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.

Its definitely going to show too much cleavage. But scarlet and jo is a good call. But for timing id say just order literally everything you like on boohoo and asos. They are quick delivery and if you have a rough idea of style that will help. Please please dont be hating your curves. Embrace them and flaunt them

Could you buy the same dress you originally wanted to wear in a different size/colour perhaps? Then it fits and is flattering and also looks a bit different too?

I’ve just bought this! Thanks for the link. I have a “ladies’ long lunch” to attend and it’s nearly spring here, so that’s perfect

How about this Monsoon dress? It comes in a few different patterns and gets great reviews:

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sicily-floral-fit-flare-midi-dress-cream-20003060014.html

https://www.debenhams.com/product/wallis-petite-pleated-buckle-midi-dress_byy15557?colour=cobalt

I am similar build and size and go for square neck A line dresses - they are pretty flattering!

Definitely have a look at Laura Adlington (former bake off contestant) on Instagram. She tests out plus size fashion, particularly dresses and always looks amazing! I often use her for inspiration and everything she wears is affordable high street. Good luck!

Oh that Monsoon ‘Sicily fit’ dress above is beautiful, it’s all romantic and other-worldly. I love me a fit and flare- by far the most flattering shape for a short torso, longish arms and legs and decent size boobs. I feel like I want to buy that and run through a lavender field to eat borsain cheese and laugh gaily.

Op I am a similar size and shape to you and I feel your pain! It’s actually very hard to find decent semi-dressy options in an 18-20. Hope you find something you like in town. I’ll share the dresses I think might be good for you here meantime!

This one is in the new fashionable colour of the season (butter yellow) and looks so cute and is in the sale right now…

www.nobodyschild.com/products/yellow-puff-sleeve-zola-mini-dress-d250593ylw?variant=53992119239041&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NBC-UK-PMax-Shopping-All-All-SE-Priority+Dresses&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18712845087&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIX4yT3vgodClMiwDT2YcKXqS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0tjilZKGjwMVNJVQBh0l1ziCEAQYEiABEgI09_D_BwE

I am a big fan of Sugarhill Brighton myself as I also love colour and their clothes are a generous fit and super comfy but to tend to be on the casual side I think. I mostly live in clothes from there, M and S (especially the Autograph section), BIBA and Mint Velvet these days (I find their trousers not at all generously sized but it’s worth knowing that their size 18/XL tops and dresses are generally fine if not slightly big on me unless super tailored in style with fabrics without any give and I am more a 20 than an 18).

Here is one you might like from Sugarhill Brighton?

www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/maryjane-midi-dress-off-white-tropical-hummingbird

If you want something fancy/ possibly budget busting there are some dresses in Anthropologie and Rixo that are plus size. I also second Scarlet and Jo but be warned they are often very low cut!

I love the Abercrombie suggestions a pp made too!

Try this brand on asos:

https://www.asos.com/search/?q=maya&currentpricerange=5-285&refine=brand:14327|currentprice:5%3C200|size:162

that link should hopefully get you size 20 under £200. they have a range of dressier dresses including sleeves/no sleeves, different colours etc. if the link doesn’t work, the brand is “Maya”

other possible size 20 asos dresses:

1. https://www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-wrap-shirt-midi-dress-with-seaming-details-in-chocolate/prd/208505803#colourWayId-208505812
2. https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy-plus/hope-ivy-plus-embellished-maxi-wrap-dress-in-navy/prd/208281316#colourWayId-208281319
3. https://www.asos.com/hope-ivy-plus/hope-ivy-plus-flutter-sleeve-maxi-wrap-dress-in-turquoise-palm-print/prd/208281315#colourWayId-208281321

possible jumpsuits (size 18 but looser styles):

1. https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-button-down-waistcoat-jumpsuit-in-oat/prd/207961491#colourWayId-207961492
2. https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-double-cloth-gathered-bust-jumpsuit-in-black/prd/208781334#ctaref-more%20colours%20swatches&featureref1-more%20colours%20swatches

That's great news. Roman Clothing have a curvy selection I went mad last winter with their sweaters 🙈. Their dresses are very pretty too.

My DIL curvy like me always finds me a dress for birthday or Christmas. She chooses sea salt, fat face, white company in the main. I'm big boobed, short waisted, so a dress that flares out suits me best. A petticoat, waist slip makes such a difference gives a sleeker bump free look.

hopefully this Maya link works - they seem to go up to size 28:

www.asos.com/women/a-to-z-of-brands/maya/cat/

All available in the size you want

"Women's Clothing Sale - - Seasalt Cornwall" https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/sale/clothing-sale?department=27343&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9872381720&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rcomau2DG6dIiZ6kEI9bDP_2U3&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJS2ArOjZikopPpqtKi6zxOPLKNr_MaCNspFc4PszPxWKz5F7QT0M24aAu2pEALw_wcB

If you’re looking for something slightly more quirky I’d try Twisted Wunder. Their dresses have an elasticated back which is covered well and they fall beautifully. I always get compliments on their Ziggy dress which comes in a range of lengths too

"Women's Size 20 Dresses | FatFace UK" https://www.fatface.com/shop/womens/clothing/dresses/f/size-20?p=1#0

OP your DH sounds lovely. Let your inner confidence shine through, wear your blue dress and get accessories to bling/ posh it up. Can you get a fancy up do or hair accessories to make your face stand out? Use your dress as a canvas and wear jewellery.

Look at culottes and a loose top - M&S is a good place to start
https://www.marksandspencer.com/search?searchTerm=culottes&filter=Categories%253DSC_Level_1_1www.marksandspencer.com/search?searchTerm=culottes&filter=Categories%253DSC_Level_1_1

Not sure if you have found your perfect dress yet, but I have this dress in both navy and floral and it is so, so flattering. It's not a wrap waist as such it's kind of ruched at the waist and skims over the tummy area. It's such an easy to wear style! Wore recently to a 1940s themed event and so many compliments.
Hope you find a lovely frock and enjoy your event!
Teal Green Floral Print Cap Sleeve V Neck Wrap Top Swing Dress – Pretty Kitty Fashion prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/dark-green-floral-cap-sleeve-crossover-v-neck-wrap-top-swing-dress This dress

Yes, I second the Adele fat face dress, however some co-ords would work really well. Sadly I’m too old to get away with it but a print / style you like would be super current but comfy too.

It's unlikely but maybe worth a try if you've got a John Lewis near you - see if there is an available personal stylist appointment? They're free of charge and really useful for getting ideas (and you don't have to buy anything if you don't want to)
Good luck - I'm the same and also have outfit anxiety due to weight gain...
I've bought 4 dresses so far for a wedding next month and am worried that none of them will work, especially if this hot weather carries on 😓

Does it have to be a dress? What about a jumpsuit? I always find them to be super flattering and comfortable and you can dress them up.

Ah that's great, glad DH is being supportive. Good luck, I'm sure when you can go to the shops and try things on you will find something or narrow down what you want to look for online.

I’m a similar shape to you if not the same size and I have found a few dresses at Sugarhill Brighton this year. Some of their styles go up to a 22. I’d go for a 20 as they can come up a little small - I’m a 14/16 and 34H, and need a 16. Well worth a look and some really nice patterns if you’d like something more colourful. Good luck!

Late to the party. But Lucy and yak do great jumpsuits I have the leapord one and roses. Also hell bunny collectif. Retro dresses. Nip in waist and accentuate boobs and bum. Good luck we have all been there x