Flattering summer dresses

[supersun23]

Hi, I am 5ft 6", size 12/14, bust 38C. Has anyone found flattering dresses that suit a 50 year old? TIA

Marie Ann is always entertaining and you might find some tips

Thank you

53, same size but slightly shorter,
and for casual summer/going for a drink down the pub I just ordered some dresses from the White Company. This one is super flattering, had to call a store to get it sent though. Size down, it comes up large. I bought the small.

https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Linen-Elasticated-Waist-Midi-Dress/p/A15345?swatch=Lemon

I'm the same height and size as you and have bought some v neck, shirred waist dresses from Roman that are lovely on e.g this one

https://www.roman.co.uk/geo-print-v-neck-stretch-midi-dress-14660078

Firstly I bet that's not your correct bra size at that clothing size (especially if M&S "measured" you?) the right bra makes a HUGE difference to how clothes sit.

Get a fabric tape measure. Wrap it relatively tightly around your chest where a bra strap fits, snug under your boobs. That's your band measurement. Then bend your body 90° so your boobs are pointing at the floor (it's not particularly dignified but it works lol) and wrap the tape measure around the largest point, passing directly over your nipples and around your back, not too tightly but a snug fit.

See how many inches difference there are between the two measurements and this will give you your bra size.

eg. 34" back, 39" over the boobs, and each inch is an increase in one cup size. Boobs are 5 inches bigger than back, so that = E cup. A 34E bra.
Lots of tips online but the name of this method escapes me right now!

Yes … 38 seems unlikely. (I’m roughly a size 12, and 32 around my ribs.)

It’s a shame you haven’t given a budget, or any context, as that means you’ll get plenty of suggestions for mid range High St, but very little else. Is that what you actually want?

It's the Boob or bust method.

Try Sainsbury’s, I am mid 50s, same height and size

Agree with Boob or Bust method. I'm a size 12 to 14 and I'm a 34FF so 38 does seem incorrect.

This one is incredibly flattering. I sized down and it’s still roomy and breezy without making me look like a tent.

5’8, 32E for reference.

https://www.hush-uk.com/grace-air-flow-v-neck-maxi-dress-true-red/011762-1056-16.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22647943133&gbraid=0AAAAADmDz96_xqj90No4sx1b9TemBG2Xd&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__0wjCqAp8Gqfzlqh6DmGfBURqCY6QqxGxdYf7JyiDU8orqdy8ULbu9hoCNJcQAvD_BwE

How tall are you? I like it but think not would be down to my ankles.

5’8, 10/12

@JackdawRoost it's called boob or bust

@supersun23 this is the online calculator - https://www.booborbust.com/ you will probably be really shocked I was I was a 38E but now a 34J I thought not a hope would it fit me. But it does. If you can get somewhere that has a really good selection that would be best.

For dresses, I am 35, 5'6, size 12/14 but not so good on tummy right now. So I go for empire line dresses.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/green-starlight-midi-dress?cjdata=MXxZfDB8WXww&variant=44023011770539&cjevent=42c5453b4c3d11f082d900470a18b8f8&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping+CSS

I'm 54, 5ft 4in, size 16 and 38c.

I buy from Nobodys Child (I love the one linked above, it's super flattering), Fat Face or a recent discovery is Apache.

I love their dresses but that one (and others) are so low cut I just can’t wear them.

I have had success this year with Cos! Worth a try

Vest top underneath?

I did try one with a vest but it sat a bit weirdly. Shame as I do like their style. I assume it’s designed to be that way and I’m just too old for it! And I work in a school so am possibly over cautious about it!

If you are a 12/14 I don't see how your bra band size is 38. I think you should be properly measured. I'm a 12/14 and 34 bra band size.

I love that one from Roman.

I recently got a lovely dress in that style from Apricot recently. I also like Sainsburys, Fat Face and Nobody's Child. M&S have good summer dresses in just now.

I was wearing 38GG for my enormous boobs, I bit the bullet and went to a proper bra fitter and I am now 34G. I look better, my boobs look smaller and praise the Lord, my clothes look much better too.

For the first time in decades I can wear a T-shirt top without a cardigan to cover my shelf-like top. Several friends noticed and can't get over the difference.

Worth every penny of the bras I bought which were very expensive but I really liked them. Since bought cheaper bras online in my new size.

Thank you - what size did you order @GameOfJones ?

Thank you - sorry budget mid range £30-£70ish but can go higher if I love the dress! Looking for everyday dresses for this country.

Thanks for the suggestions and for bra measuring - I will give it a try!