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.

Considering the white one looks fine on the front, I would consider replacing the zip with a lace back (if it works material wise - not too much stretch)

https://toomuchlove.ca/2021/07/how-to-add-a-corset-back-to-a-dress-thats-too-small/

note you can also buy lace backs to sew in which might be better as the loops are the wrong way.

The navy dress cuts you off at the widest part of your calves so a longer length would be better.

First of all you have lovely legs so the length of the navy one suits you. The v neck of the white one is flattering too.

So I would recommend you find a just below the knee v neck fit and flare dress. And some Bridget Jones pants.

Also unless I am an appalling frump, there is nothing at all wrong with either pair of shoes in your pics.

Idk when the wedding is but these are from Next and all these available next day delivery ie tomorrow, Friday.

You may need a safety pin with this one.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su134531/Q65438#Q65438

These 2 are from Jolie moi. I am short waisted and a petite top, I wear them. They aren’t petite but the skirt and sleeve length should work. I would order a 14 and a 16 as they’re stretchy.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su367881/E45387#E45387

This one is in the clearance bit only available in a 16. See image.
https://www.next.co.uk/clearance/search?w=Jolie+moi+dress&af=si:16

The Phase Eight Julissa dress is very flattering and comes in a few colours >

These are all nice. @Biffsboys The Phase eight Julissa dress is lovely but they’re plain colours apart from the odd patterned one.

@purpletrees16 the lace back is a nice idea but if time is limited and also you’re unsure if it’ll work I’d save it for the future.

Next Forever comfort range of shoes have gold strappy ones including gold plaited sandals with heel. Or there’s even a nude flower sandals. For the future consider investing in Esska.

Also on Next Osprey do a wrap and Adrianna Papell do a cream one. Lots of shrugs and boleros there too.

I’ve got a couple of scarves including a champagne gold beaded Coast one.

When's the wedding? If it's this weekend yes that's tricky!
I much prefer the second dress on you, if you got a phase 8 bolero cardi thing to go on top that would sort your arms out and as it's not so warm right now probably be a very good thing to have.
I'd be tempted to look on eBay and vinted for something similar and see if you can pay extra for Royal Mail special delivery if it's this weekend.

Failing that I got a 24 hour sale preview email from phase 8 this morning (I think) so if it's 10 days away don't rush into buying anything!

Remember to come back and show us what you have ordered!

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/allegra-ring-dress-1000132645.html
I've got this and love it. The neckline is lounging so I have to wear a slip underneath. It is very flattering

You've got lots of ideas here OP, I just came on to see what the thread was actually about because I realised my initial assumption was probably wrong and that "ostrich" is not a new body shape alongside pear, hourglass and apple!

Second one, some nice funky shoes. Tan ? raffia that kind of look. Think Carvela do them.

The white one is my favourite. Looks lovely on you and it's wedding appropriate.

I think they both look nice but the shape of the second dress on the top half is more flattering. Would it fit if you had a shapewear bodysuit underneath?
If not, I think the first dress might work with a cropped cardigan to help with the shape.

Could you find a cropped fancier jacket to wear with the white one so the fact that it doesn’t do up wouldn’t show? I agree with PPs that it looks lovely on you!

I think the hemline on the navy one is a bit strange. Maybe because all you see at the moment are midi, maxi or mini - it seems maybe a little dated?

I would go for something like this if I were you: https://www.next.co.uk/style/su273158/b39432#b39432

I think the pale one with the v neck looks better.

The navy one has a neckline that is not great imo. I have a similar figure.

I do prefer the length of second one.

The pale one is pretty. But I wouldn’t want to go to a wedding with the zip undone partly.

Monsoon do nice occasion dresses but seem a bit fitted round the waist.

jersey dresses:

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/search/?q=Jersey%20dress

if you put stretch wedding dresses into Next you get a few options.

Jersey search on next brings up lots of options too.

On Jolie Moi website they also do it in coral pink colour way. So same pattern as first.

I love the darker one. Where's it from?

Can I just say, what very nice ankles you have.

I'M BACK!

Hopefully some of you lovely ladies will still find this and comment.

There were a few I didn't even photograph, but here's a selection. I've also ordered a couple from @Mummyoflittledragon 's post but they haven't arrived yet.

Comments also welcome on these shoes, heeding multitude of feedback to wear a block heel. Not sure if you mean this kind of block, but I own these already so it would be handy if they're suitable.

1b and 6b and spot the difference . In the "b" photos I'm wearing the JL shapewear. Honestly, it's just not me. I'll probably fall over in it because you can't take big galumphing steps.

OH. CAN I ONLY POST 3 PHOTOS? ok, prioritising the two I like best and one other. Will see if I can add more pics in another post.

More pics