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Original poster

Need an outfit for next week 😱

32 replies

Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 14:16

Hello lovelies.

I need an outfit pronto. Help 🙏

Key notes:

  • Its for day time work party to celebrate 3 businesses joining together therefore CEOs will be present.

  • The party starts at lunch time, in the week as a lot of people travel for it and they dont want to take over the weekend.

  • The venue is an indoor outdoor type of place. It has garden / courtyard so looks like you are outside but it has clear roof sheltering from the elements. The vibe feels like its a work garden party ? Don't know how else to explain. They host weddings there so its bright and lovely with brickwork charm

  • There will be a mix of people. One company is finance based so I presume they will be in suits. One it techy so they never really dress up. Shirt at most. The third one i dont know enough about to gauge.

  • About me: tall, chunky. Lost a lot of weight, 7 stone. Top is busty so stretchy stuff I can fit in to 14-16. I carry most weight in my thighs so wear 16-18 depending on fit. I do have a mum tum too

  • According to colour charts my colours meant to be rich like deep blue or green / emerald green. It makes me pop. I dislike showing my legs. They are chunky and ugly so usual choice is trousers or jumpsuits or long dresses.

Any suggestions please? Everyone i know saying black is too much for this place and time of day ? I was considering this dress:

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1299908005.html

Any other options that will make me look good without showing the fat bits ? Thanks ☺️

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
heldinadream · 02/07/2025 15:13

That's lovely! Dresses are my thing, so happy to look for dresses for you.
Plain or patterned? Budget?

Defiantlynot41 · 02/07/2025 15:21

How about one of these as a start off?

Need an outfit for next week 😱
Need an outfit for next week 😱
Need an outfit for next week 😱
Need an outfit for next week 😱
Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 15:52

Tbh I’d say you need to spend a bit more than the H&M dress to find something both flattering and professional looking.

Don’t know if this Cos co-ord set might appeal:

Top

Skirt

It does only go to a 16 but Cos is usually quite generous in sizing.

Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 15:53

Thank you.
Thats the thing, I don't know what's acceptable. I want smart but not office meeting smart?

It cant be short, I wouldnt wear anything showing my legs, half of my calves is as far as I would go but would be very uncomfortable.

Thought of wide tailored trousers and nice top? Would like to hide flabby arms too 😱

No budget as such. I don't think Id like to spend 200 on something where im on a weightloss journey but thats about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 15:55

MiddleAgedDread · 02/07/2025 15:23

All those are lovely but aren't they too casual for all the top bosses meet up?

OP posts:
Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 15:57

Defiantlynot41 · 02/07/2025 15:21

How about one of these as a start off?

Love the finery khaki one !

OP posts:
Cattery · 02/07/2025 15:58

heldinadream · 02/07/2025 15:19

Kicking off anyway, I LOVE this. But would it be too short on you and is the pattern too much?
https://www.roman.co.uk/palm-print-v-neck-tiered-dress-14686960

Love this! Love Roman. Always fits perfectly. I want one now!

Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:00

Alternatively, this could be completely splendid; it has so much presence:

Toast dress

Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:01

(It’s just under your upper limit - but I hadn’t seen that.)

MiddleAgedDread · 02/07/2025 16:04

No more casual than the one your originally posted IMO. I think a lot of dresses can be dressed up or down depending on what shoes and accessories you put with them.

JustPassingThyme · 02/07/2025 16:05

What about a shirt dress?

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/curves-navy-pleated-shirt-dress/p/906823041?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_Core_Bing_DV_c_pid=9068470&cclid=Bing_920770abb86b10960e9518cef1f16459&msclkid=920770abb86b10960e9518cef1f16459&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%23PLA%2F(1)BNG(2)UK(5)Generics(6)_All%7C&utm_term=4578778776987754&utm_content=All%20Products

https://www.boohoo.com/product/dorothy-perkins-button-front-long-sleeve-poplin-shirt-dress_bqq20397?colour=navy&size=12&_%24ja=tsid%3A90036%7Ccid%3A91886843%7Cagid%3A4470543566%7Ctid%3Apla-4575617660034058%7Cprd%3ABQQ20397-148-20%7Ccrid%3A75316607190379%7Cnw%3Asearch%7Cdvc%3Ac%7Cst%3Anavy+long+sleeve+shirt+dress%7Cmt%3Abe&msclkid=0f8de3c217ad17f2af4d8ba75e374281&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%7C%7CShopping%7C%7CAll+Products%7C%7CATB&utm_term=4575617660034058&utm_content=UK%7C%7CShopping%7C%7CAll+Products&gclid=0f8de3c217ad17f2af4d8ba75e374281&gclsrc=3p.ds&gad_source=7

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350265268.aspx?dim1=1&dim2=6&cod=SHP00201137UK&msclkid=e45441817a671b7b40f029e430f0a45d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20%3E%20Fashion%20%3E%20Women&utm_term=4583726568993028&utm_content=Fashion%20%3E%20Women

Dresses | Button Front Long Sleeve Poplin Shirt Dress | Dorothy Perkins

Discover Button Front Long Sleeve Poplin Shirt Dress available to buy online at boohoo.com. Available with quick delivery and easy return options. Shop now!

https://www.boohoo.com/product/dorothy-perkins-button-front-long-sleeve-poplin-shirt-dress_bqq20397?_%24ja=tsid%3A90036%7Ccid%3A91886843%7Cagid%3A4470543566%7Ctid%3Apla-4575617660034058%7Cprd%3ABQQ20397-148-20%7Ccrid%3A75316607190379%7Cnw%3Asearch%7Cdvc%3Ac%7Cst%3Anavy+long+sleeve+shirt+dress%7Cmt%3Abe&colour=navy&gad_source=7&gclid=0f8de3c217ad17f2af4d8ba75e374281&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=0f8de3c217ad17f2af4d8ba75e374281&size=12

Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:09

Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:00

Alternatively, this could be completely splendid; it has so much presence:

Toast dress

Think it will make me look bigger because its quite baggy and im baggy 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:11

Here is my bod if that helps... this is very flattering jumpsuit ! Actually quite slimming but seems too casual for work do ?

Need an outfit for next week 😱
OP posts:
Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:12

(Ah well … I’m of the opinion that one should lean in to the body you have, rather than trying to create the illusion of being smaller!)

Your jumpsuit, whilst perfectly nice, is weirdly body con - Look at my chest. Look at my waist. Look at my legs! It’s fine but not what I’d expect in a work context. (Rather than being too casual.)

Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:19

Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:12

(Ah well … I’m of the opinion that one should lean in to the body you have, rather than trying to create the illusion of being smaller!)

Your jumpsuit, whilst perfectly nice, is weirdly body con - Look at my chest. Look at my waist. Look at my legs! It’s fine but not what I’d expect in a work context. (Rather than being too casual.)

Edited

Yes its too casual hence why I was thinking something tailored. I would prefer to appear smaller ! 🤣 I'd this wasnt work event

OP posts:
Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:23

Someone posted finery dress but I love their trousers? What do we think ?
https://www.finerylondon.com/products/athena-dark-khaki-linen-mix-wide-leg-trousers

OP posts:
Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:23

So did the Cos set not appeal?

Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:25

Bailiwitch · 02/07/2025 16:23

So did the Cos set not appeal?

Lovely shapes but its denim ? I liked the palazzo trousers idea .. I have a pair but are they too much?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su553805/aw3281#aw3281

Buy Ecru Print Palazzo Trousers from the Next UK online shop

Shop for Ecru Print Palazzo Trousers at Next.co.uk. Next day delivery and free returns to store. 1000s of products online. Buy Ecru Print Palazzo Trousers now!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su553805/aw3281#aw3281

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 02/07/2025 16:28

Are yours those patterned palazzo trousers? Too much for a work function IMO, they look like the sort of thing you'd go out for dinner in on holiday in a hot climate.

heldinadream · 02/07/2025 16:42

Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:23

Someone posted finery dress but I love their trousers? What do we think ?
https://www.finerylondon.com/products/athena-dark-khaki-linen-mix-wide-leg-trousers

Edited

I think those trousers are beautiful and a gorgeous rich colour.
The difficulty would be getting the right top. It's gotta be tucked in.

Original poster
Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:53

heldinadream · 02/07/2025 16:42

I think those trousers are beautiful and a gorgeous rich colour.
The difficulty would be getting the right top. It's gotta be tucked in.

Show quote history

Looking at this but £100 for polyester feels a bit ick

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su695959/w22775

Buy Mint Velvet White Organza Puff Sleeve Shirt from the Next UK online shop

Shop for Mint Velvet White Organza Puff Sleeve Shirt at Next.co.uk. Next day delivery and free returns to store. 1000s of products online. Buy Mint Velvet White Organza Puff Sleeve Shirt now!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su695959/w22775

OP posts:
heldinadream · 02/07/2025 17:23

Greycoudsabove · 02/07/2025 16:53

Looking at this but £100 for polyester feels a bit ick

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su695959/w22775

Show quote history

Well that would look amazing but yes to £100 for polyester being not a good thing, and would it even look as good in real life? Polyester rarely does.
I'm gonna see what I can find similar in cotton, linen or silk. Must be possible.

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