Going out in July with beautiful young people. Fat and old. What do I wear???

[delilabell]

I am not a great person for going out for social occasions. Much prefer a meal in a pub.
Anyway, last year I had a breakdown and I have worked hard to get better and my confidence has increased. But I've put on loads of weight and am currently size 26. Please don't tell me to loose weight as it is something I am beginning but I cannot put pressure on myself

Anyway we are going into a city. They are young and beautiful and tje kindest people but I can't bare the thought of cold shoulder, butterfly covered clothes. I am so far removed to what is fashionable!
My belly and thighs are the biggest problem. Wide legged trousers look awful cos of my belly as they have to be so so big for the they are huge.
Also, I have big boobs ( gg ) and so can't wear strapless bras and I don't wear heels.
Please please give me some help!

Is this too over the top? 🙂 But there are some other dresses on sale.
www.nobodyschild.com/products/pink-watercolour-floral-zora-midi-dress-d242940pnk

The black dresses are all lovely, but maybe you could try something in a block colour? What colour hair/eyes? You might want a colour that highlights those?

I saw a curvy plus size woman the other day and she looked FABULOUS.

She was wearing lots of brightly coloured, layered clothing. She had some cleavage out and the rest of her body was draped and dressed in fabulous colours and materials. If I remember rightly it was a black maxi dress with a loud & colourful poncho/ kaftan thing, chunky bright coloured earring and necklace and a bright red lip. Hair tousled in an up do.

I think this is about OWNING who you are. Okay they might be young and beautiful but what are you....?

Fabulous?
Fun?
Vivacious?
Cheeky?
Sexy?
Kind?

Make this about YOU, not them.

And remember the best possible accessory you could ever wear is confidence so hold your head up high and be YOU.

Only wear black if it suits you OP, you will look a million times better in a ‘good’ colour for you against your face, and the right shade of lipstick. And a smile 😃

*RedBeech those are lovely dresses. *

CharlotteRumpling love the colour of that red/pink dress.

What bits are you happy to show other people? I'm a size 20 and I don't mind showing my arms legs and a bit og cleavage, but I cannot wear anything clingy on my tummy. It makes me so self conscious.

If you're the same I'd go for a v neck or wrap dress in something like linen or cotton if you think you'll get too hot and sweaty in a busy bar in July

sadly, that pink red dress only available in quite small sizes, but have seen some others online which are similar.

This!

My friend is plus size (im an 18 so not exactly small myself) but I always feel so jealous of her when I see her, she just owns her body and clothes and looks amazing every time. In stuff I would be too scared to wear, lovely colours, different shaped trousers, fun tops. She recently inspired me to branch out and i feel so much more confident. Don't hide in black 🫶

Do you have Instagram? Have a look at Laura Adlington. Some lovely dress suggestions.

I’d keep it simple. Plain straight black trousers or a little flare would be nice. A nice blouse from next will be easy to pick up.

I follow Laura Adlington on Instagram and she has loads of great plus size style inspiration

Scarlett & Jo have a beautiful dress for £95.

Isabelle Winter Pink Print Float Sleeve Maxi Dress
and
Isabelle Orange Pink Yellow Print Float Sleeve Maxi Dress

There are other colours but I love the Winter Pink.

https://www.scarlettandjo.com/products/isabelle-pink-print-float-sleeve-maxi-dress?variant=40978862407727

I'm having the same problem. My sons are taking me out in July and I've went from a size 8 to 22!! I'd just go with black leggings and nice dressy top....that's what I'm gunna do. Just be yourself and have fun!!

Second Laura Adlington on Instagram - she is just fabulous and always has so many outfit ideas.

@Britneyfan this is the bra https://www.damart.co.uk/glamorise-magiclift-original-support-bra-78883-3.html

I just wish it was in better colours!

I’d look at never fully dressed - they do sizes 2-28, tends to not be purely trend driven so I find I wear the dresses year and year again, also I seem to get loads of compliments wearing them - which is probably also why I return to them!

Price point closer to £100 but to keep under £50 have a look on Vinted!

Oh wow so many things to look at! Thank you all so much.
Love the look of the one @totk has shared. I'd not thought of something at all like that but it's gorgeous.
I can't bare my legs from my knees upwards. They make me feel disgusted in myself and I feel like people are looking feeling the same.
I like a bit of a boho vibe which I think the patterned one and tje 1st next and tje second one I shared could give.

Thank you for the people who have said about confidence and who I actually am. And not changing who I am who they know every day. They are the loveliest most kind group of people they'll think I look fabulous no matter what .

This one is my favourite! Second being the black puff sleeves that OP posted.
I think as you’re older and curvier you need to own it and go bold and beautiful- this is beautiful colours or the black puff sleeves is sophisticated if you’re less up for the bold

I really liked the zebra print dress that someone above selected. It's fun and just dressy enough for a lot of occasions. One of my best friends is a plus sized woman, and she always looks fantastic. She knows what colours suit her, always has statement earrings, on trend shoes, and her hair is a modern cut. Even if she pulls out reading glasses, they are always a statement.

I hope you find something fantastic, and have fun meeting your friends.

Try searching in the Debenhams website for size 26 midi dresses.

Would this sort of dress appeal to you?
https://www.debenhams.com/product/apricot-curve-abstract-floral-wrap-midi-dress_p-fdc82c6d-aa14-44fc-90dd-a61065e80f45?colour=Navy&size=26

The first puff sleeve dress you linked to OP is the nicest by far on this thread. Hope you have a lovely time

This one's a belter if you like colour!
https://www.debenhams.com/product/coast-plus-twist-front-v-neck-mesh-midi-dress-with-angel-sleeve_bcc08872?colour=red&size=26

I just looked at Laura Adlington and her clothes are stunning. Def have a look.

What about Matalan? I find a lot of dresses from there and they’re reasonably priced and usually decent quality. Also go to size 28(?) I think 🤔
www.matalan.co.uk/womens/dresses.list?facetFilters=en_brand_content%3APapaya%7Cen_mat_dressSkirtLength_content%3AMaxi%7Cen_mat_dressSkirtLength_content%3AMidi&sortOrder=POPULARITY