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?

The black trousers and top looks great on you! I’m just wondering if some colour might be good, you’re blonde so you can wear all sorts of wonderful patterns and beautiful, soft colours. I’m not keen on that blue.

How about a dress like this? As far as I know (correct me if I’m wrong) polka dots and patterns actually make you look smaller - because people won’t see you as one big blob of colour, the eyes will sort of see through the pattern instead. I think this one is gorgeous 🤎

please do not wear this. The outfit is beyond one of the ugliest I've ever seen and I'm 52.

Seen update. The black trouser suit is perfect.

And in winter you can wear it with boots and a sweater as shown here:

Couple of ideas for shoes to go with the black outfit:

Or these:

It’s not perfect, the trousers are far too short, they need to be at least an inch to an inch and a half longer, you can see it on the side pic. It cuts her legs off, and makes them look shorter, And the shoes are all wrong too.

wide leg current style is touching the top of your shoe, usually in a drape. These trousers cut off at her ankles. So will sort of flap and look even shorter when she walks.

I don’t think the OP is that bothered about being entirely cutting edge. The trousers are fine on her - not everyone wants trousers to be flapping around their feet and trying to trip them up. I doubt anyone at the party would be judging her, or getting out tape measures.

I agree with this! The trousers are great as they are

the long trousers thing is rubbish: the fashion just now is actually short trousers, so @ADress is right on point

That’s not correct unless you mean cropped. Those trousers are neither Arthur or Martha.

I like the top and love your pink heels.

Scarlett and Jo are my go to for wedding/party clothes. I’m pretty much the same size and shape as you.

OP what are your legs like? Is it worth having an outfit whereby your legs are on show, in tights or whatever? Like a knee length dress etc?