Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Need a black outfit

11 replies

IfIHadAHeart · 12/07/2025 20:13

HELP!!

I’ve got myself into a bit of a state over this and now I’m running out of time to find an outfit.

I’m going on a hen do soon. Everyone is required to wear black except the bride. I don’t own anything suitable, and I think at this point there are so many parts of my body I want to hide that I’ve ruled out basically every black dress on the internet so I’m really hoping someone will suggest something.

I’m 35, quite short, size 12 but with a bit of a tummy and enormous boobs, neither of which I want to emphasise. I’m not keen on my arms either but it’s summer so not much can be done about that. I don’t mind wearing a wedge, but not heels.

Everything I look at is either frumpy or the complete opposite, there’s no middle ground. I want to be able to wear a bra, and I don’t want to have huge chunks of fabric missing. There also seems to be a trend at the moment for dresses with a seam under the bust, which is no good for my rather large ones 🙄

At this point I’m so fed up with looking I could cry and I’m tempted just not to go, which would be a shame as it’s rare I ever go anywhere. Please help!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
minnienono · 12/07/2025 20:16

I bought a dress from amazon (Grace Karin) which has cap sleeves, is cross over at front (I’m f cup) and skater skirt style just above knee for an emergency black dress required event. Cheap but looks far better than price point.

samlovesdilys · 12/07/2025 20:31

Does it have to be a dress?? Wide leg trousers and a drapey top could look lovely?

Need a black outfit
IfIHadAHeart · 12/07/2025 20:43

No it doesn’t have to be a dress. I just thought it might be cooler in the middle of summer but I’ve not found anything really

OP posts:
Gymbunny2025 · 12/07/2025 21:42

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-dropped-waist-mini-dress/p113558833#ratings-reviews-section

sorry I’m not sure if it would suit your shape/requirements but it’s such a cute dress and so cheap so thought I’d share it.

Thingyfanding · 12/07/2025 21:49

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-linen-blend-jumpsuit-p255594blk

I’d probably go for a jumpsuit like this one, or similar. You can dress it up or down - It’s a bit of a wardrobe classic so should get plenty of wear out of it.

Black Tie Shoulder Jumpsuit

Black Linen-blend Jumpsuit

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-linen-blend-jumpsuit-p255594blk

JazzyBBBG · 12/07/2025 21:51

I recently got this and confirm it's very generous up top and covers all essentials... https://www.freemans.com/products/bonprix-crochet-lace-maxi-dress//A-9629722_10

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 13/07/2025 09:43

It’s really annoying when there’s a theme for an event. This popped up on Facebook this morning. It might help you find something that won’t break the bank: https://www.roman.co.uk/dresses/little-black-dresses

Prayingforananswer · 13/07/2025 09:53

how about this? size 12 and in the sale for £40

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/petite-lucia-black-gathered-waist-maxi-dress-22994034.html

I wore a draped Reiss top (vinted) and cheap palazzo trousers to a recent funeral and got compliments.

Ro & Zo Petite Lucia Black Gathered Waist Maxi Dress - BrandAlley

https://www.brandalley.co.uk/petite-lucia-black-gathered-waist-maxi-dress-22994034.html

New posts on this thread. Refresh page