress from Vinted or eBay for myself because they so rarely fit, even if I did have more time.

My suggestions:

1 and 2. There's actually a few on that Yours site that might fit the bill. Not too expensive either, and offers next day delivery.

I'm a similar size/shape to you OP and I ordered this:
https://www.next.co.uk/style/LS353619/Q78529?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjqWzBhAqEiwAQmtgTy_CC5DgCcdyS-cU_bikzoxJ0feUreK-GT5qdTalmCr7KjTnT6TyHxoCn-4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#Q78529

I would never usually get anything from Lipsy being fat and all but it's incredibly flattering, You'll need heels with it as I don't wear them and I needed to get it taken up. But its deffo going to be my 'go to' over the summer.

If you're worried about your tummy why not get a lovely big stole to wear over your shoulders and waist (good for disguising lumps and bumps and also good if it gets cold).