If ever there is a year I need to look good for the xmas party its this one!

[OohMrDarcy]

I have had a complete SHITTER of a year topped off with my not-so-wonderful 'D'H fucking around and effectively ending our marriage. I kicked him out at the start of September, work is chaotic (but should calm down a little by then) and god damnit I NEED to feel good about myself...

Now I am large... 18/20 I know - quite probably linked to the shitter of a marriage / year... however am working on that... I do have dresses that fit - but you know what, for the first time ever I want a new dress... just because I do!

I have a gut, a wonderful c-section overhang and thighs as thick as trees.... someone please help me look and feel good in a dress at Christmas! There is a free bar, free hotel overnight and I want to have fun and make the most of it!

For some reason this appeals, unless you're v tall?

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/dresses/lyra-floral-crepe-dress/202698492

I am rubbish at this but I hope somebody finds you something perfect for FUN!

Good on you! I vote for a fabulous but plain new black or navy dress and then have awesome makeup and bright red nails. Maybe a sparkly necklace too.

John Lewis is a good place for a frock - something that holds you in and makes you feel great.

Not super exciting but depending on where the ruching and draping hits , it coud be flattering on the problem areas.

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/dresses/beverly-blouson-dress/202805351

I love that Phase8 dress - that sort of cut looks fab on a larger women, especially if you have good legs.

Please keep positive - you are clearly well rid of your crap H.

The first one!

ooh I have replies already! Thanks

some useful info would have been handy I guess! I am 5' 4" and have dark hair and eyes... navy is often a good colour on me - had a lovely midnight blue type dress I wore years ago...

thanks for the links charitygirl.... the flowery one isn't really me (don't hugely like prints I'm afraid) and the other one, love the colour - but don't think it would work with my shape?

A wide-leg playsuit like this with heals made me feel fab at a Christmas party a couple of years ago. playsuit

I am a very similar size you to (just 2 inches taller ) and without doubt this shape www.kaliko.co.uk/kaliko/lace-skater-dress/060034567.html?cgid=ka_dresses_lacedresses&dwvar_060034567_color=0261 is my most successful and admired as it skims over my big belly, doesn't have too much material in it and it creates a shape. I have a midnight blue from last year but they usually do several colours so it's worth looking on their website/in-store for other ones.

heels, even!

www.modcloth.com/shop/plus-size-dresses

There are some amazing and beautiful dresses here.

I hope you find something - I am sure you will.
And I am sure whatever you choose it will look gorgeous on you!

Couple more questions - do you have a waist, or are you more 'up and down', and do you have yellow or pinky skin - can you wear white (not that I'd pick something white, but it will be easier to find a colour that suits you if we know this!)...

Saga - weirdly I don't think I'd like the idea of a playsuit - I would feel quite exposed in one... no idea why I wouldn't in a dress... may go try one on to be sure

Moonshine - I like that style dress actually - though would prefer slightly shorter sleeves probably - 3/4 or something?

thanks for the link redautumn - will have a nose for some ideas on there

castlave - I kind of have a waist... but its straight beneath my bust (I think hence the skater style being quite good), skin has more of a yellowy tone I guess and have no idea if I can wear white - don't think I ever have, would naturally lean towards cream does that help at all?!

Pepperberry go up to a size 18. Eg:

www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/dresses/occasion-and-party-dresses/embellished-chiffon-dress/pewter/pd358pwt/?level=2

www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/dresses/day-dresses/knot-detail-dress/red-floral/pd335rfl/?level=2&page=2

See generally here:

www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/dresses/

forgot to say - I also feel more glam in a longer dress, but no idea what length to stop at without making me look

a) even shorter
b) sack of spuds!

This is a great dress, model is 5'10" so it'd be about the length I think you're after too. Is black OK?

Very helpful! Don't hide that waist...

How about:

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+cuff+sleeve+dress+with+pleated+skirt/198933816,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+Ruched+waist+dress+with+beaded+cap+sleeves/198025118,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Linea+Lace+Jacquard+Dress/199383836,default,pd.html

Not your best colour, but with a bit of green, red or gold jewellery and nails you'll look fab: www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Untold+Off+the+shoulder+pencil+skirt+dress/206150368,default,pd.html

catslave - I love the first two (and exactly the colours I go for) but not sure I can justify anything quite that expensive in my new single parent life... any chance of finding something similar but under £100 ?

I think this is a real 'wow' dress and very flattering and pretty

shop.mango.com/IE/p0/curvesizes/clothing/dresses/lace-panel-dress/?id=31097570_02&n=1&s=prendas_violeta.vestidosprendas&ident=0__0_1415223167358&ts=1415223167358

I think black looks a bit harsh on me so tend to avoid

this is (pretty much) the love child of the kaliko dress and the AP dress you liked. Much kinder price. It's out of stock ATM but they re-stock very regularly - if you mail thm you may well find they have it.

What about a structured corset style top and some nicely cut wide legged trousers? And killer heels.

black with leopard collar

Ms Lettuce that dress is awesome!! Op you'd look fab in it - heels, red lipstick, flicky eyeliner...

green

ok MrsLettuce... I love it, I think... but what about the sleeves - they feel slightly too long? (I think I have short arms which doesn't help) would it ruin the look if I ended up scrunching them up a bit?!

Tethersend - I love the last one you posted (green) but need a strappy bra! which is a bloody shame after seeing that