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Original poster

Dresses for big boobs and belly

47 replies

Dressdilema · 27/05/2023 19:03

I really struggle with dresses. I've put on about a stone in the last few months (medication) which has made it worse. I am now a size 14, large bust (34H) and all my weight has gone on my belly. I am fairly tall (5ft 9), early 40s.
I have slim legs (but not much else) and i need to wear a bra, and would prefer short sleeves (not thin straps)
Everything i try on doesn't fasten across the bust, or clings to my belly, or is like a tent and makes me look even bigger/shapeless.
Wrap dresses don't suit me, lots of the styles now are tiered and the cut is all wrong, or they have the cups/gather around the bust (which i just don't fit into)
Looking for a couple of summer day time dresses, budget up to about £50 per dress. Don't mind a pattern but nothing old fashioned.
Anyone suggestions gratefully received!

OP posts:
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Original poster
Dressdilema · 27/05/2023 19:03

*belly not bellie!!

OP posts:
lovemycottage · 27/05/2023 19:16

I'm similar shape to you and the dresses that suits me are fit and flare and wrap ones.

NewDogOwner · 27/05/2023 19:27

There's lots of summery dresses with stretchy cotton or shirred top halfs and all cotton skirts. They look really light and pretty but will be able to accommodate boobs and tum.

Iamclearlyamug · 27/05/2023 19:49

I'm almost the exact same size as you (except 5'7 instead of 5'9) and skater style dresses suit me best, so gathered under the bust and then gently flared out which skims the tummy - this sort of shape

Dresses for big boobs and belly
blahblahblah1654 · 27/05/2023 20:05

Definitely flared or skater dresses. Good for big bums too.

Appalonia · 27/05/2023 20:09

Those flared dresses just make my tummy look even bigger and give me hips I don't even have! The only dresses that really suit me are long ones as they skin my tummy, elongate me and balance my top half.

Notacottish · 27/05/2023 20:19

I’m in the same boat. I follow fairlie curved on instagram. Game changer (and affordable)!

bluebirdsongs · 27/05/2023 20:22

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-puff-sleeve-midi-tiered-dress/p/clp60601041?color=WHITE#intid=pid_pg1pip11g2r1c1

I got this one recently and it suits me - fabric stretches so fits in the boobs

Reddota · 27/05/2023 20:43

Empire line with a v/ scoop/ sweetheart neck

Reddota · 27/05/2023 20:47

m.shein.co.uk/Allover-Print-Fold-Pleated-Dress-p-7647762-cat-1727.html?skucode=I9m2a1iwtzba&url_from=ukadplasw2111092248772625S_GPM&cid=17532770859&setid=&adid=&pf=GOOGLE&gclid=CjwKCAjw1MajBhAcEiwAagW9MVSG_i7RxVcJBazUW5OLSDLlnhl2FFVb9xImzLs_ZAYbskJlUcA6nBoC_mQQAvD_BwE&ref=www&rep=dir&ret=m

No this particular dress because its bad quality and the print isn't great but this is the cut you need, Newlook usually have this style, a jumpsuit with a empire waist would look great too.

Reddota · 27/05/2023 20:49

With the boobs too also avoid anything with the fashionable puffy sleeves, it will only add to the top heaviness

Topbird29 · 27/05/2023 20:52

Am similar - big boobs and big tum! Skater dresses are good, and bought a couple of "midaxi" dresses from m & s a couple of years ago. Do have sleeves, but lightweight cotton do not heavy feeling. Don't feel like a tent. However did have to try on in store. Current trend for milkmaid style shapeless dresses just make me look even bigger!

Original poster
Dressdilema · 27/05/2023 21:10

Thanks all

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 27/05/2023 21:23

It's an unusual one but look at Mountain Warehouse, their casual dresses are great.

GettingStuffed · 27/05/2023 21:29

I'm bigger than you also meds but this is really flattering,

Darklane · 27/05/2023 21:36

I’m much shorter but 36GG. Recently bought a couple of Roman dresses which have fitted well & flatter

Bigpinkslippers · 27/05/2023 22:03

I'm big of bust and belly but only 5 foot and a 16/18. Surprisingly this dress from tesco is flattering

Dresses for big boobs and belly
Tickyandtackyandjackiethebackie · 27/05/2023 22:29

Silk Fred - Dancing Leopard are great for curves 👌 I have loads of the 'dove' dresses - I'm a size 12-14 and 32GG

ClemFandango1 · 27/05/2023 23:29

I second dancing leopard.

Also eBay Diane Von furstenburg in your size - the Julian dresses are so flattering.

Original poster
Dressdilema · 27/05/2023 23:42

Tickyandtackyandjackiethebackie · 27/05/2023 22:29

Silk Fred - Dancing Leopard are great for curves 👌 I have loads of the 'dove' dresses - I'm a size 12-14 and 32GG

Thank you - I've never heard of Dancing Leopard - I've just had a look and I love some of these. What is the sizing like?

OP posts:
SnipSnipMrBurgess · 28/05/2023 00:15

I have the same issue and empire/flared/aline make me look pregnant.

Shirred waist maxi dresses have been a game changer since last summer for me.

stacyvaron · 28/05/2023 01:03

Sounds like we have the same shape. I've found a knee length shirt waist dress with some great white sandals is perfect for summer. The style is classic but hard to find.

Polkadottyas · 28/05/2023 04:57

Has anyone found a shirred dress they could share? I got some pre covid which were amazing. Cotton and and shirred back and this was so much more flattering than floaty / tonnes of fabric. Can't see anything like that this year tough

Rina66 · 28/05/2023 06:23

What about these two? Both shirred, first one under bust, second one all of the bust? Both come in a few different colours.

https://www.apacheshops.com/product-page/parrot-paradise-dress

https://manamou.co.uk/products/broderie-anglaise-shirred-dress-light-pink?pos=2&&sid=cfff98c94&ss=r

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