Please help, need to find a dress!

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Argh please help me wise S&B people! My DH has been nominated for an award where he works. They are having an evening do which states 'lounge suits and cocktail dresses'
The very term cocktail dress fills me with fear! I have fat upper arms, fat legs and a fat tummy. I am going to look like a pudding.
OK so I definitely need sleeves of some sort. Has to be mid calf length or preferably maxi but that's not cocktail is it? I have a decent bust and waist, my only saving graces. Size 14-16. I am 42. Budget around £100.
Any ideas very very gratefully received!
Thank you

I'd suggest a wrap dress, you can get them ruched over the tummy and they have arms and often are slightly a line on the skirt. They also accentuate your bust. Get some decent underwear, and wear a dark colour but brighten it up with some jewellery, do your hair nice and wear heels.

Over budget but you sound like a similar size and shape to me and I looked sensational in this www.saintbustier.com/nigella-dress-champagne-gold.html (even if I do say so myself)

I do like that Irrational but I think I need a bit more length to feel comfortable. Thanks for the link.

Again over budget but how about a skirt and top? Perhaps something like this from Coast.

Irrational that's stunning!

This? www.saintbustier.com/victoria-dress.html
I really do love this company (not associated in any way)

Thanks conker I have never felt as fabulous in a dress as I did in that one last Christmas.

Ooh burnished and Irrational I rather like both of those! Thank you so much.

And I bet you do look stunning in that dress Irrational I am just not brave enough to pull it off! To be honest the whole thought of the evening is terrifying but have to support DH obvs. Can't even get tipsy cos I have to drive us both home again at the end of the night

Phase8 currently has a sale on www.phase-eight.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?UniqueProductKey=203115751&redirect=true&gclid=CP3OiM-XldACFUcQ0wodjQsJ0Q. And

Tallulah I like the one you linked to. The green one looks a bit short again. Do you know what their sizing is like?

I find it generous although I'm a short-arse so it's prob due to that for me! They're good with returns though.

Ok, thank you

chescadirect.co.uk/collections/plus-size-occasion-wear/products/navy-matt-crepe-crush-pleat-flounce-chiffon-trim-dress

I have an earlier version of this ( mine's black, but navy would have been better) Mine's got a simpler hem, just folds, rather Japanese.

Yes, it's a 'voluptous lady brand' but the smaller sizes might be worth looking at.

It covers arms and legs.

Get one of those 'wear your own bra control slips' from M and S for underneath.

Thanks WhiteHair that is a lovely website! Possibly a bit out of budget but maybe I could treat myself?..

As Tallulah mentioned, Phase 8 have a sale on, 20% off today. Their Studio 8 range has some very flattering dresses:

I particularly like this one.

This is nice.

I know not everyone likes Lindybop, but this is a very flattering shape.

Just a couple more suggestions

Collectif
and
Dig for Victory - bit more than you want to spend but beautiful!

Thanks for the links Pantsalive I love the lindybop style but.....my tree trunk legs and knees need coverage! I am worried I'm just going to look frumpy. I am a difficult customer sorry! I do really appreciate all your replies and help.

What do you all think of this? http://www.tbdress.com/product/Bat-Wing-Sleeve-Lace-Long-Sheath-Evening-Dress-11471204.html?c=GBP&tbfrom=paiddadwordsshopping&adworddmt=&adwordct=156396803739&adworddkw=&adwordpos=1o11&adworddpl=&adwordnet=g&adworddtar=&adwid=63893028811693808294387124177877_pla-64616814148&gclid=CJCFydDoltACFUG4GwodYyMFwQ

I'd also suggest looking on eBay, as there are SO MANY amazing dresses worn once being sold on for small amounts. I've bought an Amanda Wakeley silk dress this week for the same price as I'd pay for Phase Eight polyester new (plus less chance of someone wearing the same thing).

If it's an evening do, I would have thought you could wear long, if you feel happier in that. No one is going to chuck you out for looking too dressed up!

How about something like this which is really simple?

I think the one you've linked looked a bit too dressed up to go with lounge suits.

Green?

Oooh I really love that John Lewis one! Its simple but still appropriate the occasion, I could dress it up with a bit of bling.
I think you're right about the dress I linked to (sorry I need to learn how to do short links!) and I don't want to look too 'ball gown'.
I am going to order the John Lewis and try on at home, thanks so much