We’re size 26 & size 12 and have tried on the best frocks under £40 to see how they look on our different bodies
FINDING clothes in your size that also suit your body shape can be tough.
Friends Lottie Drynan, 31, a size 12, and 34-year-old Laura Adlington, a 26, know that just because something says it is the right measurement, it won’t necessarily fit.
Influencer Lottie and 2020 Great British Bake Off finalist Laura often team up to show their 560,000 Instagram followers how dramatically different the same dresses can look on their bodies. Laura says: “Me and Lottie started doing these ‘try ons’ to show people how clothes really look on different-shaped bodies.
“We soon found that even if something is your size, it doesn’t guarantee it’s going to look right on you.”
We asked the duo to model this season’s best dresses under £40 and tell Abby McHale which they would snap up, and which they’d leave on the rail.
BEST FOR COMFORT
NEW LOOK
NEW Look has a dedicated curve range that goes up to a size 32, with plenty of dresses to choose from.
This brilliantly bold monochrome number was a firm favourite with both Laura and Lottie.
Cool and comfortable, they loved the shirred detailing, while the puff sleeves suited both.
Lottie says: “I love the elastic bust on this dress. It’s breastfeeding-friendly and the ‘flowyness’ also makes it really bloat-friendly, too.”
Laura says: “I love a puff sleeve, so these are perfect. It’s throw on, easy to wear, comfortable and stylish.”
BEST FOR OCCASION
GEORGE AT ASDA
- Dress, £24, George at Asda
- Shoes, £35, River Island
GEORGE might not be your first port of call for an occasion dress, but this satin slip number would be perfect for a posh party.
A steal at only £24, the outfit comes in bottle green as well as fuchsia and would look great at a special event.
Although slightly out of their comfort zone, both Laura and Lottie found it suited their respective body types well.
Lottie says: “The perfect budget bridesmaids dress – and great value, too.”
Laura says: “I love the colour and material, but I think I would need a size up to make it fit better.”
BEST FOR PRICE
TU AT SAINSBURY’S
- Dress, £20, Tu at Sainsbury’s
- Trainers, £26, Next
DRESSES in the curve category can be more expensive, but Tu offers good value in all sizes.
The cheapest of the bunch at £20, this blue-striped dress wasn’t something the ladies would have jumped on. But they agreed it had its uses.
Lottie says: “This is an easy throw-on dress – very breathable and comfortable to wear. I do feel we look a little Bananas In Pyjamas, though.”
Laura says: “I like the tie waist so you can choose to wear it baggier, or more fitted. It’s a great holiday dress.”
BEST FOR SIZE RANGE
VERY
- Dress, £38, Very
- Trainers, £26, Next
THE online retailer’s sizing goes from 4 to 40 – one of the biggest ranges around.
This green number is a perfect example of not judging a book – or a dress – by its cover, as at first both Laura and Lottie were not entirely convinced.
But after trying it on, they loved the fit and feel.
Lottie says: “This is much nicer on than it is off.
“The neckline is lovely and it’s a good fit. It’s a bit tight on the arms though.”
Laura says: “It’s a nice colour.
“At first I wasn’t sure about it, so it proves you should try things that are out of your comfort zone.”
BEST FOR FIT
SIMPLY BE
- Dress, £39, Simply Be
- Laura shoes, £39, Next
- Lottie shoes, £32, ASOS
DEDICATED curve brand Simply Be has an impressive range of sizes to choose from.
It also stocks smaller sizes, so everyone can shop there.
This pink and orange wrap dress was a hit for both women, especially as they could adjust it to the size they wanted.
Lottie says: “It’s so nice to find a true wrap dress that you can adjust to fit your body perfectly.”
Laura says: “This feels slightly see-through, but I love the print. It’s really cute and fun, and the wrap style is also a winner for me.”
BEST FOR STYLE
- Dress, £29.99, H&M
- Laura Shoes, £39, Next
- Lottie Shoes, £32, ASOS
H&M have a dedicated plus-size section online that goes up to a 4XL – equivalent to size 32-34 – with many dresses included in the main range.
This wasn’t Laura and Lottie’s favourite, but they agreed the fabric feels luxe for the price.
Lottie says: “The sizing isn’t great and there isn’t much structure. It has great potential, but I would have to size down in this.”
Laura says: “I like it, but I don’t love it. The fabric feels like it’s good quality. It’s great value for under £40.”