Dress for christening - size 18/20

[Noodlesnotstrudels]

We are planning a christening for DD2 - probably Nov-Dec time.

I am desperately unhappy with how I look at the minute. I lost all the baby weight after DD1 (nearly 3stone) and it has all come back during pregnancy / postpartum with DD2. Im 5'7 and its all in my tummy and thighs. She has had awful feeding issues so we've barely left the house in the past couple of months whilst I just feed and feed and pump and top up to get her weight stabilised, but this has come at the expense of my own health. I intend to fix this but I have to be realistic about what can be achieved in the next six weeks.

So, wise ones of S&B, please give me ideas about what might work for me? In terms of colouring I'm dark brown hair, brown eyes, olive undertone, huge boobs due to bf, weight all in tummy / thighs. Recently had my long hair chopped into a long bob because the hair ends were ruined post partum, which i think also has knocked my confidence because its such a change to what im used to. Pre baby i tended to wear midi dresses in navy, teal, plum type colours.

Willing to spend up to £150? Ive had a browse of JL, M&S and Next so far but I think i need to push myself outside my comfort zone. I really just want to look stylish and not frumpy when we have all the family together. 🙏

Bumping

Hi, have you tried Scarlett and Jo? I’m tall with boobs, thighs, tummy but I do have a waist. Size 20 currently after steroids and illness. But I’ve just bought a maxi from them for a wedding, they come in loads of colours. Available directly and on Next. Feel lovely and look flattering. I also like Scamp and Dude for their fit and unusual designs. Good price points too!

This is the one:
fhwt.app.link/3VboVp6E1Mb

White Stuff, teal, lovely dress and easy to wear I think.
https://www.whitestuff.com/p/4345/lucy-midi-printed-dress/TEAL_PR

Another White Stuff, bit more fitted, few different prints.https://www.whitestuff.com/p/4326/rua-midi-jersey-shirt-dress/GREEN_MLT

Next. Bold green!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls424115/e83122#e83122

I'd definitely buy this, TBH you sound like the same size as me. The pattern makes it difficult to actually see the shape underneath. It would look great with a black necklace
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/arwen-sequin-leopard-velvet-midi-dress-brown-10016450063.html

https://www.ghost.co.uk/elsie-cotton-maxi-dress1-d08g037-l86?gl=11byakduduupMQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksv47eHPiAMVa5tQBh1J8gckEAAYASABEgIDsDDBwE&gbraid=0AAAAADnMJobSg-lhxbBDHsN5T0SUPGMx

I bought this recently and it's very flattering. Decided to get another one in the other colour I love it so much.

Not come across either of these two so will take a look - thank you!

That's lovely. Unfortunately out of stock in a 20 but we have a white stuff concession nearby so I may venture over and see if it's there!

Love the colours in that - also the teal colour way.

Definitely bold! I would normally scroll straight past something like this but maybe I should take another look? Thanks!

Oh I didn't even realise Ghost stocked a size 20!

You need to start with the right shapewear, whatever dress you go for. I'm a size 18 and recently bought both these from M&S. I'm an H cup and also buy bras from M&S. I've previously found slimming short type pants roll down from the waist and cause a massive bulge. These ones don't, and come right up, under the bust. They are firm support too.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/firm-control-magicwear-waist-cincher/p/clp60498572?color=ROSEQUARTZ#intid=pid_pg1pip38g4r1c1

I also bought these, which have little shoulder straps, because I didn't believe that the pants posted above wouldn't roll down. This was firm, but not as supportive at the pants above.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/sheer-striped-firm-control-non-padded-body/p/clp60285043?color=ROSEQUARTZ#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r2c2

I too was going to suggest Scarlett and Jo. I've never used them, but a friend has lots of their dresses. A shiny material will reflect light and show more bumps than say velvet, which absorbs light and bumps seem to disappear. (IF you can find a velvet dress you like that is). I also find a V neck more flattering on a larger bust and 3/4 sleeves even up and balance a larger stomach/thigh area.

I recently bought a Vogue Williams dress from Tu, size 18, but found it very generous in sizing and very flattering (esp on my giant boobs). This isn't the dress print I got, but the style looks the similar. I realise its not the colouring you want, but you might find another dress in the collection.
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145388456

https://www.johnlewis.com/scarlett-jo-verity-velvet-maxi-dress/claret/p110904542

This is amazing advice - thank you so much. Yes yes to shapewear - I am currently wearing soft crop top type bras for easy bf access so I know I need a proper bra, which will definitely help my posture and waist! Over the past few years, I've bought and returned many many velvet dresses as I've never really had an excuse to wear one but i love the idea of them (covid + dd1 + dd2 means i havent really gone out much!!). The christening is now planned for early Nov so hopefully the weather will have changed enough that it works.

Love this

I pinched this from another thread. https://www.monsoon.co.uk/eileen-seamed-velvet-dress-blue-10007260003.html

Oh I like this. Going to see if i can find something similar in a v neck!

ttps://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/bottle-green-curve-bottle-green-velvet-wrap-midi-dress-p-274696?queryId=07fdb0fd6bddd261c3365abf8d648551

what about this one

Thought i would come back and update. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I went to M&S and had a proper bra fitting, which made a huge difference to start with. Then I went for this dress: https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/ophelia-velvet-midi-wrap-dress-navy/sty-d1120-nav?cat=C1_S2_G2414
Felt amazing in it. So thank you to everyone who inspired me to look at velvet!

Thanks for the update OP. I'm sure the dress looked lovely and I'm glad you had a lovely christening.