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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
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FanofLeaves · 12/08/2025 20:40

SoScarletItWas · 12/08/2025 20:39

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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Ahhh I see! Yeah, I thought the one I posted couldn’t be the one everyone was raving about!

Disco2022 · 12/08/2025 20:42

Ah I came to say Scamp and Dude, mostly because of your username Smile. I feel your pain, currently 7 weeks post partum and feel fat and awful in this weather. John Lewis seem to have some nice floaty jumpsuits with shirred top halves which I always think are cool and forgiving.

Nellynoo182 · 12/08/2025 20:42

Have you looked on never fully dressed? Modern dresses and often show the dresses on different sized women so you can see the cut etc

LMumof5 · 12/08/2025 20:43

Tik Tok shop has lots of lovely dresses and outfits in the curve range for very low prices. You could easily get an outfit, shoes and accessories on your budget. It just depends on your taste in clothes/ uniques style.

I hope you are able to find something that you love and feel comfortable in. Xx

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
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
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
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
josa · 12/08/2025 20:44

Have you looked at AX Paris? They have some beautiful dresses in Duck egg colour that would suit your summer colouring. I’m looking on the app so can’t share on here but I love their dresses for special occasions

Wasitabadger · 12/08/2025 20:45

Hope these images may help.

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
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
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
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
Bwitched1 · 12/08/2025 20:45

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.

Just seen the event is Saturday so your quite pushed for time. Id hit boohoo and pay for yearly next day delivery. Order what you think will fit you and suit you and you'll feel confident in. Look at beach maxi dresses as they will be thinner material and very roomy. Ill try find pic of mine . Its just a black beach maxi dress but the cut is really low and so flattering. Asos also haa some really good stuff x

Wasitabadger · 12/08/2025 20:46

Oliver Bonas

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
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
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
PeonyPatch · 12/08/2025 20:46

This would look looovely with gold, or light pink accessories:

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/jumpsuits-and-playsuits/jumpsuits/girl-in-mind/trisha-tailored-waistcoat-jumpsuit-dark-fuchsia

Ragamuffin8 · 12/08/2025 20:47

I have a similar shape to you OP. I recently found that halter neck maxi dresses surprisingly flattered my shape. It would show off my curves but skim over the tum.

Example from New Look: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-mesh-floral-print-cowl-halterneck-maxi-dress/p/929998109

Another NW example: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/womens-race-dresses/red-rose-print-halterneck-mesh-midi-dress/p/919991669

Stradivarius example: https://www.stradivarius.com/gb/textured-halter-midi-dress-l06262698?colorId=660&xs=13&pelement=453218481

DrizzleMemory · 12/08/2025 20:49

I love this colour. And it’s 100% cotton.

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
Original poster
CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 20:49

Daisyvodka · 12/08/2025 19:55

Oooh how do you feel about square necks? (Sorry if ive missed it and you hate them) do you have a balconette bra?
Abercrombie and Fitch do larger sizes and petite sizing, how about this? The neckline isnt as low as you might think in reality, its got great thick straps to cover a bra and fully adjustable, the material is a good thickness but stretchy, and they do it in other colours/prints. They do your size in petite. If you search for the Mila dress they have lots of different length/style options of the same neckline.
The A&F Mila Midi Dress
And in red floral and there's a few other colours, but search in the search bar for 'Mila' or 'dress' then filter by size/length as i find some stuff doesnt show in the categories on their site properly once it goes into the sale! They have denim options too which with a belt would look great.
This is also stunning and comes in your colours/size/petite but might be too much for daytime depending on the vibe?
A&F Giselle

I think the Giselle would actually be the most in keeping with the vibe but I absolutely must wear a bra.

OP posts:
Foolsgold74 · 12/08/2025 20:50

CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 19:42

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.

Scroll back over Sara Davies instagram page and you'll see lots of these dresses being tried on. Might give you some inspiration.

DrizzleMemory · 12/08/2025 20:50

I would really avoid synthetic fabrics in this heat if possible!

Original poster
CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 20:50

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.

This definitely resonates!

OP posts:
Original poster
CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 20:52

DinoLil · 12/08/2025 19:56

Oh bless your cottons!! I'm exactly the same and it spoils events that I was really looking forward to.

I'm enormous and clothes and outfits are such an issue.

I've gone a bit mad on Vinted this past weekend trying to get outfits for autumn. Dead cheap, no more than £4 or £5. Have you had a look on there? Also, sounds a bit mad, but buying larger clothes second hand makes me feel a bit less lonely. I'm not the only one who is size fat!

I haven’t as I don’t think something would arrive in time. You’re defiantly not alone, there’s lots of us out there, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

OP posts:
Original poster
CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 20:53

HollyGolightly4 · 12/08/2025 19:58

I know you've said you can't go out to try on, but does that include supermarkets? (This is supposing you're somewhere fairly urban!) Because I know you've got up to £200, but I've had some cracking supermarket outfits this summer- Sainsbury's, George at Asda, Tesco. They might not be forever pieces, but you might find something that fits the brief perfectly- there's a lot of loose elegant trousers and coord tops, or plain, if that's not your thing.

Ps. I'm your height and specifically I bought a George jumpsuit that has brought a lot of joy and compliments.

I’d have 2 preschoolers with me so it’s a no
go really but I’m not opposed to supermarket clothes at all.

OP posts:
Redflagsabounded · 12/08/2025 20:53

You like vintage without being mumsy? House of Foxy are great - they've got a few different styles and fabrics with something to flatter every shape I think. how about this one? Good day/night style, I think a good shape for you? https://www.thehouseoffoxy.com/products/1930s-jitterbug-dress-dia-deco

DrizzleMemory · 12/08/2025 20:55

Could you wear this kind of top with a skirt with a great print? They are linen and surprisingly flattering.

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
Original poster
CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 12/08/2025 20:58

Bwitched1 · 12/08/2025 20:33

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 😊

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That’s so kind. I have 36H boobs and am probably a size 20 atm.

OP posts: