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

133 replies

delilabell · 26/05/2025 18:37

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
18
rubicustellitall · 27/05/2025 23:17

I am size 26/28 and Scarlett and Jo are my go to. I love the construction of the dresses as they are made for my shape. They have a built in panel that makes the dress move as it was made to ,its genius. I also think if you look at Eleventh Avenue LTD they are on facebook you will find some great stuff at really reasonable prices.The reason I suggest them is because they do live videos and showcase all their stuff. Antonella who owns Eleventh Avenue has GG boobs which are utterly fabulous and she is a size 24, she shows you on the lives ,what everything looks like on a real person,her and it really helps. Might be an idea worth checking out? Have a fab time whatever you choose!

Isabellemac · 28/05/2025 00:44

delilabell · 27/05/2025 19:18

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!

My favourite was also the leopard print :) would look fab with denim jacket & sandals as the model is wearing. I’m sure you’ll look wonderful in whatever you wear, have the best time! 🫶

mathanxiety · 28/05/2025 00:54

An old neighbour of mine was about the same size as you and always wore witchy style black clothes going out. By 'witchy' style I mean black leggings and tank top with swirling professor type robes over (in a black knit fabric), or black leggings with a voluminous black linen dress/ muu muu over them. Always a big statement style necklace and very chunky cuff style bracelets. Big black bag, and chunky sandals or shoes in a very bold colour. She looked fab - had her hair nicely done and took a lot of care about her makeup.

Ann1968 · 28/05/2025 02:33

Shein! Great prices and usually very good and true to size. Their Curve range will have lots that you can try. How about a maxi dress with white trainers ? Plus they deliver more quickly now.

Justsomethoughts23 · 28/05/2025 02:34

XiCi · 26/05/2025 21:58

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

Yes agree with this! Much more sophisticated. All the coloured floaty stuff linked on this thread is so so dated and ageing - OP is only 42! The first black Next option would be really versatile with sandals/trainers/heels and different jackets and bags depending on the occasion. Could maybe even work with long boots and a cardi in the winter if it’s not too light cotton.
OP, you speak so horribly about yourself. Try to spend a little bit of time focusing on the things you do like. I bet you don’t judge others based on the size of their thighs, so don’t devalue yourself.

Ann1968 · 28/05/2025 02:36

She said budget was £50. Phase 8 prices are crazy. You can get bespoke made kaftan dresses from Fumbalinas for less!

Tentativetoedipping · 28/05/2025 05:05

Ophy83 · 27/05/2025 19:38

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

This H&M one looks lovely.

Tentativetoedipping · 28/05/2025 05:12

OP I like the ones you linked but think the H&M one in black/cream is younger and more striking and would go well with a denim jacket.

delilabell · 28/05/2025 08:02

My only worry with the h and m dress is that it will hang from my boobs (which stick out further than my belly) so make me look even larger than I am. I could always wear a belt with it?
I do love shein for dresses I might have another look.
I've found some more leopard print ones. 🤣 I've screen shot them so will post in a minute.
I do talk about myself horribly you're right. I think about how people would view me. But actually it's my dad and mom's voices describing me in my head. This was part of my therapy but I seem to have forgotten it! This has given me a timely reminder. I need to be spending more time being my voice.

OP posts:
delilabell · 28/05/2025 08:04

This is after the lovely red dress with front ties. 😊

Going out in July with beautiful young people. Fat and old. What do I wear???
Going out in July with beautiful young people. Fat and old. What do I wear???
Going out in July with beautiful young people. Fat and old. What do I wear???
OP posts:
Isabellemac · 28/05/2025 10:45

delilabell · 28/05/2025 08:04

This is after the lovely red dress with front ties. 😊

yesss OP I love them all 😍😍😍😍

delilabell · 28/05/2025 11:14

@RobinEllacotStrike that bright one is gorgeous!

OP posts:
RobinEllacotStrike · 28/05/2025 12:35

It is - I'm thinking of picking up one myself. 🤣
I do find supermarket dresses worth a look and I've picked up some fab dresses from George & Tu over the years.

DismondShoes · 28/05/2025 12:48

Wear your favourite midi dress and spend your budget on a blow dry or getting your nails done.

LadyShrek2k19 · 28/05/2025 13:05

I know these are out of your budget, and I confess that I haven't RTFT so don't know whether these have been mentioned already, but I LOVE Twisted Wunder dresses. Really easy to wear, lovely colours, and I find them really flattering (short, size 26/28, no boobs).
I really like the "Ziggy" and have it in 3 colours - at least one of which I got really cheaply from Vinted (where they also resell really easily, too, so if you don't like it / only wear it the once, you can make some money back!)
https://twistedwunder.co.uk/collections/dresses

Dresses

Wow and stand out every season whatever the occasion. From our maxis and midis to our minis, in prints that will brighten up your wardrobe.

https://twistedwunder.co.uk/collections/dresses

TwinklyNight · 29/05/2025 05:59

I like that red dress!

ZaZathecat · 29/05/2025 08:34

I think a bit of tailoring is very flattering so how about this sort of waistcoat and trousers combo? Could be worn with a t shirt if you prefer upper arms covered.

Going out in July with beautiful young people. Fat and old. What do I wear???
AlexandraPeppernose · 29/05/2025 18:45

Maxi dress and sandals. Size 22 and live in them and look nice imo

Calliopespa · 29/05/2025 18:48

delilabell · 26/05/2025 19:16

Thank you so much @TheBadLuckOfTeelaBrown .

Not keen on either of those I'm so sorry.

But what about this? Do you think this is modern enough? With my sandals and a denim jacket I already have? (I wear trainers every day at work so would prefer not to if at all possible)
https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-curve-black-embroidered-puff-sleeve-maxi-dress-p?ltiCountry=GB&ltiCurrency=GBP&S=ADPRODUCT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19671795070&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjY-Npd7BjQMVSZtQBh0K1w4vEAQYBiABEgIAu_D_BwE

Yes I think that looks a good choice op.

I hope you have a lovely time. Well done for coming through things.

Craftycorvid · 29/05/2025 19:49

You wear with pride all the battles you have won in your life, accessorised with wisdom and perspective - and you look the young ‘uns in the eye knowing you’ve earned your place.

ToadRage · 30/05/2025 05:43

Maxi dresses are your friend. Honestly they suit everyone and depending on style hide a multitude of sins. I too am a larger lady with an ample bust so i would recommend something that comes in under your bust but above your waist, that way it will skin over your tummy, if dresses aren't your thing then how about a midi skirt and basic t shirt, block colours will work best and for the the love of God avoid black.

Lifestooshort71 · 30/05/2025 08:26

I also love the black puffy sleeve one, v nice!