Maxi Dress for Christmas Night Out?

[sailorcherries]

I have my work night out the week before Christmas. I work in a school, mixed age ranges of staff going. I am the youngest at mid-twenties and the eldest is in their fifties. It is a party night at a Hilton hotel, meal and dancing/DJ.
I have put weight on recently and I am incredibly self-conscious of my middle section, not greatly fussed on my legs either. Have a good bust which is something. I'm a kick in the arse off 5ft7, size 16/18 (depending on how close fitting it is to my middle section).
Short, pixie hair in the style of Frankie Bridges (Sandford).

I bought a ruched, sparkly midi dress and although it's nice I'm not too sure.
I saw a quite plain black maxi dress, plunge neck and a thigh split which I thought looked nice. Had the idea to spruce it up with a sparkly wasit belt, jewellery, shoes and makeup.

However is a maxi dress 'too much' for a party night? Is it too drab?
Last year to a similar place I wore a short black lacey number but feel too self conscious this year. I've gained around a stone and a half and had weight to lose then.
This is the dress ...

If it's shit do you have any other ideas? Nothing too short, nothing too tight.

I think that dress is really lovely and would work no problem.

I think it's lovely too, but could you post a photograph of the sparkly ruched number that you already have?

I like it. I'd leave it alone and wear with sparkly sandals. Great hair and make up and you'll look fab.

Where's it from?

Thanks everyone. It was Boohoo. I know the quality can be a bit iffy at times but it was one of their more 'expensive' items reduced in a site wide sale.

It's completely sold out in my two prospective sizes though.

I like it too. I don't think it needs a belt.

You look good in this it’s nice you don’t need to add to many accessories