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.

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/chocolate-plisse-desiree-dress-petite

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/pink-and-red-jacquard-tilly-dress

How about this?

Oliver Bonas sale on lots of lovely dresses.
Me & Em also on sale.
Don’t hide go for bold pattern & good quality fabric and cut. You’ve got this. No one else will notice.

Can I suggest that if you have time spend some of your budget on a new fabulous bra in the right size. It really can make such a difference to the look of an outfit for bigger chested women. (I've already had a breast reduction and uplift years ago so know how it feels).

I just bought 2 new bras, went to Bravissimo and got properly fitted. I knew I was wearing the wrong size as I've also put on quite a bit of weight. but I was a bit stunned to go down a back size from 36 to 34 and up from a F cup to a GG! And they feel comfortable and not too tight.

Bravissimo do have stores in Liverpool if that helps, or or see if there is one closer to home. Honestly, it's well worth the investment (and don't go to M&S, they don't fit you properly and rely on measuring whereas Bravissiimo judt look at you, estimate your size from experience and then make you try on loads of bras!)

I hope you find a dress that makes you feel good! I've also been suffering with not feeling great about the weight gain so I sympathise.

Nobody's Child have some nice occasion dresses

https://www.nobodyschild.com/collections/occasion-dresses

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair I feel for you. I am currently a size 20 and coming down from a size 24, so know exactly how you feel. I have 2 more stone to lose. You could try having a look here, or JD Williams or Ambrose Wilson online. They do bigger sizes and although I wouldn't wear a lot of the stuff as they wouldn't suit me, I have got some really lovely stuff over the years
Size 20 Dresses | Kaleidoscope

Sorry you're feeling that way OP try Karen Millen there's loads in the sale as well and Goddiva which is cheaper but I've had a couple of dresses for events and they fit well.

Sale link KM

I have recently lost some weight, but I was a size 20, with what sounds like a similar figure. Larger bust, small waist and large lower stomach/hips, and im 5"4. I love a vintage style with a blet to nip in the waist.

Have a look a lady v london, especially the lyra dress. Flattering wrap style top, i use an old pearl earring to pin the wrap slightly higher so its less booby.

There's also some lovely vintage style dresses in hellbunny xx

Actually yes but I haven’t found one where I like the colour/ trousers. I’ve got a bit of overhang and some seem that the waistcoat stops just above and will accentuate it.

Had anyone mentioned Scamp and Dude scampanddude.com/collections/dresses/products/lilac-with-black-and-pink-leopard-ray-tie-front-maxi-dress

Have you tried Hobbs? Some of their dresses are gorgeous.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-thea-tie-belted-dress/0125-5303-9045L04-SAGE-GREEN.html

https://www.hobbs.com/product/petite-mia-spot-dress/0225-5382-9045L04-IVORY-BROWN.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=58&cgid=clothing-dresses&isSecondPage=false&pid=0225-5382-9045L04-IVORY-BROWN&pos=76

Anthropologie also have some lovely dresses. I like these ones personally!

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/the-carolita-printed-tiered-shirt-dress-jordan-nickson-edition?category=dresses-maxi-midi&color=048&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/maeve-sleeveless-seamed-midi-slip-dress?category=dresses-maxi-midi&color=021&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

www.freemans.com/products/yours-curve-black-amp-white-paisley-print-wide-leg-jumpsuit/_/A-39D056_22?PlusSize=true&PFM_rsn=browse&PFM_ref=true&PFM_psp=own&PFM_lpn=6

I actually love ❤️ that, I bet that would look lovely on you OP 😍

Thank you. That’s very similar to the blue one I posted above that I’ve lived in all summer. So flattering but unless I wore very high heels (which I definitely couldn’t do all day and night anymore!) it would be too casual.

I've been debating getting one for ages! Maybe I should just do it!

Next day, order before midnight
Navy Petite Floral Print Belted Shirt Dress
https://www.roman.co.uk/floral-print-stretch-shirt-dress-14684460

I have one of the One Hundred Stars long kimonos and over something black (e.g. sleeveless loose jumpsuit) it's my go to "hot day, can't think what to wear" outfit. I always have a nice time in it and it's enough of an effort that people say "ooh that's nice, where did you get that" or "is that one of the One Hundred Stars kimonos, I have one too and I love mine." You can wear flat sandals and nice makeup and just some hoop earrings or whatever and then just crack on with having a nice evening.

Slightly longer waistcoat? https://www.hobbs.com/product/groombridge-linen-waistcoat/0125-4085-9094L00-IVORY-NAVY.html?cq_src=googleads&cqcmp=20413593267&cqnet=x&cqplt=gp&utmsource=google&utmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=20413593267&gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=20418479495&gbraid=0AAAAADC5o-I9aBNpAw9s8g6DzIy63qBB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJSL9fpNwVuIPgCzdlP-vu6PmSvRKguAhcy2w-6rtDbDsFl9zwZ4eMaAi9PEALwwcB

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-tailored-longline-waistcoat/camel/p112014172?size=10&sppc=2dxmixedfashionBAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=20158969600&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1yL1cLkRjiKUo6jZvc4y9Laf&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzOvEBhDVARIsADHfJJQZaIPTAQJFwLYe8erxZ9r4P3liQ5NUrCbtq0JMajyMNy-cm2kh9YaAkm0EALwwcB

This one has a square top which is similar to the dresses you liked. https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-lottie-linen-blend-waistcoat-brown/p113369292

Have a look at Next, it will be delivered by Saturday. What about a trouser/top combo?

A few people have mentioned scamp and dude and I know lots of people (especially more curvy women) swear by them but it’s not quite my style. I’m not a fan of too much leopard or neon although I do like colour. I find large prints too busy and geometric shapes are never quite right.

I was just coming in to suggest Love and Roses dresses from Next… I am 5‘2“, with a larger bust and a tummy I don’t like to draw attention to and I like their dresses on. I always get compliments. A great tip I got in a boutique was, if there’s a tie belt - try tying it at the back rather than the front. Sometimes with a tummy when you tie a belt at the front, you can feel a bit tied up like a parcel. When you tie it at the back it gives you that waist definition. Good luck OP, let us know how you get on x

This is gorgeous and I'm going to buy it, there are only 2 left. Power of MN

I think you're going at this the wrong way OP and instead of finding the perfect dress for your shape, I think you should go to New Look and get something more current

I absolutely love ❤️ this dress. Thinking of buying this!

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/cream-paisley-print-short-sleeve-midi-shirt-dress/p/929185011

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/apricot-navy-floral-print-midi-shirt-dress/p/938981641

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/blue-stripe-print-tie-front-shirt-dress/p/917289549
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/brown-leopard-print-midi-shirt-dress/p/919376929

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-zebra-print-puff-sleeve-shirt-dress/p/916950709

I reckon the right jumpsuit would work in all those venues.
Joe Brown do them up to an 18. They come up long so Petite is advisable...
Just looked and there was a cute one for £55. Trudy Ditsy - in black with pretty blue flowers.

There was also a gorgeous green one on sale with a tie waist but it was cord - probably too hot.
Alternatively if you fancy the linen/waistcoat have a look at Kit and Caboodle. You could order it tonight and it might well get to you in Liverpool by the end of the week.
Best of luck!