What on earth can I wear to a 40th? (Short and fat)

[ADress]

Lovely people who have helped me so often in the past… I’m in dire need.

I’m short, 5’3” and now probably more of a size 18 bottom half, large tummy but lacking those fabulous large boobs some people have to allow tops to skim their tummies. So somewhere 16-18 top half. Very short in the body. No waistline.

I’m late 40s and have completely blobbed out over the last eight months. Every part of me is flabby. I’ve no idea how to even begin to dress for my shape or look good.

But there’s a 40th I’ve been invited to next month and I don’t know what to wear. Smart casual. I want to look nice but not stand out. Low budget because I doubt I’ll need to wear these things again, but could spend a little for a decent pair of trousers and top of they are versatile.

The only thing I can think of which I own that still fits which may be of help is a pair of slim fit black jeans, but I don’t think they’re all that flattering. I don’t think anything is anymore!!

Any suggestions please?

I agree that a plain outfit could work well. I would get something plain and accessories too and make up and I would book an appointment to get my hair professionally blow dried, so it was really dressy.

Those Tallulah and Hope dresses are lovely! A new brand to me

I’m tall and fat, but browsing away 😄

Short chubster in my 40s here too and I'd rarely opt for trousers as it's so hard to find comfortable ones at the right length and it's impossible to disguise a big belly in trousers in my experience.

I'm a huge fan of Never Fully Dressed as they do fabulous prints and a wide range of sizes. For this do I'd go for a wrap skirt and a lovely shirt/blouse. They have some gorgeous sequin wrap skirts which are so comfortable on a bloated tummy and it will still fit if you're a bit bigger or smaller on any particular day. I've got a couple and a few of the blouses. They're not cheap full price off the website but they're often on Vinted as people buy them for special occasions and sell on. I was sad to see you say you're unlikely to wear something nice again but thought separates would give you more flexibility in the future for mixing up with the rest of your wardrobe - I've worn the shirts tied over a dress, loose over a cami and shorts in the summer, under a jumper in the winter, with jeans for smart casual etc. And the sequin skirts I've jazzed up for events with a fancy top or I've worn to concerts and bars with a t shirt.

Not this exact one but as an example of what to search for: Red Sequin Mini Jaspre Skirt – Never Fully Dressed or this one includes a photo of a size 18 model in the longer skirt, the mini skirt isn't mini on me, it's to just above my knees so looks fine: Sequin Maxi Wrap Jaspre Skirt – Never Fully Dressed

If cost is a consideration, I'd usually suggest looking on the hire apps but honestly, I've found the options so limited for a 5'1" size 18 I'd go to vinted first.

What aboutJoe Browns very boho but lovely dresses tops etc (they started doing larger sizes recently)
Or Sosander do some frocks in petite length but up to a size 18 or 20.
Check out the outlet part for reduced items.

Great advice.I would also add just going to a big marks and Spencers and trying things on.I think a silk blouse,some boot cut jeans with boots and nice jewellery would look lovely.

Trouser suit/ jump suit with heels?
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su870637/aw8716

Next month I think the OP said, but aside from that all very relevant!

Modern, maybe - but I think I'd agree with @1offnamechange that it will skew the OP's proportions (in a negative way) unless done very carefully. Personally I think the opposite - a jacket on the shorter side with trousers on the longer side would create better proportions. If she has a short body/longer legs she should work with that not conceal it?

I can feel a diagram coming on ... 🤔

I think New Look can be a good place to buy dramatic party type clothes which are inexpensive. I wouldn’t go Vinted as you cannot try it on. It will be a nuisance to resell it. It be better to go into a changing room with lots and just try different things.

From OP’s description of herself, that would not be flattering!

Would look like a lampshade on a short person imo.

I have worn this outfit. I don’t look like a lampshade.

I think it’s really nice!

No. Cos you can still see her long legs, but skims over any lumps and bumps at the sides. And looks modern

I agree this looks dreadful and would show every bump!

Cos do a great line in over sized flattering midi dresses that you just put on with a big chunky necklace, lipstick & heels & they look fab. I have bloating issues and these are very easy to wear.

a bit of a rude post if you ask me, people are only trying to help and everyone has different tastes.
So what do you suggest she wears then?

I’m short and dumpy. My go to is black trousers, a black vest (to iron out bumps), and a floppy black blouse- worn with boots. Then I wear really nice jewellery, usually in coloured glass, to jazz it up. I make sure my hair is shiny, and my make up looks good.

I’m no longer comfortable wearing patterns.

If you don’t mind me asking where do you normally shop? I feel there isn’t a lot of choice for this body shape and after ideas, especially the ‘short’ bit! thanks 💕

Perhaps it is - I'm sorry. Though I didn't think it was markedly ruder than other's comments! But you're right, it was unnecessary.

I'll return with suggestions! (And then you are welcome to criticise ... !!)

A daily outfit for me - especially (ALWAYS) the lipstick!! Beautiful big earrings rather than necklace for me, usually. And COS is just one of many places for those kinds of dresses - which are a godsend for apple shapes, whatever their height, IMO.

I'll post some later (especially after my - probably deserved - slap on the wrist from @MID50s !!!).

I reckon a nice trouser suit with a satin or silk camisole top would look good OP. Go for high waisted trousers and a blazer jacket that is cropped - this will elongate your torso and make you look slimmer.

Pair with heels and choose an outfit in a dark fabric, this will also have a slimming effect.

Have fun and I'm sure you'll look absolutely gorgeous! x

I prefer H&M for similar - though it's probably dearer overall?

I love Vinted/eBay as I know what brands I like & which ones suit me, plus my size in them. I've been buying clothes from eBay for 22 years now (yikes!!!). But I appreciate that the OP sounds entirely perplexed as to what to wear at all, let alone what brands & her size in them, due to her recent weight gain.

But if she tries on & likes, say, clothes by One Hundred Stars, it's a great way of picking them up cheaply as their styles & shapes don't vary really - just the patterns?

Also, oversized/non-fitted clothing is much easier to take a risk on? And she mightn't be too bothered re selling on? (Mind you, I tell myself that - but have a pile of stuff to list & am procrastinating like hell about it ... 😁!!)

I think things still have to fit, no matter if you have put on a bit of weight. No one wants to be pictured at their cousin Helen’s fortieth wearing an ill fitting sack. I might be size 16 but it doesn’t mean I want to acquire any oversized/non fitted clothing.

Do not go to marks and Spencer if you are not a very confident clothes shopper, still loads of very dated stuff there