Dress for a lumpy body.

[NormasArse]

Hi,

I’m looking for an occasion dress, but having recently been diagnosed with an under active thyroid, I’m realising that despite my best efforts, I’m not going to lose weight anytime soon. I’ve gone from a 12 to a lumpy 14 (not all 14s are lumpy!).

Problem areas are stomach and back, especially my back- it’s in rolls 😕.

I don’t want something tent shaped, but I don’t have a great waist.

I like long sleeves, but either bell, or balloon. Love soft fabrics, but prefer natural looking ones rather than mesh or lace.

Im naturally a redhead, but it’s softened to a strawberry blonde as I’ve aged (I’m 59).

Not a fan of shape wear- I like something kind of bohemian, possibly 70s inspired.

Ive seen some amazing advice on here, so I’m really hoping you can help!

Oh, no black or white- it’s for a wedding. My shoes are these…

Thank you for reading!

Bumpy for lumpy!

I know you said you like soft fabric but a more structured dress will skim over and not cling into the bumps (I have them too). I've picked up a fit and flare slightly heavy linen dress with a cotton voile lining which is really flattering because it just keeps it's shape. Possibly this is similar https://www.phase-eight.com/product/esme-linen-dress-10006380300.html but more boho. Stay away from thin and stretchy fabric basically.

That’s very pretty! Thank you!

I’d like long sleeves though.

What's your budget? Any colours you really like, or colours to avoid?

I just bought one of these (different pattern, mine seems to have disappeared from the site). I’m a 12-14 with gigantic boobs and it’s very boho and flattering.

onehundredstars.co.uk/products/crane-olive-string-dress?_pos=17&_sid=9244980a4&_ss=r

Hmm …

I’d say you want a Nobody’s Child dress if you don’t want to spend much money:

https://www.nobodyschild.com/collections/dresses?sort_by=Price+High+to+Low

Or something from Me & Em if you can spend more. Don’t know which to pick as an example:

https://www.meandem.com/dresses

Get the right size and you won’t need shapewear. Buy the size to skim and have it tailored if necessary.

Although - your shoes suggest Joanie:

https://joanieclothing.com/clothing/dresses.html

A specified budget would help!

Up to £200, but the cheaper the better! 😁

Oh sod it I just bought this one too 🤣

Some lovely dresses on here:
https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/pink-abstract-tilly-dress

Have you tried wearing a slip under dresses? Not control wear, just a good old fashioned slip? They somehow make dresses glide over any lumps and bumps.

What colours do you like? Do you want print or no print? Midi or maxi?

Soft greens, blues, pinks…

I don’t want any animal print, but I do like flowers- not huge ones though.

I loved the look of this dress, but they haven’t got it in my size and I’m not sure whether it would’ve looked right, being a stiffer fabric. I think I perhaps need something with a bit more of a forgiving waist.

Im not used to being this size/shape yet, so I haven’t found my groove.

Sorry- photos won’t load…

Silk, in the sale and in your size. You could put a belt with it. They've got other sale dresses but lots are sold out except in smaller sizes but worth looking through their stuff @NormasArse .
https://nrbyclothing.com/collections/sale-50-off/products/gracelyn-silk-etched-square-dress?_gl=16mnj06_upMQ.._gsMQ.._gaMzQ2ODEyOTM4LjE3NDk1NzY0NDM._ga_EJZWHJZ4RL*czE3NTUzMjI5NjIkbzEwJGcxJHQxNzU1MzIyOTc3JGo1MyRsMCRoMTIzMDg2Mzc4MA..&gclid=CjwKCAjwtfvEBhAmEiwA-DsKjmelOv6x3t2WH55lMXHVM-2g6b7O6E0LrzAFU8vfb-kzTtjnK4MtsxoCNboQAvD_BwE

Okay, here are some options…

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/soft-pink-v-neck-midaxi-erin-bridesmaids-dress-d242871pnk

https://prettylavish.co.uk/products/jade-pleated-maxi-dress-olive-and-fuchsia-petal-floral

https://www.omnes.com/products/raphaela-dress-in-green-floral-print

https://www.johnlewis.com/rewritten-florence-waterfall-hem-satin-wrap-dress/sage-green/p5890070 - (comes in pinks too)

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-petite-bamboo-leaves-gathered-dress-blue-multi/p113191179

how about any of these??

Size 14 left…

https://prettylavish.co.uk/products/primrose-kimono-sleeve-maxi-dress-olive-floral

I love that! Sadly, I don’t think it’s the right thing for this occasion (my son’s wedding, although it is an informal one), but I might get it anyway!

That is stunning.

Unfortunately, it’s exactly the same shape as my DIL’s wedding dress though!!

I like the green in one of those.

I have a really short décolletage, so anything low is extra low on me- I probably should’ve thought of that in my original post 🤦‍♀️

I am very grateful for the time and suggestions that you’re offering. Thank you so much.

That’s such a shame. It seems to perfectly fit the brief, haha

kitristudio.com/products/megan-pistachio-tulip-jacquard-maxi-dress

www.stories.com/en-gb/product/jacquard-maxi-dress-light-blue-1271103001/

www.nobodyschild.com/products/poppy-delevingne-blue-ruffle-midi-dress-d253532blu

I highly recommend getting whatever you buy in a loser fit and having it tailored.

I get most of my ‘nice’ clothes altered at a local place, as I have a very short body and tend to be swamped in the size of dress that I need to flatter my (lumpy bumpy) shape.

example, the 12 will fit my shoulders , arms etc but will not skim my back and tummy, but cling to them.

the 14 will skim the bits I don’t want to highlight, but will be massive in the shoulders and possibly too long.

when altered , i get the best of both worlds.

it doesn’t cost much and is a game changer!