Dress Help Please?

[Jacqu79]

Right, this might sound totally ridiculous, but I'm rubbish when it comes to knowing what type of clothes suit my figure. I'm rubbish when it comes to fashion full stop actually.:o

Anyway, I've been invited to my boyfriend's cousin's wedding on Friday. I haven't met this side of his family, and there's a possibility that his ex-girlfriend is going to be there too:o, so I want to look my best so that I can enjoy myself and not feel self concious all night.

The problem is, I don't know where to start.:confused:

I'm a size 16/18 with a large, saggy tummy that I really would love to hide as much as poss! :o Can anyone point me in the right direction dress wise please?

I'm only 30, but feel frumpy as hell most of the time and would really like to change this, and think this wedding could be the starting point for me.

I also have a hairdressers appointment booked for Friday as I haven't had my hair cut in over 2 years:eek: and just feel it's time I got my act together and start making an effort as the way I look really gets me down.

Oh yeah, and I should stress that I'm a student, so don't have wads of cash to spend, but have saved up a wee bit to buy something to wear.:j

Thanks very much for reading this long rambling post.:o:D

[HappyLottie]

Have a look in Monsoon (although they can be a bit pricey)- they have some lovely floaty dresses that are flattering for 'larger' sizes. Wallis have some lovely things too and they are a bit cheaper- they have some lovely tunic style dresses which could be worn over leggings/ trousers and would hide your stomach.
I know other people on here say about underwear and the 'waspie' style waist trimmers- never tried them myself but they might be worth looking into if it would boost your confidence.
Also have you thought about trying the personal shopper services in shops like Debenhams- you could then get an idea of what might suit you.

Overall though Jacqu- believe in yourself- I'm sure you look lovely and with regards the ex- your boyfriend dumped her for a reason ;)

Good luck with the shopping

[Jacqu79]

Have a look in Monsoon (although they can be a bit pricey)- they have some lovely floaty dresses that are flattering for 'larger' sizes. Wallis have some lovely things too and they are a bit cheaper- they have some lovely tunic style dresses which could be worn over leggings/ trousers and would hide your stomach.
I know other people on here say about underwear and the 'waspie' style waist trimmers- never tried them myself but they might be worth looking into if it would boost your confidence.
Also have you thought about trying the personal shopper services in shops like Debenhams- you could then get an idea of what might suit you.

Overall though Jacqu- believe in yourself- I'm sure you look lovely and with regards the ex- your boyfriend dumped her for a reason ;)

Good luck with the shopping

Thanks very much. That was a lovely post.:smiley:

I haven't tried Monsoon or Wallis,but will pop in tomorrow and have a wee look.

I really fancy the idea of the personal shopper in Debenhams, but I'd feel bad if I didn't buy any of the stuff they'd picked for me after they'd taken the time to go and look for it.:o

[iceicebaby]

Hiya

I'm around the same size as you! If its a dress you're after, try a soft wrap around style this is very flattering for the more curvy lady. The way the material kind of folds (if that makes sense) across the stomach minimises it rather than draw attention to it as you would think.

[NBirdy]

It sounds like we have similar figures, and given the choice I'd much prefer a pair of smart well-cut trousers with a posh top, and maybe a jacket. Does it have to be a dress? I just know I'd be trying to suck my belly in all day in a dress :o

My hips/bottom are slimmer than my wobbly tum (2 kids :rolleyes:) so I like trousers that skim that area, with a floaty-type top to disguise my stomach. People can only see the outline of the slimmer bit so assume the rest of me is the same :D

You might find you get more wear out of separates too?

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll look fab. Be confident! Have a great time.

[scotsgirl]

I'm a little smaller now however I was this size for a long time and found that empire line dresses which fitted under my bust then floated over my problematic tummy were very flattering. These are especially good if you have a good bust. If your tummy is a particular worry then maybe consider a neckline which attracts attention (not tarty lol) but a nice v-neck or scoop neck, or possibly a bold necklace to draw attention away from the area you dislike. The higher power spanx are also fantastic for smoothing out under dresses and mean you don't have to worry about VPL or bumps where knickers start, especially if the fabric is floatier.

Couple of links below which might be nice shape wise just to give an idea. If you have time, you could try a few shapes then look for something similar on ebay, there is normally a lot available for coast and monsoon which tend to be little worn and very mse.

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/65204375
http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/55019302
http://www.coast-stores.com/ENSEMBLE-DRESS/Dresses---view-all/coast/fcp-product/2224674080

[Jacqu79]

Hiya,

I've been out looking for dresses the past few days and haven't seen anything. I'm panicking now!:eek:

Hiya

I'm around the same size as you! If its a dress you're after, try a soft wrap around style this is very flattering for the more curvy lady. The way the material kind of folds (if that makes sense) across the stomach minimises it rather than draw attention to it as you would think.

I haven't seen any wrap dresses, apart from one in New Look that was made from mega clingy material!:eek: Back out again tomorrow night though, so will keep looking!:D

It sounds like we have similar figures, and given the choice I'd much prefer a pair of smart well-cut trousers with a posh top, and maybe a jacket. Does it have to be a dress? I just know I'd be trying to suck my belly in all day in a dress :o

My hips/bottom are slimmer than my wobbly tum (2 kids :rolleyes:) so I like trousers that skim that area, with a floaty-type top to disguise my stomach. People can only see the outline of the slimmer bit so assume the rest of me is the same :D

You might find you get more wear out of separates too?

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll look fab. Be confident! Have a great time.

Thanks very much.:D

I just thought I'd wear a dress, as I don't wear them very often and I want to look a bit different to normal. I've got a nice pair of smart black trousers and a maroony coloured corset kind of top, so that's my back up if I don't find a dress.:cool:

I'm a little smaller now however I was this size for a long time and found that empire line dresses which fitted under my bust then floated over my problematic tummy were very flattering. These are especially good if you have a good bust. If your tummy is a particular worry then maybe consider a neckline which attracts attention (not tarty lol) but a nice v-neck or scoop neck, or possibly a bold necklace to draw attention away from the area you dislike. The higher power spanx are also fantastic for smoothing out under dresses and mean you don't have to worry about VPL or bumps where knickers start, especially if the fabric is floatier.

Couple of links below which might be nice shape wise just to give an idea. If you have time, you could try a few shapes then look for something similar on ebay, there is normally a lot available for coast and monsoon which tend to be little worn and very mse.

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/65204375
http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/55019302
http://www.coast-stores.com/ENSEMBLE-DRESS/Dresses---view-all/coast/fcp-product/2224674080

Sadly I've left it too late for ebay, but will bear that in mind when looking for something for Christmas day.:money:

I really love the middle monsoon dress you posted, but it's a bit out of my price range.:o

I've had a wee look to see if I can see anyhting similar, and had no joy so far, but am going shopping again tomorrow night, so hopefully I'll find something then.

Thanks everyone for your helpful posts and kind words!;)

[flutterbyuk25]

I'm a similar size to you (18/20). I find Debenhams have great dresses for me. I agree with scotsgirl that empire line is the most flattering style for us. I have 4 dresses in various shades from the Collection department at Debenhams that look like this

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_66849_1139297_-1

I have bought them over past few years for xmas do's/weddings etc and find them flattering and most importantly comfy. They wash well too. They seem to bring new colours/details out each year for the same basic style of dress.

I also second the good sturdy underwear. I usually wear a plunge bra to boost my cleavage (to draw eyes away from tummy) and then big giant Spanx pants which suck me in and give a nice figure. They sell these in Debenhams too, or they have their own range which is slightly cheaper.

Personal shoppers don't expect everyone to buy, and you may be surprised at what they find for you!

HTH

x

[Jacqu79]

I'm a similar size to you (18/20). I find Debenhams have great dresses for me. I agree with scotsgirl that empire line is the most flattering style for us. I have 4 dresses in various shades from the Collection department at Debenhams that look like this

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_66849_1139297_-1

I have bought them over past few years for xmas do's/weddings etc and find them flattering and most importantly comfy. They wash well too. They seem to bring new colours/details out each year for the same basic style of dress.

I also second the good sturdy underwear. I usually wear a plunge bra to boost my cleavage (to draw eyes away from tummy) and then big giant Spanx pants which suck me in and give a nice figure. They sell these in Debenhams too, or they have their own range which is slightly cheaper.

Personal shoppers don't expect everyone to buy, and you may be surprised at what they find for you!

HTH

x

Ohh I like that in green. Very nice!!!
Will add Debenhams to my place to visit tomorrow!:D
They've a few nice dresses on their site.
I thought about getting some spanx or something similar. I've ordered a few different types of spanx like shorts from ebay in the past, and they haven't been great tbh, am I better splashing out for the proper ones, and would I be able to try them on before buying?

Does anyone use the all in one body suit things? I quite fancy one of those, but not sure how effective they are and don't really have money to waste.

[Marsh Samphire]

Take a look at M&S for undies, I've got these and they're amazing!

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Firm-Control-Magic-Thigh-Slimmer/dp/B001P4O91G?ie=UTF8&qid=1257284348&categoryNodeID=42967030&page=&node=43271030&sr=1-4&mnSBrand=core&rh=n:43271030

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Firm-Control-Smooth-Magic-Knickers/dp/B001RE3C3U?ie=UTF8&qid=1257284348&categoryNodeID=42967030&page=&node=43271030&sr=1-2&mnSBrand=core&rh=n:43271030

[LotusFlower]

You might fancy this dress and it's only a tenner! :p http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2053031

[Jacqu79]

Take a look at M&S for undies, I've got these and they're amazing!

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Firm-Control-Magic-Thigh-Slimmer/dp/B001P4O91G?ie=UTF8&qid=1257284348&categoryNodeID=42967030&page=&node=43271030&sr=1-4&mnSBrand=core&rh=n:43271030

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Firm-Control-Smooth-Magic-Knickers/dp/B001RE3C3U?ie=UTF8&qid=1257284348&categoryNodeID=42967030&page=&node=43271030&sr=1-2&mnSBrand=core&rh=n:43271030

I can't imagine them being strong enough to cope with my tummy!:o

I need something made from reinforced steel if poss!!!:rotfl:

[Jacqu79]

You might fancy this dress and it's only a tenner! :p http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2053031

That's a bit :eek:

:rotfl:

[LotusFlower]

That's a bit :eek:

:rotfl:

That's what I said but I got a bollocking for it :rotfl: Seriously I hope you find your dress and you have a great time :D

[beebop23]

skinny pants are amazing!! i got a pair from M&S and swear by them in a dress(im a 18-20). They dont push fat any where just control it an smooth it out!! and they are quite comfortable once you get used to them. Anyhoo whith regards to dresses for us bigger girlies i like dresses with a chunky belt under the bust and a darker colour is always best just to boost confidence a little bit. dorothy perkins have some good ones online too if u have time to wait.

Also forget the ex girlyfriend she is an ex for a reason and treat urself to a free makeover in boots or debenhams makes urself feel and look fabulous and she will be kicking herself and u can rub it in that u have him now!!! good luck xx

[scotsgirl]

unfortunately you're not allowed to try on Spanx however they do knock spots off every other style of these I've tried. Whichever you go for, I would suggest getting something that is quite long and comes quite high up (like the higher power, which come right up to the bottom of my bra) as this stops the lovely over spill that I found I got with the shorter ones.

I'd second the debenhams dress someone posted - I have a very similar one in a couple of colours and it's lovely on.

[Bronnie]

Another vote for the Debenhams dress, the blue and the green are lovely and it looks a comfortable easy-to wear style. I think it would be fab for a wedding do and a very good price too!!

[paula7924]

spanx, spanx, spanx! they really do hold your tummy in and that gives an amazing amount of confidence.
they're expensive but worth it, and much cheaper on ebay. spanx-like stuff just doesn't work as well as holding your tummy in although they do smooth in general.
if you can't get hold of spanx try m&S control top tights, or control pants in the maximum strength which are quite good for holding tummies in but watch out for the muffin top they can produce.

[BitterAndTwisted]

It's a crying shame that the OP didn't start this thread while there was still time to look into getting something on-line.

For a curvy lady of any size I think the 50's style dresses from Vivien of Holloway would be superbly flattering, especially around the tummy area. I'm saving up to buy one for myself:

www.vivienofholloway.com

[Jacqu79]

Hi ladies. Thanks for all your ideas.:beer:
Just on to update. I found a dress in the back of my wardrobe the other night that I'd worn once to a wedding about 2 years ago and then forgotten about! Tried it on and I'm really happy with!!:j

It's similar in style to the Debenhams one, but it's brown satin with lace over the top. Sounds mingin, but it's not really.:rotfl:

Thanks again for all your help though, as I need to start looking for something to wear for Christmas now, so it will come in handy! I didn't manage to get spanx, but will order some online next week so I have them in time for Christmas, as I'm desperate to try them now!:D

I've saved a fortune on my outfit for tonight by finding that dress, and I bought a lovely pair of gold shoes and a bag to match from New Look and after my student discount it only cost £14.40 so as a wee treat to myself I'm going to get my nails done before I go to the hairdressers!:cool::D

[Bronnie]

Relax, be confident and have a fab time!!

[Jacqu79]

Relax, be confident and have a fab time!!

Thanks Bronnie.:D

[bills]

My suggestion would defo be Debenhams, they have a lovely collection of dresses in the Designers section and you can often find some stunning ones that are at a reduced price. The staff are also really helpful!

Think I saw it mentioned in a few posts but I would prob go for an empire line dress it draws the dress you in under your bust and floats down with out being clingy. So you can feel nice an comfortable sat down with out feeling you have to breath in.

Im sure you will find the perfect dress and look lovely and better than the ex lol :D

[Sexy Legs]

Hi Ladies

I bought this dress on Saturday for some Christmas Do's, so wondered if any of you can recommend something I can wear with it to just cover my shoulders.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_66849_1139297_-1

I bought one of those control pants which are very good.

cheers me dears

D

[paula7924]

that is fab! i'd freeze and show it off, lol