Recommend me an occasion dress?

[artificialhells]

Big work do
i have to give a speech and be photographed and even go on telly😵😵😵
i am 42, 5 foot 5, size 12
apple shape
flabby arms
thick thighs
fitted things make me look pregnant
empire line makes me look pregnant
my colours are autumn

its on Friday!!!!!!!

have just bought a wrap dress but it clings to my wobbly bits and I feel so self conscious. I love all the bold prints and flowy dresses out there but they make me look like a tent.

what can I wear that is stylish and not too try hard (and also not sexy - ie no bombshell dresses) and says professional business woman in charge of things?

Im at a loss!
Budget is up to £100

Can’t you hire something?

Because it’s a bit late to order anything. And in truth it would take some effort to find something flatteringly screen-worthy (that hasn’t already been seen on a million people) for your budget.

Hire!

(Can’t advise. But others might be able to.)

Some prints don’t work on tv as they can distort. A bold print or a vibrant solid colour would be better.
Arket have a midi linen dress with a collar that is a loose shape , but slim at the top, so comfortable and cool but not too swamping. My link isn’t pasting for some reason, but it comes in bright green and tomato red.
Have a look at Cos too.

John Lewis do next day delivery and have some nice dresses at the moment, I found a few possibles but the paste function on my iPad doesn’t seem to be working. There is a red floral Hush dress that is just over budget but looks pretty, and an apple green linen Mango dress.

But, just to show willing:

Very plain would need your grandest jewels.

Or this?

And this could be made to look very elegant with grooming and accessories.

I’d definitely say you want a very simple silhouette. The ‘occasion’ comes in the styling and your authority / charisma / expertise. (Really great hair and poise!)

Try a slip under the wrap dress so it hangs better?

and agree, plain colours are best.

ah, great tips thank you! Plain colours it is. I hadn’t thought of any other stories … will take a look now!

www.next.co.uk/style/ls312296/Q26342#Q26342?i=12

Any of these?

https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-kim-spot-print-midi-dress-olive/p5846062

https://www.johnlewis.com/sosandar-animal-print-midi-dress-green-black/p5847594

https://www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-ascot-knee-length-mock-wrap-dress/burgundy/p5687597

https://www.johnlewis.com/never-fully-dressed-plain-satin-wrap-dress/gold/p5954411

https://www.johnlewis.com/baukjen-clare-ecovero-tie-neck-midi-dress-dark-khaki/p5844014

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-regi-pleated-midi-dress-dark-bayou-green/p4813844

Great suggestions, thank you. The satin wrap dresses seem to be on trend and simple enough to dress up with some decent jewellery etc, but I worry that that floaty material is very unforgiving
im wondering if something with a sharper silhouette like this might be a safer bet?

Cos

Lovely colour but think it might crease easily

The green is lovely.

The satin dress from next says it's lined so I thought it might be a bit more forgiving than if it was unlined.

The green COS dress is very stylish.