Desperate - Please HELP with style suggestions!

[Palsof]

Hello!
I am so upset and am looking for advice. I always fluctuated around a size 14-16, 12 on a very very good day, I have literally ballooned from 11.5 stone to 13.5 stone in the past year. I am 45 and its to do with bad sleeping, lack of exercise, a few too many treats and hormonal changes and way too much sitting in a car. Its mostly in my belly (3 kids...) and boobs so I am a typical fat apple now!
My problem is I have no idea how to dress this shape, I read "the rules" for dressing an apple but everything I pick up looks awful on me and I dont even know where to shop as I don't clothes shop very often (for myself)
Any suggestions on what shops would suit my shape and my age?? Stylish and not frumpy!! I've checked size guides on-line and I'm averaging at a size 18 on the high street but could be 20 for anything fitted on the bust as I am now a 36F.
Anyone purchased recently that has a similiar shape and could recommend an outfit? I am in desperate need of clothes as we are going on a sun holiday in 2 weeks.
Appreciate suggestions!
Thanks I would really appreciate it

If you're a true apple then I assume you've got nice slimish legs? My friend is an apple and short with it, she wears a lot of bias cut dresses and skinny jeans with bias cut tunics, she's 50.

How tall are you?

We live in Australia and it's hot for much of the year. My mate wears things like this for relaxed days...as I say with skinny jeans or cropped pale linen trousers and nice sandals.

www.kitandkaboodal.co.uk/made-in-italy-st-helens-linen-tunic-dress-p3618?attribute%5B2%5D=8

A lot of these Boden tunics would look nice with linen trousers too....

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-tunics-kaftans they go up to 20. But Boden are generous in size.

Thanks @HennyPennyHorror I like the Boden, I’ve tried the other style suggestion and I just looked swamped. I would have gone for a neat look before when I was slimmer but it doesn’t suit me now as all I see is lumps and bumps.

I’m an apple, 36G, with huge belly. I buy clothes from Next, Phase Eight, Mint Velvet, mainly Next as they are so convenient with next day delivery plus they sell tons of different brands now.
I avoid anything belted, empire line or bias cut. I tend to wear jeans and trousers most of the time as dresses mean there’s nothing to hold my tummy in.

Is your waist still visible Palsof? If it's there, you could just get some stomach minimising pants and wear something more fitted.

Thanks very much @PickingUpLicks! I will give next another go, I’m not near the other shops but I’ll check them out online. @HennyPennyHorror my waist is a little visible but I find the tuck-me-in undies just push it all up 😜! Thanks ladies 😊

I've got this dress (in another pattern but I'm tempted by this one too as it's so cheap and it's payday ).

It's lovely and cool and hangs nicely. I wore it out to dinner with sparkly flats early in the holiday and then with flip flops as a beach cover up towards the end. Very versatile. Comes up big so size down.

www.apricotonline.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/24044/s/aqua-tribal-tile-print-tunic-dress-plus/category/534/

This is the other pattern. Bit lary I'll grant you!

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/apricot-geo-print-sleeveless-dress/yi658/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=9063#colour:Multi,size:

StCharlotte that's lovely....I love that colour in the first one and the cut's very flattering looking too.

Oh I like the 2nd one too! Bit retro looking.

Needless to say I caved in and bought the blue one yesterday. Can't help myself!

And I'm glad you like them