Help!Wedding outfit needed for fat 5' 2 middle aged blob!

[CheeryCherry]

Am scared to get a dress even though I think I should, but worried I will look like a large tent especially as there are some Very Thin Guests. It is a blue themed wedding. Might be more comfy in a tunic and trousers, but will that look daft with a hat? I really like hats! Oh so confused, fashion not my thing, am a jeans and baggy top girl.

More specifics please!
What's your budget?
Now, what shape of fat blob are you? Do you have a visible waistline? Do you have a bust? What's your best/worst bit?
What sort of colouring are you? eg do you know what colours look great/awful when held up to your face? Does gold or silver jewellery suit you better?
Can you wear heels? How are your ankles?

A tailored dress and pretty cardi would look fine, could match shoes, handbag and hat cardi. You could then buy some cheap leggings and wear the dress over the top for smart casual.
Hat with tunic and trousers also fine.

Hat to cardi. No idea what a hat cardi is LOL.

Gosh thanks for replying!
Ermm...average bust, bit of a waist but huge round stomach, hence the tunic idea.
Havent got a best bit , ankles ok, need it to be blue-ish, but have green eyes, rosy face, fair hair. Never wear heels but will manage court shoes ( again!)
I feel I am a hopeless case!
Not too wild of a budget but if something transformed me into a slimjim, I would pay the earth!!!

Well, this was my first thought:www.vivienofholloway.com/1950s-Swing-Dress.html with matching bolero. Instant fabulous. Something fitted to hold it all in iyswim but sexy and pretty at the same time to boost confidence. If going for something unfitted, make sure it's big enough to drape properly, rather than squeezing into something because you can.

Could also invest in some Spanx (or M&S version) if going for a cheaper dress.

For the trousers look, how about white clamdiggers (ie tapered at knee) with some really pretty beaded sandals. These have a stretch to them. Think luxury holiday ankles. You could wear a sleeveless longish top with a shrug which would draw more attention to your waist. Try New Look actually for tops. Smarten it up with a hat.

I still have a maternity top that looks great and covers my tummy, lots of them are really flattering on big boobs and/or tummy without being obvious. eg here

HTH

I think you could also wear something like this vets and long skirt with a shrug or bolero. Being all one colour from bust to ankle would be very flattering. They don't have a suitable blue (I'm thinking you are a summer perhaps given the rosiness, or maybe winter - look here, what do you think?) so you could wear whatever you liked with a contrasting blue shrug.

In fact Kettlewell does a longsleeved tie front cardi in a few suitable shades of blue.

Wow those 1950's dresses are wonderful...but I think I would look gigantic in one...when really all I want is to fade into the background Having never worn a dress (well not since dodgy ones in primary school) it would have to be a subtle one really.
Do really love them though...but I bet most guests will be going for very slim fitted styles, so I would stand out a mile or two!
But thankyou for looking for me. Will keep wondering what to do!

LOL at wanting to fade into the background. Google 'burlesque' to get some plus sized inspiration.

what about this dress?

I'm a size 20 & bought this recently. Yes I know it's the dreaded Per Una, but it does look brilliant on, and has given me a waist (which I certainly dont have normally!) It is v flattering, and navy so will tie in with the blue theme....

That colour chart is interesting, the only one I can eliminate is autumn! I feel scared at the thought of a fitted skirt/top, I am so out of my comfort (slobby) zone. Think I may have to go out to RL shops and start trying things on. Have lost some weight recently (and have a ton more to go) so I should be feeling better about myself, but its not kicking in yet.
So grateful for all your help Gladioli...you are a patient, clever fashion expert!

hatesponge...I like that one, does not all that print make it seem fussy? A navy shrug would be good with it too.
ggirl...that one is lovely - on someone who dare show a bit of leg! lol. am such a coward.

I am sure it'l be to knee level
ideal for someone your height

Pretty dress hatesponge...
And yes it would look lovely with a navy shrug, big hoop earrings and some navy suede slingback wedges...

Go for it lady! Just remember to stick to head-to-toe colour if trying for stretchy stuff, and loose to maximise drape. Stiffer fitted stuff (eg cotton, seams, panels etc) will hold you in/up so you can afford to squeeze.

I only really know my colours because I had them done years ago (and then because my mum paid for it) but it's given me such confidence (am a winter). Also, this book has been invaluable! People always boggle when I tell them how much I weigh because the way I dress disguises it.

Yes, great dress, great price, will make you feel really pretty. Other one is gorgeous but perhaps too much of a statement at this stage of our butterfly's emergence.

BTW Cheerycherry, does your hair need doing?

I think empire line is a good style to choose if you are worried about your tummy as it is very flattering.
And yes have a good haircut, use some make up and get yourself nice shoes/earrings/bag etc.

And Cheery, please dont call yourself a middle aged blob!

Depending on what colour dress/outift you do go for, you could go for shoes like this
www1.schuh.co.uk/womens-turquoise-hush-puppies-wisteria/1758115620/

You are all sooo kind!!

I have long curly hair which I will be having highlighted... and I have just ordered hatesponge's dress!!! How reckless! (at least I can take it back!)
I will then just have a nice shrug/shoes/hat to buy...but they, for me, are the easier and less scarey bits.

Will let you know what I think of it when it arrives.

Thanks all, you can sleep well knowing you have done a huge good deed of the day!

(am v interested in the colours concept, may look into that)

Am glad to have been of service

By weird coincidence I also have long curly hair...it goes well with the dress! look forward to hearing what you think of the dress when you see it in the flesh (so to speak!)

If you wanted to try heels, Pannacotta's link is a good one. Wedge heels are easier to walk in and the ankle support is better for you.

Well done on getting the dress, I have bought a nice navy silk fitted shrug from Coast before so it may be worth looking there.
These shoes would look good with the dress
www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1143

The Hush puppies I linked to arent quite the right colour I think...

PS A bit of heel will make you more confident about your legs, makes them look longer.

You guys are good!
Love the shoe sites Pannacotta, thankyou.
Looked at the dress I ordered in a manic state last night (!) just hope it blooming fits! Will see. Still love those 50's dresses. Would have to starve myself for a few months to get in those!
But thanks to all, you are so clever, and very kind.