Silky, colorful midi-length dresses, size 18

[Antst]

I'm no fashionista, but love cosplay and dressing up for special events. Last weekend I went to London and saw two or three women wearing outfits that look great for an event I'm going to attend.

They had black legs (tights and boots) and silky midi-length dresses in muted, but bright colours. The dresses didn't have that "nightie" look that's common in the plus-sized world and is quite unflattering on me.
They were gently structured. One was a robin's egg blue print.

Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start as far as finding anything similar. I recently lost weight and now wear a size 18. I know what's available in the plus-size world and there's nothing at all like what I want. But I can fit regular sizes now and hope that someone might know what I'm talking about and can point me in the right direction! I had the impression that this is a look that will become popular, so maybe it's in a store somewhere! Thanks very much.

Was it a kimono dress?

Have you looked at a brand called Run and Fly? They do fit and flare, mid length dresses in some quirky prints and nice colours. I’m pretty sure they stock larger sizes, I bought one in a 14 a while ago and it was very flattering.

You can get loads of nice dresses in an 18
Can you describe the nightie styles you want to avoid?

www.oasis-stores.com/gb/sale/curve/curve-scarf-wrap-dress*/067732.html

Probably not the right kind of thing but I have this and am an 18. It’s silky, floaty and feels lovely on!

Monsoon have some lovely mid length silky dresses

Scarlett and Jo dresses look great on me (size 16). Gives me more shape instead of looking like a huge sack of potatoes

messyhousetidymind, I know what you mean, but they weren't kimono dresses. I'm fine with that style in general, but not when there's a tie at the waist and a wrap-over. I find that can end up cutting in a little and/or looking too unstructured (showing lumps, etc).

Wellfuckmeinbothears, thanks a lot. That looks great on the model, but that shorter, tied-around-the-waist look doesn't flatter me. My legs are too solid-looking. The dresses I saw were a little longer and wider at the bottom instead of narrower.

I'm doing a horrible job with my descriptions. Thanks everyone, for your patience!

messyhousetidymind,

www.navabi.co.uk/product/floral-print-dress-51357/?colorcode=0105
www.navabi.co.uk/product/striped-balloon-dress-51415/?colorcode=1492
Here are links to a couple of styles that I want to avoid. The first one is too tent-y and the second one is too nightie-like. The dresses I saw weren't as structured as 1940s-style dresses, but they were getting there. Thanks!

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/6449397910?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkNuil8_63wIVb77tCh2uaweCEAQYAiABEgLpsfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

There's a bit of structure in the waist of the first 2, I found they hid all my lumpy bits and skimmed quite nicely over my tummy. The flared skirts make my calves look narrower than they are.

Is that the kind of thing you're looking for?

cheesywotnots, thanks a lot for looking that up. That is quite a nice dress and I'm tempted to get it in general.

For the event I'm looking for, the elastane might make it a little clingy on my lumps and I'd like something where there isn't such a strong contrast with the print. I know I'm sounding too picky!

mildshock, thanks a lot for looking that up. It's getting there (lovely dress), but for my body shape, I'd be looking for less fabric. A gathered waist doesn't look good. I'm sure there's a name for the shape I mean, but I'm too clueless about clothes to know what it is.

Ok I get what you mean now I think.

This is robins egg but alas think xl is a 16
www.johnlewis.com/ghost-lillia-annelise-floral-print-dress-blue/p3655135

Are they like these ghost dresses?

www.ghost.co.uk/clothing/dresses

If so there are probably similar from other brands up to an 18 but is this what you mean? Or more structured?

Ooh, we're getting there. Wow, thank you for going to so much trouble. The blue of the John Lewis one is great. The shape probably wouldn't suit me as far as the neck, but I the general look is good.

The "Meryl" dress at the Ghost link you sent was not was I was originally thinking of, but it is very nice. The sizing goes up to a 16, but according to the John Lewis site, that size should fit me.

I'm surprising myself by how excited I'm getting at the prospect of wearing something like this. Selections are much better now for plus-sized people, but it's hard to find anything that doesn't look corporate or floaty. Really appreciate your time. Thanks.

messyhousetidymind, I've had a closer look at the Ghost website; these are great. Thanks so much.

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/ink-star-print-shirt-dress/19806

I wish I could fit into those ghost dresses they're gorgeous!

I'm not sure if I will, but we'll see!

I think I know hat you mean - is it like the midi dresses that Bum 40 blogger wears?

M&S are doing them, the website is a bit pants, but some of them look lovely in store: www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/dresses?facets=4294964604,2766570402&slider_Current_Min=0&slider_Current_Max=120&sortBy=sku.colour_rank|1

I've never heard of that blogger, but will look her up. Thanks very much.

I'm surprised that I like some of those M&S ones. I've never paid much attention to M&S fashion.

No, I've not shopped in M&S for years, but some of their dresses and blouses are great at the moment. Unfortunately too much polyester, I'd like to see some silk.

Blogger is Does My Bum Look 40, she's very tall and slim, but wears tonnes of these kinds of dresses, so might be good for ideas.

Ooh some of those Ghost dresses are gorgeous! Does JL have them in store? Might go for a trying on session