invitation says "day dress" for women - been shopping only come back with sore feet - HELP!

[rey]

I must cover up as much as possible (feeling fatter than ever and can't lose weight) but want to look nice - any ideas?

I would consider that to mean 'smart-casual', ie not evening or cocktail dress, and would probably end up in a pretty summer frock with a cardie or light jacket over. A tailored top will be flattering.

Cvering up - does that mean legs as well?

Nearest I've got to it is a black jacket and skirt with bright top! I looked awful in all the dresses I tried on. I've been told no strappy dresses and nothing above the knee with my figure that suits me just fine I thought but hours later I come back with nothing. Can't find a dress to go with a light jacket or a jacket to go with a dress!

What shape are you rey? Size, norks, waist? budget?

M&S per una is full of lovely day dress types - at least the one near me is.
I'm a big girl and i managed to find a lovely linen/floral for £39, which i think is good. I dont much like my arms so a fitted jacket or something over the top would make it even better.

Have you tried bravissimo? They do clothes now and have a few dresses designed with curves in mind.

Try charity shops - millions of gorgeous and smart dresses in there. You could get two and see which one you fancied on the day. You could get the jacket too and still be quids in.

Size? I'm a 20, and for that sort of thing I would probably look at Monsoon first of all.

I got a gorgeous party dress at Principles couple of years ago. I almost didn't buy it because I felt I looked matronly and stout in it, and in any case it was a weird beige and black combo. But, hey, I'm fat - so what? Nothing I wear is going to make me look sylph-like and slender. At least in this dress I may have been matronly and stout, but I was also elegant. So you may need to rethink your own opinions! Can you take a friend with you? Or take advantage of personal shopping services which many large department stores provide for free (you only pay for the items you buy).

Have a peek at this thread. Might give you some ideas.

I'm a size 18
thanks for the link PC
I couldn't find anything at M&S that wouldn't show the lumps. If there is a dress at Monsoon I like, it's never in my size so it makes me feel even worse as I love their stuff.

PrettyC - I usually take a 20 too, and was delighted/surprised to fit into the 18's in PerUna
It's really depressing when you cant find anything to fit - or find anything nice in the big sizes. I have a family wedding at the end of August, and have been putting off looking for something suitable.

Accept the lumps. They are part of you and they are not going to go away unless you either diet or wear a full-body corset! It doesn't matter if you have lumps if they are beautifully dressed lumps.

I'm not advocating being fat, I know I have to lose weight, but there's no point hating yourself.

Though a pair of Spanx always helps .

Last time I struggled into a corset you don't want to know what happened! I've never understood do you buy the size you are or the size you want to be? The size I am never seems to squeeze anything the size I want to be well therein lies a tale!

rey - I've just bought a dress in monsoon. I'm an 18, but usually a Monsoon 16. However, I tried on 4 dresses in a 16 that wouldn't even do up, then the last one fitted perfectly! So it might be worth a trip there and try some different sizes if they don't have your normal size.

Or you could go for some smart cropped trousers with a fitted jacket to match? Saw a lovely top in Per Una, will try and link to it www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B0017R7210/ref=pd_sbs_2/026-5465943-6147636?ie=UTF8&mnSBrand=core. This looks like it would be very flattering for a bigger size (have ordered one online but not got it yet). They do it in lots of colours too. The pinky/lilac one would look lovely with smart grey cropped trousers and smart sandals/flip flops.

Many thanks surprise I'll try your suggestions.

I'm a size 18. Have just bought a nice flowery summer dress in Dorothy Perkins. Yes, it shows one or two of the bumps. But my three year old gasped and said "mummy, you look beautiful", so that's good enough for me

Get a dress you like and some REALLY nice shoes and wear them with confidence. Everyone will be more worried about what they look like than what you look like.