Plus Size Occasionwear From Simply Be AD

When it comes to putting together an outfit for everyday or a regular night out, I can find and choose the what I’m going to wear at a moments notice but when I’m looking for something to wear to a special occasion, I tend to instinctively like to take more time over my decision.  I really enjoy the whole process from ordering several different styles, to trying it all on, picking my accessories and choosing how I’ll do my hair and makeup on the day.  Simply Be is always the first place I turn to for occasionwear and in this post, I’m going to share with you my top picks for spring and summer events from wedding days and evening dos to ladies day at the races, summer parties and even special date nights.

For many, many years now, Simply Be occasion wear has been my go-to choice when I’m looking for a special outfit because they make shopping so easy that I needn’t look anywhere else.  Plus size dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, smart trousers and tops, all with the shapewear and lingerie to wear with them; the options are endless and there’s not just their own brand on there.

The Simply Be site has a curated collection of some of the best independent plus size brands with varying price points so there really is something for every style, budget and event.  Plus they have a great footwear, beauty and accessories range to go with the outfits too; it really is a one-stop shop!

Having so many different options all in one place makes shopping for occasion wear simple because I can order as much as I like on my account, try it all on in the comfort of my home with other things that I already have in my wardrobe (if I’m looking for something that’ll go with other things) and send back what I don’t want before paying for what I do want to keep.  I’ve had mine for years now and I love it!

Returns are free and fast and the whole process gives me so much peace of mind when shopping.  Of course you can just pay then and there as you order but for me, I love the account facility as I like to order different sizes and more than one style to try on, just as I would in a shop, so that I can ensure that I’m happy and confident in my outfit.

Confidence in clothing really starts with the underwear that you’re wearing but of course you need to choose an outfit first as that’s going to be the part that everyone sees and that will make you feel the most fabulous.  Simply Be really know and understand plus size so rest assured, you’ll find a great fitting outfit that’ll elevate your look to Best Dressed status!

WHAT TO WEAR AS A PLUS SIZE WEDDING GUEST

Weddings are an exciting time, not just for the two tying the knot but for those celebrating with them too!  Since you’ll usually get your invite months in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to shop for your outfit but if you find the one, snap it up as you might not find something close to the date; I’d be gutted if I found the perfect outfit only to find that it had gone out of stock by the time that I needed it!

For a plus size wedding guest, I’d recommend choosing a special occasionwear dress that’ll help you to feel like the best version of the woman you are.  I like to wear outfits that help me to feel glamorous, confident and comfortable because let’s face it, you’re going to be wearing it all day!

The Maya Curve V Neck Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress is my top pick this wedding season.  Full length maxi styles are perfect for weddings where you’ll be on your feet for a lot of the day as you can wear whatever heels, wedges or flats you like.  Yes girls, FLATS!  I love wearing jewelled flat sandals with maxi dresses or flatforms as I know I’ll be able to last all day on my feet and still crack my best moves out on the dance floor once the DJ starts.

The champagne blush of colour of this dress is absolutely stunning in quite an ethereal way, particularly with the gathered tulle skirt; I feel like a real princess in it.  The fit is true to size, I found, and I love the shape; maxi length, v-neck and cap sleeves with a zip fastening at the back which means you’ll not mess up your hair or get makeup on the dress as you put it on!  As much as this would be perfect for a wedding guest dress, it would be amazing for a bridesmaid gown too so if you’re looking for a plus size bridesmaid dress that’ll have your maid of honour feeling beautifully empowered on your big day, then get this one!

FROM THE RACES TO THE TOWN

I’ve enjoyed many a ladies day at Aintree and several other race days across the country and love dressing up for the occasion.  Up here in the North East, we have a huge event in our social calendar called Newcastle Plate Day.  So many guys and dolls get dressed up to the nines and head out to the races and many end up heading into Newcastle afterwards to continue the festivities.  I’m sure there’ll be a function like that near to where you live that you would need a plus size ladies day at the races outfit for and the Quiz Cobalt Culotte Jumpsuit.  Pair it with a wedge or a heeled strappy sandal and a clutch and you’re good to go; that’s the beauty about wearing a jumpsuit as they require very little effort but can look chic and fabulous.

This gorgeous blue jumpsuit is light, airy and one that you can dress up or down.  Pop a nude fascinator, clutch and wedges on with it, add some sparkly jewellery and you’ve got a comfortable outfit you can feel confident in at the races or style it out with some flat, sparkly sandals on holiday or at a summer party.  If you really want to make a statement, pop it on with a black longline blazer and some killer heels for a date night outfit that’ll have you dressed to impress.

THE WEDDING EVENING GUEST

I know that some people can feel a bit deflated if they’ve only been invited to the evening do’ of a wedding but actually, this is great for styling because you’re a little more free to wear what you want to and the tradition of not wearing black generally goes out of the window when it comes to an evening reception.  There are so many night time occasions that call for dressing up at this time of the year from parties and date nights to awards ceremonies, formal cruise nights and hen dos and Joanna Hope Beaded Halterneck Jumpsuit is perfect for all of them.

This isn’t my first Joanna Hope piece; I wore this incredible dress down the red carpet at The Princes Trust National Awards last month and so many people complimented me on how beautiful it is.  Joanna Hope clothes are so high quality and theres so much attention to detail which is exactly what you’ll find with this jumpsuit.  It is all black but certainly not plain or boring and it really makes a statement.  The halterneck and the V neckline it creates at the front is such a gorgeous, flattering shape.  I know not everyone looks for something flattering in a garment and that’s absolutely fine as it means different things for different people so if I refer to something in this way, I’m really talking about how I like it on my own body.

The beaded details on this jumpsuit really give it the WOW factor as they’re all across the top part and in a stripe formation down the side of each leg which is so elongating and a great nod to on trend styling right now.

Wear it with strappy heels like I have or pop on which ever shoes you feel most comfortable in; I’d suggest an open toe either way as the black of the jumpsuit will really pop against the colour of your skin.  I’m wearing the Cammy Block Heels Wide E Fit from Simply Be and really appreciate the comfort underfoot that having a block heel gives.  These shoes are so elegant, come in a range of different colours and look amazing with any of the Simply Be occasionwear.  They’re a classic shape that really look sophisticated with any nighttime outfit.

Of course a gorgeous clutch can really add to a bangin’ looking outfit and while you could go for an all black everythaaaang vibe with this jumpsuit, I think its the perfect opportunity to add a pop of colour, just like I did with the Fuschia Tassel Trim Clutch Bag from Simply Be.  This envelop clutch will hold all of your night out essentials and will give you a serious style upgrade, with a nod to YSL thanks to the gorgeous tassel detailing.

LINGERIE & SHAPEWEAR FOR PLUS SIZE OCCASIONWEAR

If you’re wondering what would be best to wear under your plus size occasionwear then you’ve come to the right place because Simply Be really know plus size lingerie as much as they do clothing.  Great fitting lingerie and shapewear makes the most of your curves and can totally transform how an outfit looks.  As you’ll know from my Valentine’s Day post, I love the plus size lingerie from Simply Be and would highly recommend it, as the sizing and choice of styles is so vast.

When shopping for bras, I like to pick one that’ll enhance my cleavage, hold me in at the sides and that I can wear with or without straps to suit all of the different clothes that I have.  Nude tones are my favourite as they’re so undetectable under my clothing.  The Figleaves Curve Decadence Longline Multiway Bra ticks all of these boxes.  The blush shade is absolutely beautiful and the delicate embroidered detailing is absolutely gorgeous.  Its a longline style which I’ve been wanting to try for a while now and I really like how it holds me in at the sides, keeping everything front and centre and yes ladies, this bra works incredibly well at keeping the girls up when worn without the straps!

The Figleaves Curve Decadence Waistnipper compliments the bra perfectly and the extra firm control does a great job at holding you in and sculpting your curves.  I’d suggest ordering a couple of different sizes in these- you usual and the next size up- as they really are firm control and you want them to fit tight but still feel comfortable.  The great thing about these knickers is that they really stay in place and don’t roll down.  Once they’re on, they’re not going anywhere no matter how much you’re twirling around on the dancefloor.

Another option for smoothing over the body is the Magic Bodyfashion Maxi Sexy Hi Bermuda.  While it might not look as glamorous as the Figleaves waistnipper, it’ll certainly do a great job at pulling you in, enhancing your shape and smoothing over your thighs, hips and tummy.  These are a small fit so I’d recommend going two sizes up and again, once they’re on, they’re on!  There’s a stripe of silicone at the top on the inside which secures them in place and stops them from rolling down.  Since they’re effectively a high waisted long short, they’re good for preventing chafing too which can totally give you a confidence boost.

When it comes to choosing your outfit for a special occasion feeling comfortable and confident in a great fitting item is key so that you can focus on enjoying the day, making memories with those around you.  With Simply Be’s plus size occasionwear, you can feel empowered to RSVP YES! to all of those functions and parties, without the worry of not knowing what to wear, as I have done so many times over the years.

Shop plus size occasionwear at Simply Be online and feel your best at those special occasions this summer!

 

*with thanks to The Alnwick Garden for the stunning backdrop to my photos in this post.