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A reader writes

Dear Rosemary,

I am 60 years old, 5ft 9ins and pear-shaped, with my weight mostly around my tummy and hips. My bust and waist aren’t a problem, but I wear a size 18 to fit my hips. I am going to 50th birthday party later this month and the day after, I’m going to a wedding. I would be most grateful if you could help me find something suitable to wear. I lost my job last year so would like something not too expensive that would be suitable for both the party and the wedding.

Helen, by email

Dear Helen,

Commiserations on losing your job. I know sometimes we forget that, despite losing one’s job – and, obviously, one’s earnings – life must go on, including weddings and birthdays and the related expense. On the plus side, advice is free and nothing I recommend is going to break the bank.

You say that you wear a size 18 “to fit your hips”, but that you like your waist and bust, so I would recommend going for a dress that is fitted at the waist and that either flares out over your hips or is made of a stretch jersey – in a pattern, if possible. The fabric will skim over your curves and the pattern will distract from any lumps and bumps you’d like to conceal.

Good underwear also helps. Marks Spencer does a great line in bodyshaping tights and slips – a decent stretch slip may not leave you with much change out of €50 but it will serve you in good stead under many dresses to come and leave you seam- and lump-free.

This printed dress from Asos (€65.22), left, is a great fit for a pear shape and channels Miu Miu’s latest catwalk collection. It will work with bare legs or opaques, although the burgundy tights paired with it here add a certain something extra. Perhaps you could swap tights between the birthday and wedding to mix things up.

If that’s not your cup of tea, this printed jersey dress from Monsoon (€85), top right, is in gorgeous, warm, autumnal tones and the wrap detail at the bust will accentuate your waist while taking attention away from your hips. The stretch fabric, too, will forgive a multitude. Pair it with a wool cardigan (Marks Spencer does lovely, basic shapes) during the day, or a longer coat – perhaps a mac; Penneys has a good selection – for night-time.

One of the first brands that comes to mind when thinking about plus sizes is Evans – but don’t let that put you off. This printed jersey dress (€70), bottom right, again with wrap detail at the bust and pretty capped sleeves, is a great winter-appropriate number. Team it with opaques, a black cardigan or jacket and some chunky gold jewellery – both Topshop and Penneys are great for affordable bling.

If you’re more interested in block colours, you should check out the J by Jasper Conran range at Debenhams. There was no image available at the time of going to press, but they have a gorgeous teal shirt dress for €104 that’s classic in shape but really flattering – and to make it different for both events, you could add a coloured ribbon. A Rubanesque (arubanesque.ie) in Dublin’s Powerscourt Centre has all the ribbons you could dream of in a rainbow of colours. Think about something unexpected like a bright turquoise or even a hot pink – or match to coloured shoes, if you have them, for a cute colour pop.

Finally, remember that your shape is your own; so make the most of it. Your hips, after all, are all the better for dancing with.

Got a wardrobe-related query? Email rmaccabe@irishtimes.com

Star buy

Sadly, it’s time to start thinking about surviving the snow and these Tofino boots by Sorel, a snow- and skiwear brand that makes fashionable yet functional footwear, are just the ticket. Pair yours with skinny jeans or thick, woolly tights to beat the cold. €205 at Fitzpatricks Shoes