Help me find a grown-up frock

[Florabritannica]

Going to DH’s office dinner next week. Private room in a City restaurant. We live in the country and I have lots of wafty flowery frocks, but feel I need something a bit more serious for this occasion. Am 5’4, size 14-16, massive bust.
I’m really struggling to know where to look for something appropriate that still feels like me.

Bumping for you, but fwiw your wafty floral numbers also sounds on trend.

I'm a similar size to you, and I'd wear this www.monsoon.co.uk/jessica-slinky-jersey-maxi-dress-blue-95043261.html

Without wanting to be a jumpsuit knob, have you...considered a jumpsuit?!

I do quite like the Monsoon dress that Jessica's linked to above, and it's on sale.

To be honest I think I'd struggle with this too though - it's a loooong time since I went to a nice London restaurant but I suspect it will probably be more casual than you expect. I sympathise!!

Will everyone else be coming direct from work? You may want to blend in with an office type dress if so?

Wrap dress in plain colour, or simple pattern? John Lewis have a lot.
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-julissa-wrap-dress/royal-blue/p5534043
This is only in size 16, but looks like a good dress.
www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-lila-spot-jersey-dress-navy-white/p6137798

Phase Eight has more sizes/colours of the Julissa dress.
www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-frill-wrap-dress-220918240.html

Thanks to everyone who’s posted! Yes, everyone will be coming straight from work and I will be the only woman.
I like the Monsoon dress, but it would show more cleavage than I’m comfortable with.
Not averse to a jumpsuit - any suggestions?

I like the Phase Eight dress - will check it out.

Where do you normally shop and what length do you prefer?

www.meandem.com/cotton-jaquard-swing-dress---belt-fresh-white

what about this - you could wear heels on the night but trainers to make it look more casual afterward

This one really looks like the dressing gowns you get in your hotel room in a hot country.

www.evans.co.uk/cute-girl-elbow-sleeve-dress-dark-teal

Favourite shops - Arket, Cos, Jigsaw, Stories, Boden. Have quite a lot of dresses from small independent labels.
Prefer midi length - swamped in maxi and my knees need tights on them, so shorter lengths winter only.

Coast do good jumpsuits. This is petite…size 16 only, but they do have more sizes in regular. www.coastfashion.com/petite-wrap-front-flute-sleeve-jumpsuit/BCC00901.html
M&S is worth a look, particularly now more brands are available - this Jaeger one looks smart. www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-belted-long-sleeve-cropped-jumpsuit/p/clp60529579
Nancy Mac have very elegant jumpsuits but more ££, and a longer lead time.
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/crepe-jumpsuits

I like that Jaeger jumpsuit, also the Coast wide leg tux jumpsuit (which might be more flattering on the bust?).
Love love the Nancy Mac ones, but alas the lead time doesn’t work.

Hope you find something you feel happy with! Yes, I covet those Nancy Mac jumpsuits….but the lead times are less flexible! Beautiful dresses too. 😀

Any thoughts as to accessories with either of those?

www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-maxi-desire-205861seagreen

What about this jumpsuit from Paisie. £ but 15% off first orders. I ‘m a similar height as you with ‘generous’ boobage also and it’s lovely on. I’m wearing with trainers for days and heels for nights.

Boohoo have some nice stuff.

This! I was thinking monsoon is a good option. I was also thinking consider a jumpsuit. If you are open to only try QVC Kim and Co jumpsuits I have loads in different colours and they are comfy but classy, great stretch, flattering check them out. 😊

Ooooh OP get yourself over to Massimo Dutti. Some gorgeous chic dresses with very flattering loose cuts and v necks.

And some more.