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.

I am a size 16 apple shape (most of my excess weight is on my stomach) and wore this recently- it’s v flattering.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adrianna-Papell-womensAP1D103031Short-Chiffon-Short-Sleeve/dp/B0846K775K/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=3ESR9MC4N7UNU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9IIKKCib-KKkXOFyFfJDZosEXVQRtAbdBCAiGuEe43TTzfToB0FBotW6_lRe2JFgi-7h6sXFrOGs4zchbmCLJKZU1kDzMoORNV8ums170tO608w9AUVNg4FBukR1HDUQWgGkUsWRwgJEEkjJZ_FAfOM3vIsvRhZS0Hyuf46pncM6bUgtd6AVQOaDrFc2FqJfWPK5K7L3BkRzXGSBF6z7KMM2tTyI6qEdRmjMTI5jNirjZbfcv0vECotPT3MBGRCQvYU52Qtgx60st4ZnO042DTsBWkBQXpAP-jgXCNdCvuY.zKt7hUkC4bK_XUrno3fJFfEvNZl-rmWuQgunjn5_5B4&dib_tag=se&keywords=adrianna+papell+dresses+uk+blue&qid=1755020784&sprefix=adrianna+papell+dresses+uk%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-5

This is lovely.

Agree, OP is only 39, and the event sounds more of a casual vibe than wedding-guest vibe.

Edit: duplicate post

Boden?
eg https://www.boden.com/products/natalia-jersey-tea-dress-rich-emerald-wildflower

This from Dolly & Dotty?

Ancient Earth and Manners London both cater beautifully (in different ways) for all shapes and sizes of bodies.

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-rose-print-lace-trim-mesh-midi-dress/p/935114509

I’ve got this black stork dress! Bloody love it. Get so many compliments when I waft around like a 20s starlet between shoots.

I would avoid maxi dresses - they can make you look much bigger than you are unless they have a cinched in waist
A midi dress with a cinched in waist, which allows for room on your boobs, and which has a wider skirt would look great on you whilst accentuating your waist and hiding your tummy

How about this block colour blue Whistles dress It's simple and stylish and similar in shape to the ones you say suit you. I think it's really elegant and you could dress it up with a good pendant or earrings and shoes.

Look at Bombshell “confident” dresses. I think the shop closed but you might find them online on Vinted etc.

Thank you. I do agree that I would feel a bit out of step in some of the suggestions even if they’re nice. I like this dress but know it would be too low cut and I think camis just ruin the look.

Lovely

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-rose-print-lace-trim-mesh-midi-dress/p/935114509

Hush (available in a size 18)
https://www.hush-uk.com/grace-air-flow-v-neck-maxi-dress-palm-print-chocolate/011762-4780.html

I'm 4'11 with massive whoops and a size 20, and I swear by Joanie, theyve got some fab dresses for plus size.

This is why when you find it difficult to buy clothes you should learn to sew! Then you can adapt clothing g to fit or make your own!

Anyway, I googled your dimensions ans they came up with this website and here’s an example of one of their dresses -

https://www.curvewow.com/collections/all/products/curvewow-angel-sleeve-tie-back-maxi-dress-mono-smudge?variant=45834467868898

DH bought me a silk stork dressing gown from them years ago. I love it. I feel like a fading Hollywood star in it.

That Monsoon dress is gorgeous!

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/quiz-blue-wrap-textured-midi-dress/p/934556540

I always recommend the starlight dress by Nobody’s child. Comes in petite, fits at the waist, great for those with boobs. About 20 colour pathways!

This dress : from Muthahood
I'mm 5'3, 18-20, it's almost ankle length on me. Very cool fabric, defined under the bust, quite low cut - will flatter big boobs. The XL fits me perfectly.
This is in the sale, so will leave money over to get some funky bright platform sandals from Eska. Bling it up with jewellery and red lippy. Lovely for a summers day and into the evening.

Sorry that was about the hundred stars dress.

This is very below your budget and people may scoff on here because it's from Next, but I think this is the most flattering dress I've had for years. It looks awful on the hanger but it's lovely. I've worn it twice in the last two weeks and both times someone asked me where I got it (one was a total stranger in a pub toilet!). I wear it with gold wedges.

Aside from any of that, you sound so down on yourself and I just wanted to say that you sound so lovely, please be kind to yourself.

Would help if I attached the dress .... Sorry!

Buy Black/White Cow Print Textured Drape Tie Front Mini Dress from the Next UK online shop share.google/mrC1I4Ekbue8dX3ez