Postpartum wedding outfit advice please!

[FrustratedMod]

Hi, I'm really stuck and just can't find anything to suit. I'm going to a wedding at 4-6 weeks postpartum where the dress code is 'cocktail dress'. I'm not even entirely sure what cocktail dress entails but I am worried about finding anything that's going to fit me, plus I need something mid-calf length or longer to hide the hideous thread veins on my legs (hoping it's going to be hot so no tights). I still had a bump for ages and ages after the last time I gave birth so expecting to still look 6 months pregnant by the time of the wedding :(

I've looked at Coast, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Very, ASOS but all the empire line (bump-accommodating) long dresses are just too bridesmaid-y or old or too expensive (my budget is under £100, a lot under if I can)

Any advice? Many thanks

How about hiring something? Here, for example. It'd hopefully leave budget to get some spanx and you wouldn't be stuck with a dress that will only fit for a short period.

some lovely flattering and reasonable dresseshere

Monsoon have some maxis for under £100, admittedly there are some hideous prints there but some are nice! They tend to be quite flowing and a generous/flattering fit so might accommodate a small bump.

Cocktail dress would normally be short dresses, but a maxi would probably be fine.

(as long as you avoid the silk/satiny ones, it shouldn't look too bridesmaid-ish!)

Oh I feel your pain, I had a wedding invite for 6wks after my due date and then DD was a week overdue and it was with a very slinky crowd! M&S magic pants (think Simon cowell-style mega coverage up to underneath the boobs!) saved me!

Worth checking eBay for dress bargains?

Have a lovely time

Take a look at Coast again. Ive got this dress its very flattering and has an elastic waist that's very accommodating (I bought 2 sizes smaller than usual). Add a pair of spanx and you'll be away.

www.coast-stores.com/MARISSA-PRINTED-JERSEY-MAXI-DRESS/Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2310002189

Purple knot front could work...