Help me dress up!

[maslinpan]

I hate finding things to wear for a big night out, but one is coming up and I can't dodge the bullet. I know I will have a great time, it's a formal dinner with other events plus disco going on till late, so I need to be comfortable but would also like to look fabulous.
I used to have an hourglass figure, but middle aged spread has hit recently! I am 5 8", size 16, don't like to flash too much flesh, I will be in flats as DH is short and doesn't need reminding of it! Last two times I was very happy in a stretchy knee length dress from Coast, it has a bit of clever ruching on the waist, elbow length sleeves and a bold flower pattern on a black background. Thus time I would like to try something different, have any of you clever people got any inspiration? I tried on a jumpsuit just to see, and it did NOTHING for my arse and hips. As I am short waisted too and a 36dd I can look quite boxy if I'm in the wrong thing.
I hope someone would like to rise to the (considerable) challenge!!

Have a look at Bombshell dresses. They somehow lengthen between boobs and waist. That is the secret to middle age spread - do not have your boobs resting on your spread!!

Quite £££ but you could wear to weddings/races as well as black tie Hobbs dress

Hobbs again in the sale if you wanted another crack at a jumpsuit

Or this jumpsuit with statement jewellery?

Coast lace midi - I like this type of style with covered arms - if you like it but too ££ there are always dresses like this by Hobbs, Boden Coast etc on eBay

The two dresses are great, but the jumpsuit uncovers too much for me, I have a birthmark on my upper back, plus I am not so keen on the upper arms being revealed. But I will investigate Hobbs, thanks!