Looking for a tea dress or very similar size 18 classic style - where are all the classics? Next day delivery

[Graphista]

I'm having a bit of a nightmare!

Trying to find a dress for a thing on Monday. Usually Next are my go to but they are having weird issues with their next day delivery options apparently (that they are in denial about!) ordered from M&S but I'm worried the delivery won't work as they apparently are now using bloody Hermes despite saying on sm that they don't.

I much prefer dpd delivery wise

The other issue I'm having is style wise as the online retailers that use dpd tend to be more "modern" ones and I am a 5'2" size 18 Apple shape 49 year old and quite frankly the current fashions would look hideously frumpy on me and I absolutely would NOT feel comfortable and confident in them.

I need a tea dress or wrap dress or CLASSIC shift dress style.

No puffy sleeves or frills or smocking or otherwise baggy and frumpy styling (frankly I don't think they even suit the slim young things but fashion can be weird like that!)

I'll try and post links/pics of the kind of thing I'm looking for, I'm even considering Amazon but I've never ordered clothes from them as they can be so hit and miss on size/fit and reliability of quality.

Not that I'm looking for super high quality but I don't want something that looks cheap.

Also willing to consider skirt or trousers and top outfit but again classic styling please.

Hoping you guys who are the experts can help

As I say preferably next day delivery with dpd. I'm going dizzy here trying to figure this out and fed up with looking at puff sleeves and frills!

Which retailers should I be considering style wise?

I really need help here ASAP

Curvissa do next day delivery if you order before 11pm.
Another contender for the future would be Joe Browns but I think it’s too late for them this time.

Or Yours do guaranteed next day delivery.

www.asos.com/glamorous-curve/glamorous-curve-square-neck-midi-smock-dress-in-green-check-floral/prd/23658822?colourwayid=60501533&cid=9577

www.asos.com/yours/yours-tiered-smock-midaxi-dress-in-orange-floral/prd/200528485?colourwayid=200528493&cid=9577

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-midi-wrap-dress-in-leopard-print/prd/200618441?colourwayid=200618454&cid=9577

Right!

I've plumped for these 2 :

https://www.roman.co.uk/floral-ruched-waist-14024760

https://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/products/Together-Abstract-Floral-Print-Faux-Wrap-Dress//A-92E513320?utmsource=ServiceMailing&utmmmedium=email&utmcampaign=KaleidoscopeOrderConfirmation&utmmcontent=Item1Link&nscampaign=KaleidoscopeOrderConfirmation&nssmchannel=email&nssource=ServiceMailing&nsslinkname=Item1Link&nsfee=0&realestate=itemreordered

So I've 3 dresses headed my way, I've recently lost weight and hopefully will continue to lose too so I'm a bit unsure of my size at the moment too.

Thoughts? Please don't be harsh don't think I could take it

Think I prefer the v neck one for that reason. It was so hard to find v necks that weren't really low cut

The v neck if you’re busty. I prefer it regardless of neckline anyway.

Yes I think round necks or high necks make me look matronly due to the busty thing. I like the design too just hope it fits!

Any luck with the dresses Graphista ? Or is it too soon..

@ThisIsSimplyBeyond love those dresses. I've just ordered two

One dress has arrived. Looks ok but haven't tried it on yet as don't wanna be half dressed when the rest shows up

It's the blue Roman one will update when I know more

It is getting v late which I am annoyed about

The other 2 retailers have the items "due to be delivered" at exactly 1217 today which I am concerned may mean both are with same courier which I wished to avoid!

John Lewis do click n collect deliveries to local CoOps too poor compensation for closing the Sheffield shop though

Click & collect not an option - housebound

They're here

Any good?

Trying them on now. As well as the dresses I also ordered a skirt and trousers from M&S and they fit lovely. Trousers are especially pleasing as I've had lots of trouble getting trousers/jeans that fit length wise lately (I think I've shrunk!) as even "petite" aren't fitting me! These are "short" and fit perfectly!

I tell a lie...extra short trousers

So I'm extra short these days no wonder I can't bloody reach anything!

Ok so...

The Roman dress is lovely but on my size and shape makes me look about 6 months pregnant. I am in the process of losing weight and admittedly carry most of it on my belly. It doesn't look awful and it's comfortable so I will be keeping. I'll wear it as is but think it will look better as/when I lose the weight

The seasalt/m&s dress is a little more flattering. It's a bit longer than I'd prefer (being so short anyway!) but again it's about my current body shape and that is hopefully changing

The green kaleidoscope dress is lovely on. Feels good quality, nice bright colours and flattering drape. Also a nice length hitting just below the knee.

Think that is the one I shall wear for this occasion. Just need to decide what shoes and jewellery now.

Shoe choice is either nude sandals or black ballet pumps, I know all the "cool kids" are wearing trainers with dresses these days but I can't bring myself to do it, feels all wrong.

Thank you soooo much to everyone who posted. Even if I was unable to use your idea it led me to where I needed to be and I very much appreciate the time and thought you gave to my problem.

I'm late to the party but try www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/
If you're a size 18 you'll need the Curve section.

Yea Toast is very expensive, pay for name. Have some nice stuff but made for flat chested women, not good if you have a bust at all. High necks and they ride up when you lift your arms! Choose carefully and wait for sale!
I do have a few things from here, not recently though. Couple of dresses one I call my Kirsty Allsop, and a top which I love.
Seasalt and they do petite, prices have gone up a LOT. Petite never in sale. Again lots of higher necks for small/flat bust. Also can be long if you are smaller. They do have cotton/linen though and nice prints. I got some summer dresses from H&M and M&S. Much cheaper and cotton/linen. Still long though.