Fancy a challenge? Help me to find an outfit for a night out!

[Honeymoonmummy]

Hi all,

Haven't tried using S&B like this before so bear with me, I'll try not to drip feed.

I am in my early 40s, lost a lot of weight recently but still borderline overweight with most of my weight on my tummy (think muffin top!!). I have a very rare but special night out that I want to dress to impress for (naice wine bar with dress code "smart casual") and looking for something to wear but I am really fussy (see below!)

I am 5ft 9 and size 20 which excludes some shops already. The main criteria are:

• it has to be quite cool - I'm going to be in a packed pub/club and hate getting too hot
• it has to have sleeves or be wearable with some sort of cropped cardigan thing (I have plenty of those) - i have horrible upper arms
• nothing too low cut on the cleavage
• nothing which clings to my tummy
• I have decent legs, most of my height is in my legs (just as you were thinking it was a hopeless cause)!
• I wear black 80% of the time but look good in any shade of blue and peach (shoulder length straight blonde hair, blue eyes), look awful in yellow or white and large prints don't suit me
• I want to look classy but sexyish (not sure that's possible for me!!!)

Am currently thinking either a top with a short black skirt and leggings (I have the latter two and they look slimming) or a dress.

I realise this is a big ask but I'm struggling to find anything so will try anything!! I can be fairly flexible on budget (but rarely spend a lot on clothes!)

Thanks in advance.

Just found this which I like and I think would suit me but I'm worried that lots of slimmer other people will be wearing the same style, this style is around a lot at the moment isn't it?

Link would help!!

**DP Curve Black and Cobalt Lace Pencil dress

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dp-curve-black-and-cobalt-lace-pencil-dress-5836358

That's lovely, go for it

I've ordered it, but just in case has anyone got any other ideas?

How about this?

Next has added new clothing range and sale items from Boohoo.

They also have £20 off when you spend £50 online.

Let me know if you want a voucher code.

Love your find OP - hope you like it when it arrives. There are lots of nice dresses on ASOS in the Curve range too so might be worth having a browse there too

Karma, I wouldn't get away with that with my tummy - thanks anyway

I did look on Asos but not specifically Curve, will have another look. I've tried Monsoon, Debenhams, DP, very, simply be, Asos, think that's it!!

M and S and Next now done

Have a look at Studio 8 - this dress is pretty and this dress too. There are loads of others on there that are sleeveless if you already have a cover up you're happy with.

Just ordered this top from John Lewis - https://m.johnlewis.com/windsmoor-cutout-detail-top/p/2717618

Will look at Studio 8 fingermoose, thanks

I absolutely love Yours clothing for plus size wear. I recon a skater dress is your friend.

Really like your find.

Just found this http://www.ist-track.com/ProcessClick.ashx?companyId=17910aed-1bae-4362-9580-b523eb87a91e&itemId=xxiqtxrapp&bid=t which may actually change my life [tad overdramatic] has anyone seen these before, are they widely available, can I get it cheaper elsewhere??

Oh yes Mooey, I've already done Yours, forgot that one!

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/scarlett-jo-blue-jersey-midi-dress-with-knot-front-detail-p

I have this and it is hands down the most flattering dress I have ever owned.

Scarlet and Jo in general are so flattering.

Ooh I like that Mooey! I saw it and liked it but was worried it would look lumpy and bumpy from the back?

I am 5"10 and a size 20, and I find it smoothed everything out, lovely length for legs out, really flattering. I have it in Navy. It's quite heavy material though so don't know how cool it will be!

I don't know what colour to order!!

All of them! I saw a woman in the bright one and it was lovely.