Dress for a Ball (flabby mum of 2)

[Catsonskis]

Hi,

I have a ball coming up with work, floor length dresses are expected, I’m so struggling to find anything I like that fits well. After 2 babies in 2 years in lockdown and absolutely failure to get back to my old size 12, I’m now a 16 with an over hang and G cup boobs. But a small waist - true hour glass figure.

I’ve looked in John Lewis and on their website, and on Next and ASOS. Really struggling.

i hate halterneck, strapless or spaghetti strap.
love an interesting back of the dress
like flit and flare/pleats etc.

im 32, pale, brunette with a health budget for up to £200 for the right dress but ideally 150.

clinging on to being somewhat “fashionable” but am mainly found in yard boots, jeans and white shirt!

any suggestions of dresses or websites to check out?

signed, utterly self conscious and stressed out owner of a mum-bod delux

(ps I’m normally not bothered about my post baby body, but I really want to scrub up nicely at this do!)

xxx

Have you had a look at Phase Eight?

I find they are often very flatteringly cut for hourglass figures.

Examples under £200 (though not under £150 I'm afraid):

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/sonia-one-shoulder-silk-maxi-dress-221596450.html#is=true&navAjax=true&sz=60&start=0&srule=Storefront-price-high-to-low&cgid=sale-occasionwear&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=size&prefv2=16&pid=221596450&pos=14

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/nelly-pleat-dress-221045660.html#is=true&navAjax=true&sz=60&start=0&srule=Storefront-price-high-to-low&cgid=sale-occasionwear&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=size&prefv2=16&pid=221045660&pos=17

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/gretel-floral-pleated-maxi-dress-221706931.html#is=true&navAjax=true&sz=60&start=0&srule=Storefront-price-high-to-low&cgid=sale-occasionwear&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=size&prefv2=16&pid=221706931&pos=23

Have a look at Scarlett and Jo

Also - good underwear and heels (wedges!) can make you feel a lot better.

I think you'd suit something asymmetric with some pleats across the stomach

www.asos.com/prd/206526592?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

What about renting a dress op?

Quiz, loads on there for less than £100, it's my go to for evening dresses. Or try Vinted, I just got one for £8 from there!