Dress needed for night out but 50+ and overweight!

[Lavendersquare]

Ok, so my SIL has a significant birthday in a few weeks and has arranged for a night out in London which includes a meal in a top restaurant, cocktails etc. I'm really looking forward to the night out as this will be my first trip to London since before the pandemic.

I spent last night looking at my wardrobe options and tried a few of my go to dresses on and although I know I've put on weight during the last 18 months seeing myself in the mirror was an eye opener!

Losing lots of weight is not realistically achievable in the time I have so I need to get a new dress that doesn't make me look like I'm modelling scatter cushions.

Requirements are that it must be knee or midi length, definitely no maxis or anything above the knee. I prefer something comfortable with a bit or stretch, and definitely no velvet. I'm a size 18 with a bust to match and most of my weight is around my middle. I'm quite open about colours and love a pattern, not keen on frills or anything that adds width, so no to puffy sleeves etc.

So any idea what I can buy? Budget is up to £150.
Tia

How tall are you? If you are top heavy then my go to is Bravissimo but it’s best to go into the shop to try things on if you are not familiar with the brand

www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.asymmetric-twist-detail-midi-dress-blue.0966849002.html
Or this www.monsoon.co.uk/cleo-paisley-print-embroidered-midi-dress-teal-24049579.html

I'm also a busty 18 and both these shops cater for me

Control underwear, v neck and empire line waist would likely suit you.

Google Grace Miracle dress from Winser London.

Have a look at Navabi.

Esprit Curve

Joanne Hope, Nightingale, Ambrose Wilson (I know) all do lovely dressy dresses for Evening/Christmas

I just bought this and thinks it’s really flattering as the fabric is floaty rather than constructing around the bust. Sleeves are a bit flouncy but not too fussy.
www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-frances-metallised-spot-flared-dress-navy/p5765985?size=14?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1haWw=

I'm a very busty 18-20 and the most flattering cut I have found is a faux wrap style dress, or a true wrap dress. I'm round in the middle too and those tend to hit in the right spots and gloss over the wrong ones. Something with a little stretch like Jersey, not to thin but a substantial weight is best, a stretch velvet can be good or a nice bottom weight. I usually opt for basic black but Navy is also good, or any darker tone. If you go too light on color it will show bumps and shadows more and make you look lumpy. Ebay is good source for dress you will wear once, can search by size, fabric, style, color etc and get a nice dress that someone else probably wore only once as well, and pay fraction of original cost.