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 love Monsoon!

It sits on the knee for me, I'm probably about a foot shorter than that model.

Goodness a mountain of dresses suggested that are just the same really long and shapeless and boring and hot! Op why not go for a jumpsuit if that’s what suits you. Or perhaps some wide leg trousers, a corset style top and a shirt to put over. This is my summer look and although more casual something about it says sophisticated. Sparkle it up with some banging shoes and jewels and get ya make up done and you’ll be comfortable.

Jolie Moi will suit your shape. I am the same shape and height as you OP:

www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=jolie%20moi%20dresses&suggestion=true

Scarlet and jo ..my go to

If you feel good in powder blue tones, how about this from Ghost
https://www.ghost.co.uk/lulu-crepe-floral-midi-tea-dress-d10g040-z76

I've recently discovered Finery, they have some lovely dresses

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair The 100 Stars site has some lovely things like the previous suggestion of the stork dress.
They are really cool and light.
Avoid polyester and my advice would be do not wear elastic "control type" anything , it so dreadfully uncomfortable in the heat.
It sounds like you have a lovely personality (coming across in your posts) so I am sure you will have a great time whatever you decide to wear.

Great suggestion, and I agree definitely no polyester!

I’d go for something really plain and dress it up. Something like this?

https://www.masai.co.uk/dresses/nebili-dress/1003977.html?dwvar_1003977_color=0001S&pi=3

Then get some bright shoes and jewellery

They also do similar dresses but this might be the best neckline for you if you have big boobs

Sorry, but there are some bonkers suggestions on this thread, I actually checked to see if it was a zombie!

Evans, Debenhams, Bombshell etc?

Have you thought about the waistcoat and loose trousers co-ord combination that is popular this summer? Have a look for one in pale blue online. A waistcoat may nip your waist in but flare over your stomach.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su359899/f14935

I tried on a similar shape dress and the shape was super flattering. I haven't tried this one on but it looks a bit smarter than the one I tried.

Does it have to be a dress? If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish than I would look at separates. Perhaps a satin skirt and oversized T-shirt and lots of jewellery. I always feel a bit more chic in separates than I do flowery dresses even though I do actually love to wear a dress.

My friend is a size 26 and wears dresses from disturbia and she looks fucking amazing all the time!

Scarlett and Jo usually cones up trumps for me though my favourite going out dress is monsoon. I’m similar proportioned to you bar being 3 inches taller so I do understand and women definitely dress up in Liverpool, I felt seriously underdressed when I went for the weekend

I’ve got one of the hundred stars string dresses - I love the fit, and although the material isn’t cotton, it’s quite a cool crepe. I also like the Susani print one, I’ve got that pattern in a long sleeved cotton dress.

These are fun, and in great prints and in cotton. I’ve been tempted but not bought as I worry they’ll be too short on me at 5ft 7 but they might be great for you: https://onehundredstars.co.uk/products/giant-willow-blue-frill-dress

https://onehundredstars.co.uk/products/poppy-red-frill-dress

Given that your original preferred outfit was a (presumably fitted) long sleeve maxi dress, why not just try to recreate that with a sleeveless version and you can wear with sandals, nice earrings, blow dry?

This kind of idea - would probably be longer on you and available in an 18
www.nobodyschild.com/products/red-jersey-gathered-side-amber-midi-dress-d253332red?variant=54345551741313&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NBC-UK-PMax-Shopping-All-All-SE-Sellers&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19541476977&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIXtTi9xQ8UJR7cZVhtmuZ8Ln&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_pDdsPCFjwMVF5RQBh3rcTgOEAQYAyABEgKUn_D_BwE

Hey OP, I’m exactly the same shape as you - right down to the high waist. I’m usually a size 12, currently an 18 postpartum, and I’ve lived in the V by Very Curve maxi dress all summer. The fabric’s lovely and cool, and it just feels effortless and sits at the right point of a high waist:
https://www.very.co.uk/yours-curve-mixed-fabric-midaxi-dress-black/1601127999.prd

I know other posters have suggested some gorgeous patterned dresses, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with a classic black dress like this for an event. It’s the perfect base to dress up. Use any leftover budget to treat yourself to some gold Birkenstocks, gold jewellery, and a great pair of sunglasses. Add red nails and a slick of red lipstick. Think all black Italian summer vibes. You’ll look fabulous!

If you have big boobs i would say opt for v neck. I paint my nails occasionally but don't have false ones nor eyelashes. Even painting my nails makes me feel more polished. It's horrible I know OP. Hope u find something.

I'd buy this one! It's lovely.

Yes it's lovely isn't it. I think they would look really good with nice accessories and shoes, but it could also be dressed down so you could get plenty of wear out of it.

I know the feeling, I have young, whippet thin, glam friends and colleagues but I've realised I'm better off wearing what I know suits me rather than trying to compete with them.

It’s a hen do not a WI tea party! I like this OP www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/vs374

Love this. So many of the options here are verrrry aging IMO

I'm the same size as you and love the hundred stars 'Rachel' tea dresses (size M/L). They look so elegant and are very comfortable. As you have a waist (I don't), you could wear a belt too.