Help - dress me size 20/22

[Jofergo]

I've got a function to go to and am totally devoid of inspiration for an outfit.

It's formal. More business formal than wedding formal but some colour would be good. I had intended to wear a black dress with a statement embroidered jacket over the top but I've not lost the weight I hoped to and the jacket now doesn't fit. The person I'm going with is wearing their "presenting at a conference" dress.

It's in a cool part of the UK so a longer sleeved dress is preferable (and then I can skip a jacket as I don't currently have one that fits).

I'm busty and overweight. Size 20/22 depending on retailer. My legs are terrible and I have fat arms (basically I currently hate my shape).
I would prefer to wear flat shoes as there will be quite a lot of associated walking on cobbles.

Usual shops are boden/ seasalt/ hobbs/ phase eight but I"m just going round and round in circles and can't choose anything or anything I do like is out of stock in my size.

Might be hit and miss, but always worth having a look and all do larger sizes - David Nieper, Romans, M & Co, QVC - some of their brands might be worth considering, Taking Shape, Live Unlimited

What's the budget?
ASOS and Karen Millen will have options though asos requires a lot of patience to filter out anything unsuitable.

Budget is usual brand type prices I guess.
so around £150 for a dress..

would need bag/shoes too probably as my everyday bag is a black mulberry tote & probably a bit big.

Dress: www.asos.com/closet-london-plus/closet-london-plus-kimono-wrap-dress-in-black/prd/202855406?clr=black&colourWayId=202855407&cid=9579

Blazer: www.monsoon.co.uk/floral-embroidered-jacket-pink-34017473.html
Just an idea..

Try Ambrose Wilson for Nightingale/Julipa dresses in bigger sizes.

I just had a look at ASOS , and they have some great formal clothes for our size. If you intend to lose weight, look in the outlet and spend less, pointless to spend £150.00 on something you hope to only wear once. I like the dress up thread, and quite liked the one I have posted, but they have loads from about £20.00 up.
and this splendid jacket

Thanks all. Few new websites to look at.

Just had a chat with the person whose function it is who had a conniption at the mere thought of silver ballet flats (so adventurous!) so I might have to rein in what I was planning to wear a little.

Boden. X

Silver ballet flats sounds quite Duchess of Cambridge to me!. Here’s a tip, don’t run your choices past the style police!

Monsoon is always worth a look

Try Vinted. You can put the exact thing you're looking for into the search function. I got a gorgeous Emerald green Phase Eight dress for £45 in a 22. Never worn either.

If you would like colour and don’t like your legs how about this excellent trouser suit from Mango.

shop.mango.com/gb/women/jackets-and-suit-jackets-blazers/blazer-suit-100-linen_27097105.html

I have been eyeing it up for weeks now. I am a massive fan on Mango’s plus size range which is well cut and from decent fabrics. I have two blazers from them which changed my whole approach to tailored jackets. (Ie: I now understand they make me look better rather than worse!)

Bonus: you will get loads of wear out of both parts of the suit all summer, and it will look most modern with a flat shoe.

I am also eyeing up this great blazer which I can imagine wearing loads with jeans/ navy trousers

shop.mango.com/gb/women/jackets-and-suit-jackets-blazers/blazer-suit-100-linen_27047107.html?c=70

Or there is this suit - lovely colour but I’d change the buttons and maybe check the material isn’t too plastic-y

shop.mango.com/gb/women/jackets-and-suit-jackets-blazers/double-breasted-suit-blazer_27035753.html

I am about the same size as you and wear a 2x (and would absolutely wear all of the above)