Cocktail/party dress help

[Mummumtum]

I’m really struggling, please wise S&Bers help me…

I promised myself I’d lose some weight before this event but havent and now it’s very soon

Size 16 (pushing an 18) and tall
Prefer black/blue/green/wine/warm metallics
Tummy is big problem area
Large but decent boobs, decent legs
Prefer a sleeve if poss

Dress code is ‘glam’, I’m mid 30s and everything I’ve tried so far makes me look really frumpy

Budget £150ish

Please please please help, j feel like I’ve completed google and found nothing

Would this colour work for you?

Very forgiving shape on my mum tum!

https://www.johnlewis.com/whistles-josie-metallic-animal-print-dress-multi/p5814328?size=16?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

@Scandishores222

It really is a lovely dress. Gives you a great shape and just floats over everything.

It's the only suggestion on here which I would say is a cocktail dress. It's very elegant but not fussy.

I wore this last weekend for my birthday and felt so good in it www.dorothyperkins.com/multi-sequin-midi-dress/AQQ48469-155-16.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmPSSBhCNARIsAH3cYgajlaIH2_TENU-a9rpdsQj_AU9MD90yPSHx_XQJHnoISrFfwrsj7JsaAkuxEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.phase-eight.com/product/nika-layered-shift-dress-220759351.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=false&sz=60&start=0&cgid=occasion&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=color&prefv1=Black|Blue|Green|Metallic&prefn2=sleeve&prefv2=3/4%20Sleeve|Long%20Sleeve|Short%20Sleeve&pid=220759351&pos=2

https://www.roman.co.uk/sequin-embellished-mini-dress-14213985

https://www.roman.co.uk/belted-sequin-sheer-sleeve-dress-14191185

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/ella-pleat-dress-22047275108.html?utmsource=rakutenmarketing&utmmmedium=affiliate&utmcampaign=2523611%3ALyst%20UK%2FEU&utmmcontent=15&utmterm=uknetwork&ranMID=44103&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdLL_ATRVoE-BKeZDxelBwsMjkTyvrGkEw
Can size down with the phase eight one

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/plus-size-long-sleeve-plunge-sequin-midi-dress-in-black

https://www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/products/coco-wrap-dress

Any good?
www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/the-ophelia-flare-long-sleeve-mini-dress-in-black-zebra/

Ooooh the zebra has thrown me a curve ball @Palavah if never have picked it for myself but I think I like it.

Never ordered from wolf & badger before- any idea what they are like for returns etc?

So the next one with lace sleeves arrived and is a solid plan b, it’s not quite as ‘special’ as I’d hoped but it fits nicely and will do if I don’t find anything else. Boohoo one is en route.

still debating the never fully dressed one and one of the reformation ones as potential options

thanks again for all the help!

Scarlett and Jo would be a good shout, you have the same measurements as me more or less, here is a typical dress, extra support to hold you in. The sleeves are long enough to hide my bingo wings, comfortable to wear. This one is a maxi but they do shorter dresses.

If you are not going to be wearing it again, try the app - by rotation. I love it. Cheap, easy and kinder to the environment then buying new pieces you’ll only wear once!

size 16/18 there is plenty of options available.

Hi OP. I am bigger than you (size 18, very big boobs, and awful overhanging tummy) and had to buy something fir smart work do.
I trawled the shops and bought thus at the weekend. Its not impressive on the hanger, or in pictures but is the most flattering thing I've bought in years - admittedly with shapewear pants. It is way below the budget I had and may lose its shape after washing but it was such an amazing surprise when I tried it on. Because the colour is plain (I usually go for pattern) you can wear fab jewellery.
"Buy Navy Blue Cowl Neck Short Sleeve Midi Dress from the Next UK online shop" www.next.co.uk/g28112s4/t22610

The pictures are so dull. The top bit on the shoulders and arms is actually fine mesh- so all floaty but thick enough you can wear a bra.
I dud try a dress from Bonbshell - there are some in their sale - but was jyst too small for me but should fit you? They were really helpful when I rang up and free returns
www.bombshellhq.com/collections/sale-aw21?uff_351m5y_option%3ASize=18|20|Size%20Four%2020%2F22%20(Up%20to%205%225)

Try Ted Baker dresses. I'm the same shape as you and they're my favourites. 😊

You sound like your figure is very similar to mine. I’d really suggest trying on some more fitted, rather than floaty or empire line, dresses. A good pair of spanx works wonders and something more fitted can be really flattering.

good luck with your search!

Love the first suggestion dress (choice of colours, nice back detail too)…some good underwear and some heels or wedges would detract from any ‘tummy worries’!
have a great time - you’ll look beautiful x

I'm so pleased to hear it🙂

For the first time ever I've bought something clothing wise as a result of a S&B link. (I've done beauty products before.) It may just be taking me to my niece's wedding in December. The navy blue one.

For the first time ever I've bought something clothing wise as a result of a S&B link. (I've done beauty products before.) It may just be taking me to my niece's wedding in December. The navy blue one.

Oldish thread! Still glad I found it.

www.roman.co.uk/dresses/party-dresses

take a quick look at this page of Romans, good quality fit finish and fabric. Should leave you with a bit of cash to look at accessories ! They do on line but are shops dotted around.