Can some stylish people help me with choosing a dress for my friend's wedding please?

[BagOfCats]

I have often looked on these boards for inspiration but never posted before so here goes, i'm taking the plunge!

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions- I am 35, had 2nd child 6 months ago so still carrying some (a fair bit!) of extra chub... Size 14 with biggish tummy but small boobs. Anyway I'm going to a wedding next month but because its in another country we can't get anyone to look after the DCs so I'm going solo... All the more reason to want to look good- will be seeing a lot of uni friends I haven't seen in ages (as I now live in uk) and... Well... Perhaps it's hoping for miracles but I wanted to look as good as I can!

So I bought this dress recently for a night out m-uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_6.2/3533606122 it's great as its got secret holdy-inny properties and looks great on. I don't think it's weddingy enough though?

If anyone has any ideas of pretty frocks I would be so grateful (and then I need to think of some smart dresses for return to work but that's a whole other thread!!)

Thanks v much in advance!

Sorry the link to the dress isn't working for me I just get the Monsoon site

What's your budget? Do you prefer simple styles or do you want a WOW dress? What length do you tend to go for? What kind of wedding is it?

Give me more information and will happily ignore my marking pile to vicariously shop for you!

Ooh thank you!! Sorry I linked the dress from my phone so maybe it's just a mobile link. Budget... Not massive but prepared to pay up to 150-200 maybe as its a special occasion! Not a super dressy wedding, just normal, if that makes sense! Its a friend of mine from uni. I would probably say I go for simple and elegant (and some nice accessories!) length wise, just above knee, I'm a shorty at just 5'4".
Thank you, and apologies for being a distraction from work!!

Fab

I think the Mary Portas "no brainer" dress could be something to check out- simple, flattering (all about minimising tummy) and comes in lots of colours... Her collection here with "no brainer" style and others

Or

Something like this? Ruched waist style can be very flattering

Pied a Terre I own and love this, ruched and collar detail to draw eye up

Similar on sale

Eliza J Satin with collar detail again and flattering darts at waist, also in gold

Ted Baker Beautiful with peplum in red or purple

Flapper dress style could also be an idea?

Vivienne Westwood draped dress A bit over budget but bet it feels and looks amazing!

Oliver Bonas Prom style is another option, v.flattering with cinched in waist.

I'd team any of these simple block-colour styles with a piece of chunky jewellery (eg a bracelet) and contrast colour shoes.

I'm sure you will look beautiful in whatever you choose OP!

Thank you for giving me a reason I shouldn't mark my essays yet

WOW! Thank you so much- you're so kind to have taken the time to post all of these- and while I feel sorry for your unmarked essays, can I say that you have clearly missed your calling and should've been a fashion consultant (if such a thing exists?!)

Im going to go through all the links now- I am very fortunate to have a baby that doesn't sleep meaning ill be able to peruse these various dresses at length overnight!

Really thank you very much though, I'm excited at the thought of looking through them all. i hope the essays got marked in the end...! I will let you know which one i go for if they suit (and I'm sure at least one will)

You're welcome! Essays still got done! at midnight Mumsnet is the best for procrastinating...