Arrrgh what is a flattering (size 18) dress I can wear to a summer wedding???

[SmiledWithTheRisingSun]

At my wits end here...🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[Carolwithane]

Pretty Kitty? Gorgeous 50s style - very flattering

[AuditAngel]

I booked a personal shopper appointment at the local Debenhams when I needed a dress for a wedding in Spain.

It was a great experience. The shopper was an older lady, she mixed accessories from other designers which I wouldn’t have been confident enough to do.

She had a selection ready, saw what fitted me, what colours I liked etc.

[FanSpamTastic]

How about something like this - I'm a size 16 to 18 and would give these a go here.

I just need a wedding to go to!

[Loveislandaddict]

Difficult to say without knowing your body shape. Are you a pear, apple, hour-glass etc? What suits me, may not suit you.

[SpeckledyHen]

What’s your colouring OP , budget , style preferences body shape and we can help .

[MmeBufo]

Yes, we need to know your body shape, height, what sort of colours you like / hate and if pattern is acceptable. Would you like sleeves or a particular length of dress? What sort of budget? Do you enjoy wearing heels or would something that'd work with flats be better?

[Unmanned]

I recently went to a wedding in similar to this www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_120010410665_-1 and I'm a short size 18 - a 16 fitted me well

[bert3400]

A wrap over dress is always a good option, with good underwear

[itbemay1]

Have a look at shein, they have some great dresses

[FenellaMaxwell]

Loads of people will say 50s dresses, which always make it look like you are a larger person who is wearing fancy dress.

I have this dress and it’s fab - floaty enough to look summery but enough structure to be forgiving, long enough to be flattering but not frumpy, and the shell/crop top overlay makes it look like you have a really small waist.
www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-double-layer-embroidered-midi-dress/prd/12352894?clr=sage-green&colourWayId=16421296&SearchQuery=&cid=8799

[ooooohbetty]

@FenellaMaxwell that dress is beautiful

[Sunshinegirl82]

Lady V? Bombshell HQ?

[MmeBufo]

@SmiledWithTheRisingSun I agree about the 50's dresses. They can be very flattering but the 50s look has become such a thing that it's probably best avoided. Unless less it is your thing, of course.

Really it's best to try and go with a posh/fancy/formal version of your normal style, in as far as possible. If you don't feel 'you' in what you're wearing it's hard to look good, however fab the outfit may be in theory. I always feel a tad embarrassed when wearing anything with a collar, for example Apparently they look fine to bystanders. Dusky pink really suits my colouring and makes me feel a prat.

[SmiledWithTheRisingSun]

Hi all
Thanks for the replies!
Not into the 50's thing I feel like they make me look enormous!
I'm tall 5"8 with dark hair / paleish skin - although quite tanned at the moment from outdoor swimming.
I have a huge belly right now and need to loose a couple of stone.
Also I would like something cool as it's summer but don't want completely bare arms.
Any colours / patterns except for white considered.
Nothing chintzy or satiny.
Maybe a small heel or wedges but no stilettos

thanks for your help!!!

[EvaHarknessRose]

Bump because I want to follow the suggestions [hopeful]

[SmiledWithTheRisingSun]

Thanks Eva

[ScaryBunnyPainting]

My sister is a size 18 and wore this to a formal family event this weekend and looked divine.
www.lindybop.co.uk/dawn-burnt-orange-velvet-swing-dress.html
I know it is styled quite fifties there with the hair do but she didn’t go that way at all and it looked beautiful.

[BoronationStreet]

I don't know how to do click links but I think this would be lovely...
https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/size=18//N-flwZ1z14060?sskwcid=1dx43700013386071792&tmad=c&tmcampid=1&&skwcid=1dx&tmad=c&tmcampid=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx--LH-hChEmXKY1qOUHh0GvLU4MObj88OyteiC7JVn4d41ZlPQ-UvSkaAnFdEALww_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[BoronationStreet]

Argh it didn't work...I'll get on my laptop.

[BoronationStreet]

this green dress

[Daddylonglegs1965]

I tried this dress on in Monsoon it’s fab on and I am taller than you and bigger than you. I would check out Monsoon, Phase eight (which cater for slightly taller than average people) or a personal shopper in Debenhams.

[BestIsWest]

I love that green Warehouse dress. It’s made me all nostalgic for a similar green dress I had in the late 80s which always made me feel amazing.

[DianaT1969]

I'd avoid a previous poster's suggestion of Shein. They are sold and sent from China and lots of MN threads complain that the sizes are small and not as per photo.
Have you tried Boden or Arket? Good for dresses

[Daddylonglegs1965]

Actually that green dress above would be superb.

[MmeBufo]

This is very simple but a lovely forgiving cut. Blue FWM dress. Bargain - low stock

fennwrightmanson.com/collections/dresses/products/ryder-dress-1?variant=20055843307609