I’m in tears and don’t want to go to an event I’ve been looking forward to for months because I have nothing to wear

[CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair]

Please help!

I’ve put on weight and generally feel awful. I had an outfit planned that I wasn’t 100% happy with because everyone has seen my wear hundreds of times but it was ok. Problem is there’s now a heat wave and it’s a long sleeved maxi dress so no good.

I’m 5ft 3, blonde, massive boobs, big hips and huge belly but with a defined waist. If I don’t have definition I look like a weeble.

The event is like a hen do with a daytime party boat, DJ, afternoon tea and then an evening do in a pub. Daytime is mainly women 35-45 then spouses and wider group in the evening. Even if was happy with my body I think I’d struggle to know what the right kind of thing to wear was.

Please help me enjoy myself and not feel awful. Budget would be a max of £200 but that would have to include shoes/ accessories.

What size do you need?
Do you want to keep any bits covered? Arms? Knees?

I mean, you have £200 to spend, so that’s great- you can get something flattering and feel much better about it.

Where is it, is it London? Because if so there’s no need to be dressy. But you have to give us an idea of colours/styles/brands you like. As well as dress size.

What about something like thishttps://www.curvewow.com/products/curvewow-tie-sleeve-colared-wrap-dress-black-abstract?variant=44563720143074&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22198270780&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJSg_m7lRQHefZtLYD23Zz1Fgmvv9_5VpBbc4p-4U7dcJZjmxfgL7sYaAnxREALw_wcB

Out of your £200 I wouldn't bother budgeting for shoes unless you really have no other footwear apart from wellingtons, or "accessories" [I'm never entirely sure what "accessories" and "statement jewellery" are]

If you don't have any other footwear apart from wellingtons Tu has really impressed me recently with its shoes.

I posted these on a wedding guest thread but any would be fine for your event with plenty left over.

Joannie Damask dress long sleeved
Joannie Damask dress short sleeved
Joannie Balloon dress

I’m slightly shorter than you and also have massive boobs so dressing for anything is a nightmare! As it’s going to be really warm, what about something like this. It comes in petite length as well. https://www.aspiga.com/products/tabitha-organic-cotton-dobby-dress-bright-pink?variant=43675221622964

Sorry I thought I’d said. I’m an 18-20. I don’t care too much about my arms but prefers something not too short and not clingy on my lower stomach.

It’s in Liverpool. The people going always make an effort but aren’t ones for ultra-glam nails, false lashes etc.

Ah in that case ignore my suggestion as I think it’s only available up to a 14.

Thats a lovely dress and in theory it should work but wrap dresses never quite sit right as I’m high waited so I don’t get the definition and just look matronly. Plus they sit too low so I have to wear a cami which just ends up taking away the shape and making me look frumpy.

Thank you. I like the shape of these but jacquard style fabric isn’t my friend and neither is the wrap style top.

Thank you. It’s a lovely dress but even if it was available in my size I think it would be too casual.

I think this is a lovely statement dress and lightweight fabric: available in 18 and 20

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/sophie-midi-dress-22257000020.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=maitrtlir&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22580106175&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22580106175&utm_content=183528896367&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22580106175&gbraid=0AAAAADumyC_betdvHwI6PXBf5jAN5boLm&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIisGU7uOFjwMVk5NQBh3vTw9hEAQYASABEgItzfD_BwE

Have you looked at Monsoon and Joe Browns? Lots of choice but I like these - https://www.monsoon.co.uk/saoirse-floral-tiered-midi-dress-ivory-10009670016.html

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/beautiful-bird-print-maxi-dress-wf301?colour=457

Have you looked at Yours London? I got a lovely dress for a similar event from them last year.

It’s very pretty but I don’t think it’s designed for someone short and curvy. I think it looks great with boots but not really in a heatwave.

I know its not popular, but shein will have some good peices

I have seen some nice bits advertised but I don’t think they’d arrive on time.

How about this? I feel your pain. Sorry it’s Evan’s. But it’s v pretty. https://www.evans.co.uk/evans-curve-pink-floral-angel-sleeve-occasion-dress-p

What’s your previous favourite outfit that you felt good in?

What colours and shapes was it?

Would you go separates?

Well keep looking!

Thank you that is very pretty, but is it too “wedding guest?”

When is the event? Assume you need a fast delivery option for heatwave.
I just went to the John Lewis website as they stock quite a lot of brands: filtered on summer dresses, then on size. Lots of options in a 20, quite a lot on sale/reduced.
Hard to recommend without knowing your preferences for colour, patterns, sleeves etc.
Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you and most importantly I hope you have fun. Sounds like a great itinerary!

Ah @CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair I really feel for you.....It's horrible when you aren't comfortable in your own skin

Might be missing the point, but do you have time to get to a department store, like Debenhams and find a lovely new dress to try on before you buy?
With £200 budget, keep half of that to one side and get your nails or hair or both done before the hen party.

Long term, maybe this is the kick up your booty to start losing a little weight?
No judgement here, I've just started losing weight as I got to the point I was wearing the same baggy tops and shorts, because most of my clothes were too tight - it's rubbish x

Good luck

Guessing you have a city near by you could try it on?

Guessing you have a city near by you could try it on?

How about this:
https://www.johnlewis.com/alie-street-petite-sophia-floral-dress-petal-pink/p112273989?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappiosY29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=