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!

Black embroidered sleeve one is the best ‘ticking all the boxes’ dress here. I think the detail sleeve will take the eye away from your bust. It’s comfortable, young but classy, that perfect blend of dressy but casual, so wherever you go you will feel perfectly dressed. Platform sandals, pretty toenails, denim jacket or pop of colour cashmere cardigan.
I might have to buy it myself!

This is nice but I imagine the navy is a better colour.

If op is feeling larger than she would ideally like, there is a lot of very striking marshmallowy blue to catch the eye.

I really like it op,

I think it’s flattering, formalish yet still relaxed and @DoNotAdjustYourSex is right that the sleeve detail draws attention away from any less than perfect bits on display.

It’s modern without doing so in a try-hard way,

Op I am also old and fat and short and went to a friend's wedding yesterday. She is 20 years younger, blonde, 6ft 2 from a family of similarly built people. I wore a Scamp and Dude dress and had so many compliments, lots of young people coming up to me, genuinely didn't feel out of place or worried. I know exactly how you feel but believe me your outfit is out there!

Evans has lots within your budget. I like both colours in this one.

https://www.evans.co.uk/evans-curve-navy-blue-abstract-print-knot-front-maxi-dress-p

Longer sleeves

https://www.evans.co.uk/evans-curve-navy-blue-broderie-tiered-midi-dress-p

Other options, don't be afraid of colour and pattern.

https://www.evans.co.uk/gypsy-dress-black-paisley-p

https://www.evans.co.uk/evans-curve-purple-floral-print-crinkle-boho-dress-p

I actually think OPs initial suggestion of the black dress with embroidered sleeves is the best.

Yup I’m still cheering for that one.

I think it’s an excellent find. Please get it op before it sells out!!

It's cotton too. I can't wear polyester in this weather.

Can I just butt in as I haven't seen it commented yet. @delilabell you are not bloody old at 42!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.roman.co.uk/curve-abstract-print-wrap-dress-14630872
This is currently on sale for £20. Think you need ample boobage to look good in a wrap dress

https://joanieclothing.com/sailor-embroidered-puff-sleeve-midi-dress.html Bit of Joanie clothing for you

https://joanieclothing.com/celia-birtwell-x-joanie-queen-of-the-night-angel-sleeve-floral-print-maxi-dress.html#product-info-garmentinfo
I love this,it's viscose so nice and cool to wear

Manners London have some very supportive, non butterfly/cold-shoulder clothes

www.mannersldn.com/collections/dresses

Thank you everyone. Can't believe how supportive you've all been! I do feel old at 42 if I'm honest. My children are growing up which I found v difficult and the team I work with our so young!
I've had 3 dresses delivered so far. The one with the embroidery, the first next one and a leopard print one. Will try them on today and let you all know.
You've all filled me with so much confidence. Thank you 🥰

Have you come across Unfolded? They do some fabulous dresses, and they really do look good on women of all sizes. They go up to a 24, but my friend who is a 24-26 wears them, and they fit her fine. Some are just over your budget, but not by much.

Full selection: https://thisisunfolded.com/collections/sustainable-dresses

My friend has these two: https://thisisunfolded.com/products/collection-10-fern-v-neck-relaxed-dress-teal-leaf-print
https://thisisunfolded.com/products/unfolded-lois-angel-sleeve-satin-dress-navy#pid=1

I have this one and I love it, but it's long-sleeved so it may not be right for your occasion: https://thisisunfolded.com/products/unfolded-abstract-red-barbara-dress

Oh, and I also meant to say, good for you, OP, for getting yourself back together after a breakdown, and accepting this invitation. They obviously like you for yourself or they wouldn't have asked you, but it can be very hard to get back into the swing of things after a breakdown, especially if you've put on weight and have all the body image stuff to contend with as well. I hope you find a dress you love, and have a blast! Look forward to hearing about it.

Laura Adlington was who I was going to suggest. She often has great reels on "real" high street stuff

love those sleeves. I wish it didn’t have a 100% polyester lining. Why do brands do this?😭

Thanks for starting this thread, there are so many beautiful dresses which go up to a size 24! I’m going to save it for when I need to buy two dresses for my son’s wedding next year. I need one for the day time registry wedding ( I am one of the witnesses so will be a bit on show) and one for the evening reception two days later. As my ex and the woman he left me for will be there, I want to look good for my self esteem!

I am hoping to be a smaller size but who knows!

It is nice, but sleeveless is unforgiving to big arms!

Is it? I feel like capsleeves, half sleeves or cold shoulders are often worse…

Omg @LadyShrek2k19 - I have never seen these before but just ordered one, a bargain for £30 too! For anyone else, if you use WELCOME10 you get 10% off including sale. Thanks so much!

Sexy long wrap dress, lots of boob and you can choose whether to show your legs through the wrap split or not, good shave, moisturiser and a tan and you’ll look lush, if you don’t do heels you can do dms or other similar fashion comfy shoes, black night tops for example or a comfy but stylish. Low heel from Clark’s who do make some lovely looking comfy shoes
three quarter length wrap sleeves hide a multitude of things and with max cleavage, decent bra , hair done, lots mascara and bright lipstick you will look like a goddess , big earrings, no heckles to detract from the boobs unless something quite fine and sparkly. Loads of sexy wrap style dresses around and perfect for us curvier types

This is the first thing that came up, it’s gorgeous, I didn’t mean it to be shein but that style would be super sexy and flattering, and you can look at patterned ones too
accessories, hair and make up will go a long way here https://m.shein.co.uk/ark/3600?goods_id=35199559&test=5051&url_from=adhub2082597539&scene=1&pf=google&ad_type=DPA&language=en&siteuid=pwuk&landing_page_id=3600&ad_test_id=9800&requestId=olw-4qje0m4v1hxp&cid=22258034314&gad_source=1&skucode=I15egmanxd4r&coloration=1&onelink=0/google_feed_uk&network=g&gad_campaignid=22258034314&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuvrBBhDcARIsAKRrkjdanIAc_CiC79MoDfLAQkx576P9iFUE9DuJFctEPK4AsycHA2o4goEaArLREALw_wcB&adid=733500494047&geoid=9045342&gbraid=0AAAAADm0yO6wmVKpBEas32-1O7scOEJnr&setid=177603453800&kwd=pla-329589625866&currency=GBP&lang=en

Please don’t call yourself fat & old….im sure you’re much more attractive than you realise.
i see lots of voluptuous ladies looking smart & sexy (if sexy is what you’re looking for!). Long skirt/dress, some wedged trainers & big chunky jewellery & you’ll knock them all out of the park!
Have a great time!