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.

Just seen your update! What an improvement - you look great OP.

OP honestly you look fab! Even though I can't see your face that outfit has taken years and several dress sizes off you. I'm now thinking of getting the dress 🙂

You look great (and almost unrecognisable from the first pics you shared!)... I would absolutely be buying that dress in other colours and making that your go to 'smart' outfit! 😍

You look amazing 😍 And I agree with others, definitely don't look like a size 20!

10/10 for the new outfit OP! You look like a new woman.

I hope this gives you more confidence to dress for your new shape.

You look knock out, very classy and I love the jewellery with the dress too. You were so brave to ask for help and it has been transformational. Wearing the right clothes really can make you feel so much better!

You look great and frankly knowing how Uniqlo sizing works I think you are really a size 16 - flaunt that waist in future!

Great glow up! I have the same dress in chocolate which I wear casually, but I must look for a little jacket and jewellery to wear with it.

Fabulous transformation!

Just wanted to suggest that you might buy some of these (or similar) to wear under the dress as then it can be used for formal evening events too if you want to (and like me I think you prefer to cover your arms?). https://www.symeonidesfashion.com/product/light-control-flexifit-lace-armwear-top/

Thank you so much everyone for your compliments and kind words and suggestions. As it happens, the event was an industry-specific award ceremony and my husband won the top award. He pulled me up to receive the award with him so I am in most of the official photos. It's possible they might appear in the press so I am super grateful to you all that I looked as good as I can.

To answer a few questions/ observations - the jewellery was a double string of pearls and a pearl bracelet, the little cardigan was from Amazon, and the shoes were Skechers (my formal flats broke the day before so I took the advice of someone here to get a pair from Skechers. They are super comfortable and though not really formal, unobtrusive enough for me to get away with them!)

Thanks again for everything!

That's so great.

What a fabulous update! And it reminds me of what a kind board this one is!

I agree, get that dress in more colours, you looked amazing in that outfit!

A Uniqlo XL is about a 16 by the way, I think you have been overestimating your size.

I agree (said the hypocrite in the pull on bra!!)

Not here for fashion advice but to say you are very tough on yourself in regards to your figure. I’d have pegged you at about a 16 from your pics, you’ve got lovely arms and fabulous, shapely legs. Show them off a bit more!!!! And the bra makes so much difference. Glad you enjoyed the party!

What a lovely thread and op you look incredible in the final outfit! I can see your confidence oozing through the photo. A world away from your initial options!

Great dress on you!

Ahhhh, this is why I stay on MN even though 90% of threads are a binfire these days.

OP, you look absolutely fabulous - what a transformation! I honestly think that's one of the best 'before and afters' I've ever seen on here. I hope that your confidence has rocketed after seeing how fantastic you can look, and well done to other posters for such useful and supportive comments.

You look great! When I click on the link, I can't see an option for navy, only a light blue though? Could you help? TIA

Your look amazing, what a fabulous transformation, I hope you felt a million dollars