How to look cool when you're fat?! Party outfit help please!

[AnotherEmma]

I'm about to turn 40 and embracing it by throwing a party in a cocktail bar. I want a cool outfit but the problem is that I'm fat. I've been losing weight but slowly and am still a size 16 (in dresses and tops) or 18 (trousers).

I would love to wear a statement outfit, maybe a jumpsuit or a bold trouser, but the things I'm drawn to - that look great on slim models - would just look awful on me. I don't want to play it safe either and just look boring and frumpy. Help!

(I have huge boobs so can't wear high neck tops or dresses - need a v neckline preferably. I'd like jewel or metallic colours.)

You read my mind!! I love Esska shoes!

I am a size 18 with big boobs and have worn this twice to big parties this year and got a lot of compliments. It feels a very high quality dress for the price and looks fab on.

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/dt736?optionColour=MULTI%20PRINT&optionSize=20#colour:Multi%20Print,size:20,?promo=1811&cm_mmc=email--DAL--SE_020_CSO_ORDER_CONFIRM_NEW4-_-prodimage

In case anyone else is looking, Anthropologie have some great things.

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/gifts-partywear

Thank you! It's weird that there are no photos of it on a model. Nice colours.

I ordered this online and I'm pleasantly surprised by how flattering it is:
https://www.whistles.com/product/217095.html
I didn't think I could pull off a jumpsuit but I like this. I'll probably keep it - not to wear to my party (going to stick with the metallic trousers) but I think it'll be perfect for when I want to make a bit of effort but not go all out.

There is a lovely long dress in today's Mail on Sunday magazine page 51 Ageless style from the Arrange range at Asos.com it is £140 and it is a lovely shade of blue.

Hi. If I were you I would look up people whose style I like and start working out what it is they do. Your dress size should be of no consequence when you think of bold colours, jewel colours, makeup choices, hair, shoe types and colours - you can have the best fun! I'd definitely start with pictures of other women and take it from there - have fun!

I have just had a look at the website and the dress seems to £49 amazingly. In fact the website has a lot of dresses at various prices. Personally I would not wear a jumpsuit for a special occasion.

I love the silver trousers and the Esska shoes - you could try Vinted for sandals like that, I’ve got a black velvet and a bronze metallic pair, both Hobbs, brand new and very cheap and the algorithm shows me there are lots in a similar style. If it suits you it’s such a versatile style and pretty comfortable.

Love the pink top too but not sure it would work with the trousers for an hourglass shape. And I don’t like the cobalt blue for the jumpsuit but if it’s your colour, it could be good. I think blues like that can be a bit ‘staff uniform’.

What about this with black wide tailored trousers:
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/silence-noise-fia-metallic-top2?color=070&searchparams=q%3Dmetallic%2520top

Do you mean this?
www.asos.com/arrange/arrange-satin-drape-maxi-dress-in-cobalt-blue/prd/208151575#colourWayId-208151576

I didn't order the pink top in the end as I couldn't see myself wearing the colour. What kind of top do you think would work with the trousers?

Cobalt blue does suit me but it doesn't feel special enough for this occasion. Definitely want a bit of shine or sparkle.

I might be wrong but I think that top would look awful on most women with curves - it looks good on the model but I can't see that it would be very forgiving of my size 16 stomach!!

I think something with a bit of shape or stretch that emphasises your waist/ can be gently tucked in. This is dramatic and a lovely colour - although perhaps not right for you if your colouring suits cobalt

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-drape-neck-cap-sleeve-top-containing-tencel-lyocell/fig/p114062566

this is crazy but I think in a good way and though it’s black it’s soft enough not to be too blocky

https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-mesh-round-neck-cape-detail-top/p114308435

if your shoulders are good this could be amazing

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-jessy-off-shoulder-top-black/p114425362

John Lewis has a lot of interesting tops - some are a bit ‘Christmas party’ but plenty of ideas anyway.

I have seen a few people wearing sequin wide leg trousers this year which have looked fab on them