3 dresses for 40 year old with big tummy - which one?

[Onlytheriver]

I would like some advice about a suitable dress to buy for a dinner (not formal) where I will be meeting people who I haven't met in 5 years, during which time I have aged and acquired a significant tummy.
My saving grace is that my legs are still ok bar the appearance of a varicose vein on one leg but I'm hoping tights will cover that up.

I have lived in tracksuit bottoms for about 6 months due to illness and my tummy has ballooned out of all proportion to the rest of me (think Homer Simpson).
My bust is 34.5, and my waist is about 29inches. I have no bum to speak about.
I have always dressed well and am finding my transition into old age a little difficult to deal with.
I've come up with these three. I know that you can't comment with much certainty without actually seeing me but if you were seeing me after years at an informal meetup, which would you recommend?

Zigzag dress

Linen dress

Lace dress

I hadn't thought about the delivery time from that website and it wouldn't get here in time. Oh God. I'm going to have to go shopping.

I recently bought this dress from Edinburgh Wool Mill - v forgiving on a large tummy and only £20 in sale. There are quite a few nice dresses in the sale on their website this one is £17.50 and I really like this one at £16.

Where would recommend shopping then?

joanieclothing.com/dawn-o-porter-x-joanie-bellini-cat-print-shift-dress.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw39uYBhCLARIsAD_SzMTIOCojI6Mnk-WhsQNbFAibPr13Nj1IQIHYiD-U_Nx7tq-NmObmefgaAtE2EALw_wcB#136=31

I love this one, any good?

Thanks very much for looking but they are not at all to my taste.

Do you like this, op?

What about skinny trousers and top (maybe all black) and a blazer and heels, nice bag, hair and make up?

Christ almighty. No. It's like my mother recycled her curtains and made it into a dress (she actually used to do that).

The problem is the tummy as my legs are anorexic looking so unless I bought maternity trousers, nothing fits on the waist without hanging off me everywhere else.

I'm not being difficult. I appreciate all the suggestions.

I’m same age and similar size to you OP and also have tummy issues. I tend to go for skater, wrap or A-line dresses and they always look flattering.
I like Lipsy and Chi Chi dresses but have also bought a couple from Shein (though they take a while to arrive).
Of the dresses you’ve chosen I’d go for the black lace one. Though I think for your shape you really could get away with most dresses that aren’t fitted around your tummy, you don’t need something super loose

Yup. I like that.

I get most of my work dresses from Hobbs or Whistles, and look for shift dresses.

I need to get more 'going out' gear but at the moment am stuck with skinny jeans and floaty tops from 10 yrs ago 😬

But you have a much slimmer figure than me, you'll have more choice available to you.

🤣🤣 fair enough! I love it and think it's 'youthful'.

What about This from New Look?

I'm short and they have loads of dresses in this length that would be great to show off your legs. They have some nice plain smock type dresses that are loose around the waist too.

What's your budget OP?

I have this which is quite forgiving around the stomach.

I hate floral. I should possibly have said that. I have no intentions of ever wearing anything floral until I'm on my deathbed. Oh God. I guess I need to go shopping. I'm still not well so having to go out is a mission for me.

I can do this! I'm in London. Would you recommend Oxford Street or Westfield?
My budget is not high end.

This?

www.asos.com/river-island/river-island-balloon-sleeve-smock-shirt-mini-dress-in-black/prd/203527059?clr=black&colourWayId=203527060&cid=19680

For something that looks awesome, £70 absolute maximum. Desired budget £40. I already have shoes in every colour so it will be just the dress.

With a bigger tummy it’s sometimes easier to wear separates than dresses. This silk mint velvet blouse would look good with your favourite trousers or jeans and would look good IMO.

The first link you posted says body con, so it may be tight. Not that you can tell from the weird cgi patterns.

how about
www.asos.com/new-look/new-look-long-sleeve-mini-wrap-dress-in-pink/prd/203707916?clr=pink&colourWayId=203707917&cid=8799

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-cord-swing-mini-dress-with-poplin-sleeves-in-beige/prd/200932116?clr=beige&colourWayId=200932117&cid=8799

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-cotton-poplin-tiered-mini-dress-in-bottle-green/prd/200771586?clr=bottle-green&colourWayId=200771589&cid=8799

Also if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper (Shein is but delivery time is long) then Boohoo also do some good dresses in the styles I mentioned

Not my style at all.

The other style I loathe is puff sleeves/shoulders. Sorry. I sound like a twat now.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill??

Good lord i wont even let my 68 year old mum wear clothes from there !!

No way on earth I would buy anything from there unless i was 90 years old.

Im 46 and have got recent stuff from Fatface and Gap .