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Original poster

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

403 replies

CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 17:34

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
75
FanofLeaves · 12/08/2025 20:08

Is this the black stork dress?! I’m not getting the love at all, I think it manages to look shapeless and boxy all at the same time. I always think if it doesn’t look good on the model, it’s clearly going to look dire on anyone with less than a perfect body. Clearly I’m in the minority though.

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
TheLeadbetterLife · 12/08/2025 20:10

WombatCowgirl · 12/08/2025 19:50

The other thing you can do, and I speak as someone with similar proportions ( Joan from Madmen from the front, Winnie the Pooh from the side), is reframe everything we were taught about waist emphasis, the importance of everything being flattering ie looking thin- and not prioritise it over everything else. It sounds like you've been enjoying dressing for your colouring. You can show your beautiful bracelets instead of your waist, or your stunning eye colour or shiny hair.

Like you I have worn mostly pencil skirts with a satin shirt, tea dresses, knitted dresses etc to work, anything to cinch that waist, but the compliments from young people came when I consciously broke the mold and wore an oversized linen shirt with a slip skirt and modern flat shoes. I love to see slightly larger young people happy to wear co-ords for instance. You would look like part of the young crowd if you were not in a tea dress or vintage tailoring( much as I love them, but I am older than you).

Alternatively as a dress suggestion the Adele from Fat Face is flowing and cotton but not sack like. Spend some money on shiny earrings and a cute bag and sunglasses.

I agree so much with all of this. Loose or relaxed clothes don't make anyone look fatter, it's a silly idea. You look the size you are in anything, might as well enjoy wearing whatever you fancy.

BatsInSummer · 12/08/2025 20:16

What shape and cut is the long sleeved maxi you were going to wear?
Find similar in cap sleeve or strappy.
Wear black if you are not sure how dressy to be.
Simple black dress in a cut that suits you, in cotton ideally for the weather. Then some fabulous earrings, bright lipstick, and a blow dry/up do by the hairdresser.

Oceangrey · 12/08/2025 20:17

FanofLeaves · 12/08/2025 20:08

Is this the black stork dress?! I’m not getting the love at all, I think it manages to look shapeless and boxy all at the same time. I always think if it doesn’t look good on the model, it’s clearly going to look dire on anyone with less than a perfect body. Clearly I’m in the minority though.

I don't think that's the same one, not 100% sure but they have different dresses in the same print. The one I linked to has drawstrings on the side so can be brought in at the waist.

MyDeftHedgehog · 12/08/2025 20:17

Have a look at what Glenda on Coronation street wears. She's a very curvy lady but always looks fabulous

Analysisandparalysis · 12/08/2025 20:21

Whistles have some great petite jumpsuits - I recently bought this and wore it for a daytime event that ran into the evening. I’m short and curvy / booby like you.

https://www.whistles.com/product/215275.html?

It’s linen so you won’t sweat badly and gentler cropped. I wore simple lowish wedge black sandals.

Red Fiona Linen Button Jumpsuit | WHISTLES | Whistles UK |

Buy Red Fiona Linen Button Jumpsuit | WHISTLES whistles.com. Step into effortless sophistication this spring-summer with our Fiona Linen Button Jumpsuit in a vibrant, eye-catching red hue.

https://www.whistles.com/product/215275.html

SomethingDifferentBloomed · 12/08/2025 20:23

I’ve not gone through all the suggestions so sorry if anyone has already said this but I’m 5’2 and booby and the starlight dresses from nobody’s child are really flattering, they go up to an 18. They do them in different lengths and colours/patterns and sleeve options and they have petite versions of some of the styles. Actually nobody’s child in general is really good for dressier dresses, so they might have something that works even if it’s not the starlight dress.

SoScarletItWas · 12/08/2025 20:27

Epps · 12/08/2025 20:04

It's really gorgeous, I've been eyeing this for months!

Show quote history

I got it for £45 in a little boutique place in my hometown! Couldn’t believe it when I saw it and ran away quickly before they changed their mind 🤣

WTF987 · 12/08/2025 20:31

CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 18:43

I’ve been wearing these dresses a lot this summer and the shape/ colour suits me a lot (I’ve been analysed as a light summer) but they’re too casual.

Can you not 'dress them up' a bit? If it suits you its better you feel confident in something a little less dressy.

Bold accessories, nice shoes.

TheHouseElf · 12/08/2025 20:32

If you have time to look, do check out Melissa (MM Personal Styling) on YouTube (also on Instagram) as she does lots of videos on how to dress for your particular shape, and provides links for clothing feature.

In the meantime, how about this: Ayla Ruffle Jumpsuit | Phase Eight UK |

Ayla Ruffle Jumpsuit | Phase Eight UK |

Ayla Ruffle Jumpsuit

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/ayla-ruffle-jumpsuit-10007890300.html

Bwitched1 · 12/08/2025 20:33

CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 17:34

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.

When is it and give me sizes. I have 42K boobs defined waist mummy tummy and big hips. I have some fabulous outfits and id be happy to send something to you. In fact I have THE perfect dress in mind if your good with black 😊

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 12/08/2025 20:35

Wow, you ladies are amazing with your efforts to help. So nice xx

OP posts:
Wasitabadger · 12/08/2025 20:36

CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 18:09

It’s in Liverpool. The people going always make an effort but aren’t ones for ultra-glam nails, false lashes etc.

Show quote history

Hello OP,
with your budget and size have a look at Oliver Bonas, Phase Eight, Monsoon and French Connection, Sea Salt, Joules and it can be worth a trip to TK MAXX. I am 5’1 with a 36H bust (dislike my arms though). I have lost weight however I have been a size 18/20. It is also worth looking on Vinted and having a few outfits sent to you. Have you thought about a stylish jumpsuit they work well to define the waist area while being comfortable.

WhenIwasyoungersomuchyounger · 12/08/2025 20:37

How about this one from H&M?

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
GravySplodge · 12/08/2025 20:39

raishma.co.uk/products/roxana-dress

PeonyPatch · 12/08/2025 20:39

I think a jumpsuit could fit the brief… and your figure/style.

cunningartificer · 12/08/2025 20:39

Scarlett and Jo are incredibly flattering and some of their long rose patterned ones would be ideal for what you describe. Also cool in the heat!

SoScarletItWas · 12/08/2025 20:39

FanofLeaves · 12/08/2025 20:08

Is this the black stork dress?! I’m not getting the love at all, I think it manages to look shapeless and boxy all at the same time. I always think if it doesn’t look good on the model, it’s clearly going to look dire on anyone with less than a perfect body. Clearly I’m in the minority though.

That’s the Rachel style (but correct print) and yes it’s a sack. You can’t cinch it in either as the big square pockets sit weird if you try.

They style posted upthread and the one I have is the String dress. It has a drawstring from the centre diagonally out to both sides, so you pull it in as much as you want / need, to create the waist.

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