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!

Those Lindy Bop dresses are gorgeous. Why are they so cheap ?Can anyone vouch for the quality?

And while we're doing vintage, love this www.20thcenturyfoxy.com/en/vintage-style-dresses/mansfield-dress-black - very Nigella.

OP I've been all sizes including yours. I found Very's so fabulous range really good - some lovely dresses for reasonable prices. ASOS curve has some really well cut pieces too.

My favourite dress is one I got from very (so fabulous) for about £30. It's an animal print in a fairly bright colour but looks pretty subtle. It is sleeveless (I find fill sleeves or no sleeves are more flattering than anything in between) and knee length. It is empire line so shows by bust but skims my tummy but comes in again at the knee rather than flaring out. I swear it takes two dress sizes off me.

My other favourite was a bandeau prom dress style with a net underskirt. Again, from very so fabulous. I wear it with a blazer type jacket that comes below my hips and goes in at the waist. Again, really flattering.

Stay away from jackets or cardigans that finish on or above your hips.

This is the super flattering dress I Was talking about:

fashionfinder.asos.com/womens-Very.co.uk/So-Fabulous-Animal-Print-Dress-2392151

You can scrunch up the sleeves, of course. If you want it to be as full as it looks there you'll need a petticoat, but even then you'd also still be well under budget.

I was also going to suggest 50's lindybop dresses.
They look fab.
Very flattering too.
I like THIS ONE
And... This one
You will also need to get the petitcoat.

Thanks Ladies... lots to think about! Will have another look at home tonight (at work at the mo)

Quick MrDarcy (ha! Never thought I'd be able to say that...). There are quite a few on Ebay. Seriously, the quality is amazing. As I am becoming more of an old gimmer, I am realising that if you don't want every lump and bump to show then you avoid cheap fabrics... If you can get one for less than new it would be a great investment.

www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/eliza-j-dress

I am a size 18 too and adore the Eliza J purple dress linked by catslave . Fab colour and shape.

Might be outside your budget but Kiyonna.com is worth a look. I have a beautiful lace dress from there, very flattering.

Mr Darcy, look at Peacocks website they have some lovely dresses. DD who is similar size to you got a gorgeous navy/ dark blue dress with flocking. It's only £22.00 but looks much more expensive. Go for the size 20 though DD carries her weight in hip and thigh and the 18 caught her a bit :( They have some pretty party shoes too and 30% off ;)

P.s whatever you wear I hope you have a ball. And be sure when choosing new DP to pick one that is deserving of your gorgeousness!

OMG - just looked at those two I liked from catslave... they are on sale!

Someone quickly help me choose between these

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

oh, and thanks Maverick - won't be choosing a new DP just yet mind

I love the 2nd one!

the colour of the first one is fab!

The 2nd one. Love it.

I like the colour of the 1st one.
I'd also probably go with the first one as I don't like the top of my arms.
But I prefer the 2nd one.
I realise that makes no sense!
Can you order both and send the one back you like least when you try them on?

First one

First one - the colour is fabulous.

I too am larger! Remember under a dress that control underwear can make all the difference!

First one. And yes, control slips are your friend here.

First one _ gorgeous!!

First one - lovely colour and style. Like the style of the second one too, but not the colour.
First one more definitely 'party-ish' which would limit the use a bit but perfect if the party you're going to is a pretty 'dressed-up' one.

No no no to green Eliza one. Hideous. Like like like purple one though

Just saw it on that site in the pewter (silvery) version - also really lovely. Quite tempted myself.