Outfit help would be hugely appreciated

[Howlovely]

Hi guys,
If it's not too boring I'll just give a quick background...
I had a baby a few months ago and since then have put on an awful lot of weight. I've always been on the larger side but this is bigger than I've ever been and I just don't wear it well. I feel horrid and unattractive and very self conscious.
I hope this doesn't make me sound hideous but I've always managed to dress quite well and I used to get complimented on my 'style', for want of a better word.
I have a big night it with friends coming up and it's the first time I've been out in about 18 months. I am feeling sick and anxious about it as I just have nothing to wear. I have looked a lot online for something nice to wear (my lovely friends are all petite, slim, fit and beautiful so feel I can't ask for their advice as it's probably outside of their experiences) but I just can't seem to find anything. I would like a glam, flattering dress that's not too expensive. I am probably hoping for the impossible! There are plenty of dresses online but I feel that they are designed for slim ladies and they just make them bigger if you get me, rather than being designed to flatter ladies on the larger side.
Does anybody have any go-to shops or websites that they know will have something suitable? I'm a size 22. I'd really, really appreciate any advice. Thank you!

Probably need to post this in Style and Beauty OP! And I have no advice on clothes, not really my thing. But on S&B there'll be loads of advice I'm sure! Good luck!

What shape are you and how tall? What’s your best feature? Do you have a good bust or legs? You need rob accentuate your best bits.
I find maxi dresses work for me as I am tall but may be different if you are shorter.

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-twist-detail-pleated-kimono-midi-dress/prd/11762702?clr=black&colourWayId=16352862&SearchQuery=&cid=9579
This sort of thing is lovely, and not expensive either. But as a PP said it depends on your height, shape, what features you want to hide/show off

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-spot-print-plisse-mini-dress-with-button-detail/prd/11782253?CTAref=We+Recommend+Carousel_4&featureref1=we+recommend+pers

Without knowing your age and height it's quite hard to judge.
But Simply Be have quite a selection of size 22 dresses.
So it depends if you want to cover up or embrace it!

I know some larger ladies that dress incredibly well and always look glamorous and gorgeous. You need to dress to enhance your best features and wear it with confidence which might be your biggest barrier. One style that they seem to go for a lot is wrap dresses. I'm not sure if that's something that might suit? Also A-line which can emphasis the narrow bit under your boobs, if that applies. Pick a colour that suits you and spend time on your make-up a d hair and you'll look beautiful :)

Op I just bought this and so have several others after asking if it was nice on here

www.boohoo.com/plus-leopard-midi-dress/PZZ79996.html

Thank you for your replies so far! I'm average height, 5 foot 6 and I'm just kind of sack-of-spuds shape at the moment! I tend to wear knee length dresses and I really like the A-line style as that is quite flattering so that's a great idea. Thank you very much for the links, I shall have a proper look now.

I often buy from www.yoursclothing.co.uk/

A lot of their current dresses are more for weddings than evenings out, but you might find something to suit.

I know you said dresses but have a look at playsuits. I bought one recently for a wedding and usually go for dresses and I look bloody brilliant in it! I’m a size 20. I’ll find a picture.

This is the one. That’s the model. Not me. Unfortunately 😂

Hi OP - these dresses are amazing - so flattering. I have two (I'm 5'2",a size 10/12 now but was bigger after DCs, and with a real mum tum), two of my friends also have them - one of whom is 5'4" and a 16 and the other is about 5'10" and I would say a 20/22. They seem to suit everyone as they sort of skim over the 'problem' areas.
We love them. Enjoy your night and if you want, and only if you want, start getting out for a walk each day at nap time or in the evening. Hope you like them.

Doh - link would help
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071FN64SS?pf_rd_p=0bc5e070-4ef7-4065-bdb4-416fd6af2b8b&sb-ci-n=asinImage&hsa_cr_id=6627504540302&sb-ci-a=B071FN64SS&pd_rd_i=B071FN64SS&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&aaxitk=Ja9oaYtU1SXJYzwEez9O3g&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71kUaaJW83L.jpg

Faster, I love plaudits! I have a couple I used to wear, I'm just yet to find one that suits me. That one is lovely, I bet you look fab!
Piggy, I actually have that dress! You are right, they do seem to suit every shape and are very flattering. I think I'm looking for something a bit more glam for this night but you've reminded me I have that if I can't find anything else, thank you!
I shall have a look at yoursclothing now, thank you princess.

Have a look at Lindybop they have a sale on at the mo and dresses start at £15 - they have some glam ones if you scroll through.

Thanks very much ladies, I think I have found something! X

Most welcome OP, what did you go for?

GiBlues, I went for the playsuit and a dress from Yours clothing. I promise I'll only keep the one...!
Thank you x

Glad you found something Howlovely. Enjoy your night!