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.

Popsy do some great plus size dresses and lots of styles and prints. Don't feel you have to be blending in background.

Not helpful OP but the Dancing Leopard dress you mentioned is lovely.

i hope you have success trying some on.

Those who love the one hundred stars stork dress…. Would it be dressy enough for a wedding? With pearls and patent shoes? (Sorry OP!)

Hi OP! Have you looked at Nobody's Child? They have some amazing dresses, I think their sizes are quite generous too, especially the less fitted styles. I'm an 18/20 too and always get loads of compliments on my NC clothes. They have a better extended sizing range through Simply Be and M&S x

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/zt379

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/zt970

https://www.marksandspencer.com/geometric-bandeau-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp22613164?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-gingham-scoop-neck-midaxi-dress/p/clp22607954?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-square-neck-button-through-midaxi-waisted-dress/p/clp22613628?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I absolutely love jumpsuits and wish I had started wearing them sooner. So flattering and so comfortable, granted the bathroom situation can get a bit precarious after one too many.

Good luck with your shopping!

I checked though and it's going to be 25 in Liverpool on Saturday, which doesn't seem outrageously hot for a dress with sleeves, depending on the weight of it (especially since you'll be out on the water and then inside). So you might still be able to go with Plan A if you can't find anything you like?

I'll warn you off One Hundred Stars dresses though - I have one in light summery colours and it's see-through, it's literally falling apart at the seams after a couple of wears, and it gapes so much at the armholes that my bra is easily visible from the side. A total bust, and I'm a big fan of the brand normally.

This is beautiful. I have one and very flattering.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su546985/aw0387#aw0387

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair
if you get stuck ASOS do next day delivery clearly nobody got your style right but for your body type A Line dresses would suit you most. Good luck and have fun x

all of these outfits are fucking awful.

Rude much

It’s a very pretty dress.

Have you looked at asos curve? there’s an olive satin dress that looks really nice

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sophie-embroidered-fit-flare-midi-dress-black-20002680001.html

this one is available in size 20 and has a massive discount.

https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-kacia-embelished-maxi-dress-sage/p111291037

Hi I’m in Liverpool. Do you know about the little house that’s actually a clothes shop. I forget what area it’s in but I’m sure the name is something wardrobe. They have lovely stuff there for plus size. I wish I’d seen your post last week I have just had a massive clear out because I’ve lost a load of weight. I was size 18 to 20 so donated a lot of stuff that I’ve worn last year or so at events/weddings. I’ve literally just donated a green jumpsuit I wore to my sisters wedding. Other than that shop if you don’t want to go to town, try edge lane. There’s next, river island and a really good H&M. Don’t bother with Speke it’s awful. Went today got a t shirt. Good luck!

Following!
Im shorter than you but having a similar issue for a work black tie event.
Feel like cancelling

I really liked this, posting anyway although I read updates.

This is extremely flattering doesn’t look too leopard (not a huge fan either) but strikes a balance as currently very on trend.

https://scampanddude.com/products/button-midi-dress-blue-with-black-floral-leopard-

Ghost always very flattering cuts but usually need to size up, this has non wedding vibes

https://www.ghost.co.uk/haisley-crepe-collared-midi-tea-dress-d10g019-k06

Or

Non chintzy strawberries dress

If you always end up feeling a bit out of place suggest to steer a bit out of your comfort zone, as long as it fits well.

I would wear mine to a wedding but with pointed sling backs to play up the oriental vibe.

There is a quick ship option with Shein . I've had some nice things this summer and they actually give you all the measurements before you order .

That one you have linked is beautiful!

Good luck with your shopping trip. If you don't have any luck, give collectif a try. Really lovely vintage style dresses with pockets, always handy on a long day. They have a sale on too. This ones a bargain https://www.collectiflondon.com/products/jade-tropical-oasis-swing-dress

Whereas your alternative suggestion for the OP is amazing ... oh, wait, you haven't posted one 😄

Shops are a bit dire at the mo, I be tempted to order some stuff on next day delivery as back up. Fingers crossed Op that you find something on your shopping trip though.

Similar shape and height. I’m liking a cropped trouser and top option with a short kimono from 100 stars (already mentioned).https://onehundredstars.co.uk/products/trailing-blossom-black-crepe-kimono
The long kimonos I haven’t tried but fear at 5ft3 would swamp.
I’m tempted with ordering this dress.https://onehundredstars.co.uk/products/crane-olive-string-dress
could work well
for you event on hot day.
Some of the dresses mentioned are very formal and frankly a bit old for you. If it’s going to be hot you don’t want to be In anything structured or anything too heavy and non breathable fabric.

Have you seen Laura Adlington on Instagram ? I love so many of the outfit she tries on (although she’s size 26 and pregnant) but has a lot of nice outfits.

I quite like this one under her “August links”

Never fully dressed: Tilly dress. Either the short or the long version look amazing on any size.