Can you help me find a dress? (Mission Impossible?!)

[BluebellTheDonkey]

Hi
I think I am after the impossible and would really like your help! I am off to London for the day with some friends for a girly mooch/sightsee hopefully followed by cocktails in The Shard. So I need something casual enough for sightseeing but dressy enough for the cocktails.
Here's the challenge! I am a size 14-16 pear shape. I cannot have my upper arms or chunky legs on display. Mid calf would be fine but nothing higher. But I do not want to look frumpy! And after the maxi dress bashing a while ago on another thread I'm wondering if I should avoid them!
Is there any hope at all? Or any other options you'd suggest? Don't mind spending a bit if it works. Thanks in advance

[TellMeDani]

I'm not convinced about the maxi dresses deserving a bashing, I think it depends how you carry it off (we are all different after all) the Telegraph seem to agree, interesting article here with a few ideas that might help?

[sweetheart]

That's a tricky one - for me the shoes would be the issue I think. I'd want to be in flats for sightseeing but heals for The Shard. I'd probably dress up rather than down - I'd rather feel too smart sightseeing then feel too casual at the Shard. Any of these any good.....

warehouse 1

warehouse 2

warehouse 3

www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/midi/high-neck-dress-c718502p3186389.htmlZara

[BluebellTheDonkey]

Thanks so much for the links. Sweetheart I love those first two Warehouse dresses! I reckon they might be just the right balance between smart and casual. Yes I was also pondering the shoe issue... Will have a chat with friends and see what they're doing! Might have to be sparkly flip flop type shoes.
Thanks again