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!

This one’s quite nice- looks nice and floaty and a bit more summery than black!
www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/khaki-tie-waist-midi-dress/15709346.html

I love the two dresses posted by @RedBeech , especially the green one.

The 2nd Yours dress is lovely, it's a good shape at the top, but a different colour would be nice unless you regularly wear black, you could just bung some statement gold jewellery on.
42 is not old! Try New Look, when my friend was a 24/26 she used to get lots in their plus range online.
I'm 42 and I sometimes find something good on Boohoo if I don't want to spend too much.
ASOS also has a good plus size selection.

I'm not usually a fan of Shein but I have this beauty and can thoroughly recommend it:

https://m.shein.co.uk/Franclia-Plus-Size-Women-s-Elegant-Dress-For-Holidays-Featuring-Full-Allover-Print-Overlap-Design-V-Neckline-Ruffle-Short-Sleeves-Side-Slit-Hem-Maxi-Women-Outfit-p-35111672.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/clothing/dresses/

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/gwen-textured-dress-10008560600.html#isShoeProduct=false&navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=size&prefv1=26&pid=10008560600&pos=28

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/ul600

I really like the one you posted black with embroidered sleeves. I agree with others though. don't feel you have to wear black if it doesnt suit you. And confidence and a smile does go a long way.

Have a look at Manners London and also Lucy & Yak for unapologetic styling and inclusive sizing. They may have something to your taste.

I hope you find something that makes you feel fabulous and you have a wonderful time.

I think the 1st black dress you linked yourself OP is gorgeous. Patterned dressed do not say young and beautiful to me. I think Black can look great in summer.

Hi! Firstly, your mates aren’t inviting you out because of how you dress and you’re 40 not 400. They obviously think you’re great company and will make the outing better by you being there. Don’t worry about what they’ll all look like, you want something you’ll feel comfortable in, nice fabric to keep you cool, fit that will show off your best assets and something you’ll get wear out of again. These are all in stock in your size and in your budget. A lot of people are wearing leopard print, linen, natural colours & screenprinted looking prints with food on them so I’ve tried to incorporate some of these trends. Have a great time away :)
Leopard print midi
Red bow dress
Blue milkmaid midi
Linen oatmeal
Gingham beige
Black maxi
Red midi
Blue wrap
Pink red wrap

I know you don’t want to wear trainers, but please do, so much more comfortable, although make sure they aren’t too small ( like one of my pairs)
Better than sandals.
Although the tourist ones, do look good to be honest.

Definitely look at jessontheplussize, lauraadlington and itslaurensmithy on instagram- they all have great ideas- and discounts for abercrombie, fatface, TU, next, simplybe etc a lot too!

I also like the first black dress with the embroidered sleeves. Add some gold jewellery and you’re done. And sandals and denim jacket would go well Although I’m not sure if a denim jacket would actually fit over the sleeves.

What are your favourite bits of you? Focus on making those bits the star attraction, rather than focusing on the bits you want to hide.
I like my hands so have ridiculous numbers of rings and do my own gel nails. I also usually (alas current medications aren't helping with this) have great hair so would put the effort in there if going out out. And having hit a g cup before, there's no ignoring those kind of spectacular boobs in any outfit, so I'd just lean in with the cleavage!

How about this dress https://liveunlimitedlondon.com/products/green-bandana-print-t-shirt-midi-dress with this bag https://www.zara.com/uk/en/mini-bag-with-metal-handle-p16239510.html?v1=410575042 sandals https://www.monsoon.co.uk/haf-metallic-braided-sandals-gold-1000497188.html?utm_content=nonbrand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20252718450&gbraid=0AAAAADjtA_GNpIN7oDuhib-jf6S7TVcht&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw-LLvpzEjQMVHItQBh33oh9XEAQYBSABEgLFrfD_BwE and golden hoop earrings

Totally blown away by everyone's replies thank you so much everybody!
@Sunholidays I love the bag and sandals.
@Isabellemac I love the leopard print dress. I love leopard print full stop.
The red dress I love the ties at the front but it's a bit short for my horrible knees. I do want to look for some others like that though.
So many ideas!

Laura Adlington (former bake off contestant) posts a lot of lovely plus size dresses on Instagram and is worth a follow for ideas..

This one is in her may links for dresses under £30 - if you look at her reels you will see what it looks like on her. I think she is a size 22

H&M dress

I tried on the next zebra print dress someone linked up thread and it’s so flattering, skims in the right places etc. It’s not miles away from wearing black, just black and cream! It would look good with trainers or the tourist sandals, I think it’s just the right mix between hiding because you don’t feel body confident and standing out because you’re fabulous x

Does black suit you? it's a classic colour for a night out and looks great in summer with gold accessories. That bag and sandals would go nicely with this https://liveunlimitedlondon.com/products/black-linen-blend-chuck-on-shirt-dress?currency=GBP&variant=54978828665207&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=a0f962034706&liveunlimitedlondon.com?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmaxall&utm_content=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18124521571&gbraid=0AAAAACsrG-LOlVYgrUu_iravAxPDFM1eY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuvH2uqnEjQMVephQBh3k-zWSEAQYBCABEgJkA_D_BwE

I have no fashion advice @delilabell . But I wanted to add my congratulations on all the work you have done to overcome your health challenges. That takes a lot of courage and determination, I hope you are proud of yourself.

That's such a wonderfully positive message

Absolutely agree, navy is lovely.

Have you tried Snag bras? I’ve just bought my first ones and they are amazing! I’m a size 24/26 with enormous boobs and they fit beautifully, very soft fabric but stretchy and holds everything in place. The straps are padded slightly so very comfy and there is a wide band under the bust which pulls you up. No underwires! I could wear them all day long without any chaffing or rubbing.

As far as your event goes, I would wear a maxi dress with bare legs and some sandals. I like dresses in a stretchy fabric than hang well, slightly gathered under the bust to hide my stomach. I’ve just bought two from Yours in a summery flowery colour, I’m planning to wear the one with a black background for a summer wedding - evening guest so not in the photos! I tend to buy the slightly larger size, Yours sizes are 22/24 or 26/28 and I find the larger ones better, looser and more forgiving. I am capable of taking them in if they are a little too large though

I received some lovely compliments when I wore one of the dresses for lunch last Sunday from my very fashionable daughter in law!

If you like a bit of leopard, then I have to point out these (extremely comfortable) sandals...

https://www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/woden-line-suede-leopard-print-velcro-chunky-sandals-377394?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18734109591#selection.color=2001

I looked at this dress and just had to buy the one in black! Never bought from H&M before so fingers cross I got the right size!