How to dress stylishly as a plus size woman, on a budget?

[imaccoffeeaddict]

I prefer floaty dresses that hide my apron belly.

Size 18, short, a little dumpy. I don’t have a huge budget.

How do I do this?

£95 for a dress isn’t a budget option

OK. I put quite a lot of effort into trying to find things and that’s all you can say?

You still haven’t said what a budget option is to you but I’m out.

Try being a bit less rude if anyone else tries to help you.

Budget is obviously £20-£30 per item, not £100s per item!

Things that don’t pull in under the belly (if you have one; I do). So skirts/dresses with a flare/A line/maxi but not tight jersey. Wide legged trousers.

If we’re talking very budget, I found very wide legged crinkled viscose trousers in Primark. Very long so they do need taking up, but they fall straight down from the sticky out bits, which is very smoothing.

If you have a waist, mark it with a belt or change of colour.

I saw a fb short video showing the difference between a t shirt it vest over trousers and one tucked in with a loose thin shirt over the top. Huge difference. Tucking in gave the illusion of a waist, and the shirt made the whole thing look like a planned outfit rather than just clothes. Thin shirts are in the beachwear sections right now.

And jewellery. Fairly big or it gets lost on you/me.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5537337-where-can-i-find-beautiful-summer-dresses-at-a-decent-price

I would have a look on Vinted or eBay, I’ve found loads of things at great budget prices. It’s easier to find things if you already know what your personal style is and brands that you are particularly interested in.

A lot of people wouldn’t do this but I buy bras on eBay (assuming you know what size you are). The difference decent underpinnings make is huge.

Vinted

How many dresses do you need? If you want 4 I’d be inclined to look on Vinted or other preloved sites. Size 18 is a mainstream size so there would be lots of options. I’d look at higher end high street for that budget second hand- Me&Em perhaps? And Marina Rinaldi which even second hand will be pricey enough but the quality and cut will be hugely better.

But honestly I’d be inclined to pool the total budget and buy one really good dress. I have 2 good dresses that I wear on repeat, far more than I would wear a cheap viscose dress that washes badly. I know it’s a privilege to be able to buy better but I buy very little.