Help with dress

[SpunkyKhakiScroller]

Hi ladies. I have seen you do wonders for others and I hope you can help me as well. I have been invited to a lunchtime event at the House of Lords as a plus one.

I am a very casual dresser and never go to fancy places so all my wardrobe can offer is Jersey dresses. I am 46, wear size 20 and have large boobs and belly. I look best in yellow and pink. I have a foot problem which means I only wear trainers. My only formal shoes are a pair of plain black flats so whatever I choose, those are the shoes I will wear.

I am attaching some photos of the best candidates from my wardrobe - I am hopeless at accessories but perhaps one of them can be dressed up to do the job? If not, I am open to suggestions to buy something - preferably under £100. I strongly prefer natural fibres though I can get away with viscose.

Thanks in advance for your help!

P.S Apologies for the state of my room, I am mid-declutter.

I think you need a smarter outfit, like a ‘wedding guest smart’ style for the HOL.
I would suggest Next. If you click on women>dresses and either occasion or wedding guest, there are lots of suitable ones.

Maybe some new slip on shoes with a squidgy trainer style sole, or sandals? And a nice new midi dress. I think a previous poster suggested a plain cotton broderie one and that could take you to lots of other places too.

Just some visuals for shapes that could be good. From etsy.

Also thinking about the smock/tunic shape you already have . Can be flattering.

Can't edit post but the tunic ideas where general susgestions, not for HOL.

Again, general shape based ideas. Off topic and not HOL centric.

Those are not suitable for anyone.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/skirts-and-dress

I bought two dresses in Uniqlo recently in Covent Garden. Both are cotton and around £30-40 each. They have some really versatile styles that come in a range of colours and would go well with black flats.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E474063-000/00

something like this would be quite elegant. They have a model a similar size wearing one too.

The nicest dresses I’ve found that flatter larger sizes are either Sahara (a bit pricey) or Scarlett and Jo. The latter really do make you look shapely—I’ve just got one which surprised me, so definitely worth a try and well under £100 but look more pricey ( try eBay as well for them)

Can’t wait for the update, you look lovely OP but definitely not a size 20

Disagree...
I think these ones have the best shape and colour

I agree that a decent bra and shape wear will make a massive difference. When you're quite booby it's worth spending the money on a good bra to help looks but also for your back.

I'd wear the blue one with a self coloured belt and some bright accessories. You might find it improves a lot by undoing a button as the neckline should be more flattering. The deeper v neck and belt that doesn't call out for attention should look slimming, and the accessories draw attention there.

Echoing this. I have lost 9 stone and gone from a size 24 to a 12. I had a fitting at Bravissimo this week and the transformation was shocking! The dresses o. The London Finery link would look lovely on you OP and are very reasonably priced.

I hear what you are saying about the protruding tummy as I suffer from similar. I think a fit and flare type dress with a tie waist could be wonderful on you however.

Check out Clare Watkins on Instagram —https://www.instagram.com/clarewatkins_stylist?igsh=MXg3YWhlNXY3cmdkNg==

You definitely need some shaping round the middle, OP. You are very blessed in the boob department and unless you wear something that pulls in on your waist you run the risk of your whole body looking as big as your bust, which won't do you any favours - you have definition so use it. Definitely look for a wrap dress as I think it will do wonders for you.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and tips. A friend offered to lend me a dress and these are the two that fit. The dark one is a lot glitterier than it looks in the photo. Are either of these any good?

Oh! These are both much nicer shapes on you! You look great!

I prefer the shape of the dark one but I suspect the other is more more appropriate to the occasion.

Both look good @SpunkyKhakiScroller . I'd probably go for a longer length but they're fine.
I prefer the dark dress.

Second that!

This has probably been the most helpful post I've seen in the Style section for ages!!
Lots of helpful suggestions rather than to some out-there boutique shop with budgets waay over whtever the OP has stated!

For me the best suggestions are @Breadcat24 @VerityUnreasonble and @KateMiskin (I've personally bookmarked that webpage you'd shared as I've never heard of them before and their prices are great!) @SpunkyKhakiScroller I hope you go ahead with that JL style appt! The second picture's dresses are better suggestions but I'm hoping you use this occasion as an excuse to spoil yourself with something new and lovely!!

@SpunkyKhakiScroller Both those dresses look good on you, but maybe borrow the sparkly one at christmas and go for the orange one now? Have you got some nice sandals to go with

Om in the dark dress camp too, though both would be great. I know you said you're going to wear your flat black shoes and these would be fine, but if you are going to spoil yourself a bit then some nice strappy cream sandals (they can be flat) would look good i think. (Ive just bought a pair in the Damart sale) Then new bra, magic knickers if you're comfortable with them, a bit of jewellery, jacket on standby and you're set to go!

I prefer the orange one. I don’t think a black sparkly dress is right at this time of year, plus I think it’s a bit on the short side. Orange one seems ideal for summer, flattering fit and a good length! X

both on lone dresses are lovely @SpunkyKhakiScroller
definitely a style and size that suits you.
what are your shoe and purse/clutch options ;)