Need help finding a “fabulous” party dress

[Cleopatrashandmaid]

I want to find a party dress that I can order to wear to a winter wedding, which has the dress code “fabulous”, and also on Christmas Day and to a smart party on New Year’s Eve (with different people at each event, apart from my husband who is oblivious). I had twins three months ago and am breastfeeding. I’m 5 foot 4 and around a size 10/12, but normally an 8/10 and hoping to get back to that size once I’ve lost the baby weight and can exercise properly again. I probably won’t be able to go and try things on as I don’t live in London so need to order something. I like this dress from Boden, but I it reminds me a bit of Abigail’s Party and I think it might look like something from a dressing up box and be unflattering on. https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/faux-feather-trim-short-dress-bright-pink-lotus-stamp/sty-d1110-pnk?cat=C1_S2_G389

Please help me with suggestions. I’m happy to spend a decent amount, but not anything ridiculous since I’m hoping to lose weight.

Unless you are a size 6-8 and no shape I can't see that looking good. If post kids you are more shapely, own it. The 50's style dresses can look really fabulous and stand out (see dolly and dotty for instance), I've just picked up a lovely dress from monsoon in the sale in a similar material to your choice but longer (with dc very short isn't always wise, always bending over)

I also second fifties style dresses with a petticoat. I'm fluctuate between a size 10 and 14 and am pear shaped these are my go to party dresses! I get lots of compliments when I wear them especially combined with my irregular choice heels!

Websites I recommend, Collectif, British retro, Hell bunny, Lindy bop. For petticoats I would always go hell bunny or banned, they are softer and have adjustable waist and lengths.

I've just bought this for a Christmas wedding and can't wait to wear it. I'm 5ft2 and the petite is a perfect length.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/satin-sleeveless-jumpsuit/p/clp60691599

I like your choice and note from reviews that the feathery bits are detachable which might lessen the “fancy dress” aspect which is making you nervous. If I were you I’d buy it and try it on - there’s a possibility you might feel as though it’s “wearing you” but you can always send it back if so.

I’m not keen on the 50’s look myself, particularly if you think your weight may go down whereas your choice is more forgiving. Breastfeeding will be tricky in any dress I would have thought.

These are a few I'm eyeing up for my Christmas party!

www.hellbunny.com/products/h40417-eve-dress

www.hellbunny.com/products/h40418-carrie-dress (I love this colour!)

britishretro.co.uk/product/new-dee-dee-shimmer-claret-floral-velvet-50s-style-dress/

I've now realised collectif is now in administration which is such a shame they have some of their remaining dresses on lindy bop. I like this one!
www.lindybop.eu/products/gillian-occasion-dress

www.lindybop.eu/products/dawn-style-turquoise-vintage-rose-dressshop-vintage-shop again I love the colour!

I think this is fabulous but a bit OTT for Christmas day
https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/let-there-be-light-bronze-metallic-maxi-dress/

i wish you good luck!

I love that! But it will show every curve ...

I'm not sure why so many people are suggesting the alternative 50s style dresses. I feel it's quite niche and only a certain kind of person would wear them.

What kind of shops do you normally shop in OP?

Similar sort of vibe to the Boden one but a little more tailored and 1/3 the price!

and if you don't want to wear white to a wedding, how about this?

Since you are breastfeeding I would look at Seraphine, they have lovely occasion wear for nursing mothers and it's very nice quality.

I am your size and this would suit me better than 50s dresses which emphasise waist and curves. I have broad shoulders and good legs. Provided it's good fabric it would skim my wobbles (if not, I'd consider a slip or a better made dress!)

Love that Boden dress! It's a shift style, therefore very forgiving - you definitely don't need to be a size 8 to wear it. From the info you've given I think you'd look gorgeous it. And it has a frivolity which I personally applaud, whether for a wedding or a Christmas do!

It all depends on your personal style of course, but I'd much rather go 'groovy contemporary' than fifties pinup.

I like that Boden dress, I have eyed it up myself and I’m exactly the same size as you.

Love the Boden dress. Enjoy the do.

I'd either buy a new Ghost dress second hand from eBay (I have loads already) OR - wear (my partner bought it for me) a five layer tulle skirt that is beyond floor length (can choose your preferred length) with a long sleeved boat neck top and an elastic belt to cinch it all in...

Think hair up, dramatic eye makeup, a glimpse of lovely shoulders, a midriff belt and a full pouffey skirt, and flat boots or whatever underneath. Loads of fun to wear.

IDK if anyone else is still looking at this thread but I'm struggling to understand what on earth poor Orson has done wrong !?

Whoops sorry wrong thread !

Love this in similar colour palette (but block) and looks easy to feed in!

ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN
Bow-detailed satin midi dress
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/1647597347094062

And again easy to feed in:

BADGLEY MISCHKA
One-shoulder sequined jersey midi dress
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/1647597313242052

Similar vibes to your choice:

ONE33 SOCIAL
Cutout dégradé sequined tulle mini dress
www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/1647597318815979

It's a regular thing on here. I agree, they are very niche.

I think adding Christmas Day in makes it tricky unless your Christmas Days are very different to mine

Just seen this has cutouts, ignore! Unless very confident post twins. Also a bit my little pony.

Have you looked at reformation and self portrait in the sales?