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Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.

244 replies

ICanBuyMyOwnFlowers · 16/05/2026 11:19

BACK STORY - ONLY READ IF YOU'RE INTERESTED - It's my daughter's graduation (MSc) in July. The last time I officially saw my (stbex)H was almost 2 years ago at her BSc graduation which fell exactly a month after him informing me that he no longer loved me and was leaving me after 33 years together (26 married) for a much younger Thai lady with smaller boobs, and a smaller bum! (Purely for a historical correctness I did see him month later for the same daughter's 21st where, unfortunately, I begged him to reconsider)😳😥. When I got home I swore I
a) would never do that again (and haven't)
b) wouldn't see him again - unreasonable cos of our kids but have insisted on it so far!

It's now DD2's second graduation. She has 3 tickets. I've said that unfortunately whilst I am definitely getting there I'm still not ready to go through that again. Equally, despite both of us trying really hard, she really felt the tension at her first graduation and doesn't want to have to go through that again either.

I've backed out and said to let her father have the day (he works in Iraq - though obviously not at the moment) so she doesn't get to see him that often and I am doing my best to accommodate etc and actually we've reached a point where we co-parent via text really well (So I do the bulk but he occasionally steps in - but having been the child of divorced parents I have reinforced, to our kids, that they must have time with their father and that both of us love them). But she wants us both. So instead I've suggested that she spend the day with him and I will sneak in and watch her graduate. She's agreed to this. BUT this IS NOT AN AIBU - I am getting there but am frustrated at how slow this all is - I was really. blindsided by it all. It doesn't help that we're still not divorced (he's fighting everything) and thus I'm still in limbo hell.

READ FROM HERE FOR HELPING ME FIND AN OUTFIT.
I need something that makes me believe I look like a million pounds. I will be 57 on the day and am 5ft 3 with a very short torso (so no outfits that are belted around the waist as they simply don't suit me). I have large breasts (30 GG) which can easily look awful (having breast fed 4 kids I HAVE to wear a bra as they now point almost straight down). This means I look good in Empire Line OR body form.

Being short means that many midi dresses are actually maxi on me, but I'm good at hemming. I bought this:

Which made me feel wonderful. But it appears a) she's mortified/horrified as someone my age shouldn't be wearing this (so obviously felt I looked like mutton) and b) she's wearing either yellow or green. She's actually gone and bought something almost identical.

With the currently sunshine (hopefully) I tan very easily and am going olive skinned.

My budget is a maximum of £150.00

I really can't find anything that will make me feel wonderful.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
92
EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 17:45

Coconutter24 · 17/05/2026 17:20

It’s still irrelevant information though.

"The last time I saw my ex was almost two years ago at our daughter's BSc graduation - which fell exactly a month after him informing me that he no longer loved me and was leaving me after 33 years together for a much younger Thai lady with smaller boobs, and a smaller bum."

"I need something that makes me believe I look like a million pounds. I will be 57 on the day of our daughter's second graduation, and am 5ft 3 with a very short torso & large breasts (30 GG) which can easily look awful. I really can't find anything that will make me feel wonderful."

If it's not obvious why it's relevant to her post (& she did say to ignore the back story if preferred), then maybe have a listen to Dolly Parton's Jolene ...?? I think that explains women's deep-seated insecurities & men's careless infidelities better than either I or the OP can!!

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 19:49

@ICanBuyMyOwnFlowers - have a look at Whistles too. They have a petite range, & though normally more than your budget quite a lot is reduced right now.

Is something like a jumpsuit (worn with great footwear & earrings & a really nice jacket) out of your comfort zone? This one has a notch neck & drawstring waist, so you could cinch to fit? Various colours, but I would stick with black or navy & add colour elsewhere.

https://www.whistles.com/product/sleeveless-drawstring-jumpsuit-39954.html

Black Sleeveless Drawstring Jumpsuit | WHISTLES | Whistles UK |

Buy Black Sleeveless Drawstring Jumpsuit | WHISTLES whistles.com. An easy one-piece for effortless dressing, our Sleeveless Drawstring Jumpsuit is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.

https://www.whistles.com/product/sleeveless-drawstring-jumpsuit-39954.html

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 19:54

I like this dress too. It's quite a soft blurry pattern & it has elastane in it so will have quite a bit of stretch, plus it's ruched at the middle. An all-over pattern that's not too in-your-face or overwhelming (as you're wee) could have a bit of a dazzleships camouflage effect with your boobs - ie reduce focus on them!!!

https://www.whistles.com/product/blurred-floral-crepe-dress-41010.html

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 19:56

This too might work, as there are pleats in the bust area? Though again you may need to size up & get the waist taken in. Easy & smart with cream & black & gold.

https://www.whistles.com/product/panel-linen-blend-dress-41126.html

Red Petite Panel Linen Blend Dress | WHISTLES | Whistles UK |

Buy Red Petite Panel Linen Blend Dress | WHISTLES whistles.com.

https://www.whistles.com/product/panel-linen-blend-dress-41126.html

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 20:00

This is down to £49, & seems to have elasticated side panels.

https://www.whistles.com/product/zebra-texture-midi-dress-40114.html

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 20:05

Do you think this might suit your body shape? As it looks like a very matte satin, so fine for daytime - & it could be very lengthening & elegant with heels?

https://www.whistles.com/product/satin-short-sleeve-jumpsuit-40546.html

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 20:19

And this is similar. I would have a good look through the Whistles sale section OP - for your budget you'll get much better quality than the stuff you ordered & returned.

https://www.whistles.com/product/painted-leopard-shirred-dress-36805.html

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
BrickProblems · 17/05/2026 20:22

My clothes are currently deeply tragic so no advice there, but as a fellow post breastfeeding big boob person - you’ll want to get a fantastically well fitting new bra to get those babies hoisted to perfection. Then your new dress will look brilliant. Good luck and I hope he goes home afterwards and cries his eyes out.

Ophir · 17/05/2026 20:41

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 13:38

How about something like this OP, from ReissI know it's a bit above budget (their sale starts late June I think, but that's probably too late?) - but still below £200, & you'd get lots of wear out of it afterwards? And it comes in petite.

Would you have time to try the size up to fit your bust perfectly, & then get the waistline tweaked?

Mix the pink up with red & gold (some suggestions from H&M, Accessorise & Monsoon etc (so not expensive), & it - & you - will look modern & pretty & summery!

https://www.reiss.com/style/su955405/w12558

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1258261002.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/poppy-fringe-kitten-heels-red-1001048402.html

https://www.accessorize.com/uk/beaded-flower-clutch-bag-1001030772.html

https://www.avalaya.com/p/30278/E09059/red-double-flower-drop-earrings-in-matt-finish-50mm-long

I like this look, @EleanorMc67 which surprises me, as I don’t like the dress or the jacket individually! But yes, great look and definitely not sad invisible lady

ICanBuyMyOwnFlowers · 17/05/2026 21:11

Wow @EleanorMc67 that's amazing. Thank you so much. 😘

OP posts:
EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 21:50

Ophir · 17/05/2026 20:41

I like this look, @EleanorMc67 which surprises me, as I don’t like the dress or the jacket individually! But yes, great look and definitely not sad invisible lady

Thanks! I wouldn't say I love any piece individually either. I was just trying to demonstrate to the OP that the dress doesn't need to be super-fancy - the most important & confidence-building thing is, to me, feeling that it fits & flatters one's shape really well. Accessories can make quite plain dresses look brilliant!

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 21:55

ICanBuyMyOwnFlowers · 17/05/2026 21:11

Wow @EleanorMc67 that's amazing. Thank you so much. 😘

You're welcome, OP! Not sure if any of those are your thing - I just linked to the ones in budget that I thought might suit you & the occasion. Plus I think it's worth ordering & trying on some things you mightn't normally consider?

If there is anything in particular you DO like, say so & I'm sure some suggestions for jackets/shoes/jewellery/bags will come your way!

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 22:01

A PP mentioned Ghost dresses, OP. They're usually bias-cut, which can be unforgiving - but their cut might work for you, especially if you go up a size?

https://www.ghost.co.uk/belle-navy-spot-lace-crepe-midi-dress-d12g021-z09

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
bittertwisted · 17/05/2026 22:21

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 13:38

How about something like this OP, from ReissI know it's a bit above budget (their sale starts late June I think, but that's probably too late?) - but still below £200, & you'd get lots of wear out of it afterwards? And it comes in petite.

Would you have time to try the size up to fit your bust perfectly, & then get the waistline tweaked?

Mix the pink up with red & gold (some suggestions from H&M, Accessorise & Monsoon etc (so not expensive), & it - & you - will look modern & pretty & summery!

https://www.reiss.com/style/su955405/w12558

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1258261002.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/poppy-fringe-kitten-heels-red-1001048402.html

https://www.accessorize.com/uk/beaded-flower-clutch-bag-1001030772.html

https://www.avalaya.com/p/30278/E09059/red-double-flower-drop-earrings-in-matt-finish-50mm-long

I love that Reiss dress
im 5’1 with 30FF busters and I would definitely wear that

nothingcangowrongnow · 17/05/2026 23:33

@mamaone11I don’t think she is trying to point score. She is feeling vulnerable and wants to dress well to give herself confidence during an event which is going to be challenging.

EleanorMc67 · 17/05/2026 23:38

bittertwisted · 17/05/2026 22:21

I love that Reiss dress
im 5’1 with 30FF busters and I would definitely wear that

Busters??!! Is that slang for boobs? If so I've learnt something new today!

EleanorMc67 · 18/05/2026 00:01

Lots of other Ghost dresses in the sale that might work, OP? Not sure of your size, so don't know which of these in stock for you.

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
EleanorMc67 · 18/05/2026 00:01

And others from the Ghost sale.

Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
Child's graduation but seeing (stbex)H so need something drop-dead gorgeous  but elegant and wont make me look like mutton.
lobeydosser · 18/05/2026 02:54

That Whistles jumpsuit in navy that @EleanorMc67 posted earlier gets my vote. Simple, classy and understated. And at £65 there's money over in your budget for shoes/accessories. Put it on in the morning and forget about it for the rest of the day (apart from when you go to the loo...)
Put the ex out of your mind too as much as you can and have a lovely day celebrating your daughter's achievements. Remember the waterproof mascara 🙂!
PS Happy 57th Birthday when it comes!