Please help me find a wedding guest dress

[dressdisaster2024]

I have a wedding at the end of November and I am having a disaster.

Recently put on weight so between a size 14-16 and I am just feeling really low in myself! Looking for a miracle dress to make me feel good in and gain confidence as my anxiety is through the roof about attending at the moment.

Ideally I'm looking for...

Mid to maxi length

No low cut back (back boobs!!)

Short sleeved or strappy - I feel a bit claustrophobic in long sleeves and anxiety presents in a hot flush.

I am a size 14-16, big boobs and tummy so needs to be complimentary in those areas ideally.

Hoping the power of Mumsnet can find me a dream dress 🤞🏻

Try Roman, Yours, Next, Debenhams and M&S for a start

Thank you I'll have a look

Monsoon

Hill House Home Green

Hill House Home Blue

Justine Tabak Green (Sold out but enough time to restock.)

Doen floral

Doen red silk

Doen lace

OP I have this Lipsy dress in blue and always get complemented when I wear it. It's super stretchy but flattering over the stomach too. It comes in blue and purple.

https://www.reiss.com/style/su445071/b53714#b53714

Also available in burgundy and it's not figure hugging so perfect for a wedding.

Sending you lots of sympathy because I'm in a very similar situation, though need several dresses for different parts of the wedding! Have hopefully found a dress at crew, then have raided eBay and probably making another one, because I can't find anything suitable.
Is there anyone you can take shopping with you to try things and give support?
Good luck 🤞

I don't have a specific dress suggestion but think about styles of dresses that you always feel good in, even if you normally just wear them casually or th shape is not currently 'in'. Then work out if you can find a fancier version. E.g. I know I suit shift dresses and certain maxi dresses, not so much fit and flare or tiered styles. And, crucially, this remained the same even when I lost a stone and expected a new world of styles to open up!

So basically the fabulous you is the old you but feeling confident something suits you and fits to a tee.

Vinted is good for shapes that aren't currently in the shops, too.

In addition to shopping suggestions you might find this helpful, @dressdisaster2024

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

Is it an Indian wedding?

It isn't!!! Just different parts of family wedding with dress code!!!

@dressdisaster2024 I would try Boden. They have some classic dresses. I love their wrap velvet dress. It’s got long sleeves but strappy or short sleeves in Nov might need a cover up? Getting the right shape of dress matters a lot. If you wear stretchy lace you could find it clings in the wrong places! Wrap dresses are way more forgiving. They also do a tulle midi dress which would be great for a winter wedding. I think some of the shirt dresses look really smart too.

Monsoon usually comes up trumps I find. I recommend v neck or cross over for your shape (it's mine too). Scarlett and Jo had had a suitable dress in the past for me too. I also got a Hobbs dress but you need to go up a size typically

I’ve been really disappointed with Monsoon fabrics recently. Boden can be iffy too but velvet is reliable! Phase 8 has a navy/white polka dot wrap with short flutter sleeves. That’s always a smart colour combo but what to wear over it? A faux fur?

Pashmina, bolero or posh cardigan?

Bolero? Oh no. Pashmina - done to death and it’s November. Posh cardi? Possibly. The sleeves would not sit well under a cardi. I notice the Royals wear coats in winter. Good smart navy one would work.

Hi @dressdisaster2024 I don't know your age or colouring but I would say Jolie Moi is worth a look !
My Dsis has a couple of their dresses and they look amazing - incredibly flattering !

All sorts of styles and colours ..
Here is a link you can browse from here

www.next.co.uk/style/su373000/e51258

Perhaps try lucy lou dresses and outfits ,it's on Facebook, based in Southport, they do sizes from 8 to 24 ,they do lovely dresses, to get your confidence back ,find them good for summer dresses or mullbery moon on Facebook also

The wedding was last November, @Busty36…

Ho sorry ,hope it went well ,

Ho sorry ,I did not look at the date 😬silly me ,hope you found something after and it went well 😉

Must be this cold / flu I have making me not taking things in