Party outfit help please!

[Penguin13]

Been trying to find an outfit for a party on sat. Have lost half a stone since Christmas so thought I would treat myself to something I felt really good in...
Only I haven't found anything that I do feel great in.

40ish, 5ft7, size 12-14, pear so usually go for fit and flare type things but open to other pear friendly styles. Prefer blue/green/teal/black type shades. Any suggestions??! Attached the latest attempt from Next. It's not super obvious in the pics but i think all the fabric is making me look bigger than I am, especially from the back.

This is one of my backup options. Is this terrible? God I am useless at this.

I much prefer the second one, shows off your fab figure! The first one looked a bit fussy to me.

Yes, the 2nd one looks better. In general though if a pear shape, you want to draw the eye to the top half and away from the bottom. I wouldnt normally go for no sleeve if a pear shape, as you need to balance the larger hips with a partial sleeve. The 1st dress seems to draw the eye to the hips and does make you look a size or 2 larger. The 2nd pics makes your arms and everything look slimmed though!

Definitely the second. You have stunning legs!

Thanks everyone for commenting. I instinctively feel more confident in the second but it's good to have some independent opinions.

Also very much open to a third option of getting something new, was just becoming a bit dress blind!

Second one looks much better on you than the first one. You have a lovely figure, show it off

You are all very kind!

Depends on the type of party.

The second is more flattering, and more youthful, more casual, the second is more elegant, but less flattering. You suit them both, so depends on the type of party.

It's not an especially formal type of party Bluntness so second is definitely the winner I think.

I didn’t think people with figure like yours worried about what to wear. You look good in both, but particularly the second one, and I think your sandals go better with the second one too.

Second one is much better, really great fit and better suited to the kind of party you're describing. Forgive me for saying so but the shoes aren't working with the dress imo - they're too summery for this time of year I think. Do you have any other options? If it helps you could get away with opaque tights with that dress (though if my legs were as good as yours I'd keep them bare too!).

Your legs are INSANE! Size 8 and jealous AF here!

All feedback welcome peach. Can see where you're coming from on the shoes. Any ideas of what would look better? My options are a bit limited but open to buying something new as the 2nd dress is about 5 years old so will cost me nothing! My feet are ridiculous- size 8 and wide and I absolutely cannot do high heels or anything pointy as I need such a large size it makes my feet look like boats and I will likely break my neck if I wear anything beyond a couple of inches heel!

Ooh any ideas for coverups also welcome as it has been pretty flipping chilly lately!

ASOS is your friend! They have loads of lovely wide fit block heels which are so much easier to walk in, even if you go a bit higher. Personally I'd go for some lovely velvet slingbacks in a bright colour as they look lovely in a mid heel but you could also go for metallic two strap sandals.

Fab thanks for the suggestions Peach. Will check it out!

Do post the finished outfit, it's such a great dress and I know you're going to look fab!

So.....what about these heels? Do they go? Trying to decide if I can endure them for a whole evening The alternative maverick option is flats! Not the ones here as they are dirty and don't fit well but they would be significantly more comfy if a lot less glam.

Love the second one on you - you have great legs!!

You look fab and the heels are great

Flats take away the glam

I would wear that as it is totally my shape

Heels are a bazillion times better BUT you have such great legs that you can get away with flats if you're desperate. Those heels work really well BTW.

I might take some flats and stash them somewhere if I start to ache too much! (Or if DH gets bored of stretching up to kiss me )

They should read FOR if I start to ache too much obviously!

As promised. Final outfit with me all gussied up. Classy toilet selfie . Clearly I need some posing tips looking at the weird claw hand in the pic DH took! I ended up having no problems boogying away in my heels all night and just slipped on my flats to help clear up at the end of the night. Thanks all for your advice. I felt great and had a ball.