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

There is a nice independent shop near me. I might try there. They tend to be of the floaty linen earth-mother type, but maybe I'll find something.

If you’ve really acquired a 6-month pregnant tummy in the past 6 months (WITHOUT being pregnant!), have you had this checked out medically? Some very nasty things can present like this, so if you don’t know what’s caused it then I would recommend a GP visit. Ignore if you already know what’s going on.

No advice on styles, sorry! Just thought I should mention the medical issue.

The Dove dress?

Op is 40 not 80.

Yes. I have a diagnosis too but I'm not ready to die yet. ;)

@Onlytheriver - can you link some styles of things you wore before you got sick to give us an idea of your style? Or some shoes / accessories you are thinking of wearing?

Hi OP, I'm a couple of years younger than you, and would be going to look in New Look or somewhere like Blue Banana for something a little alternative.
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/blue-animal-print-mesh-ruched-mini-dress/p/844112149 This in New Look could be good
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-ditsy-floral-lace-trim-long-sleeve-mini-dress/p/843432259 You said no floral, but I like the plunge on this, and the shortness of the skirt
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-heart-crepe-v-neck-long-flared-sleeve-mini-dress/p/844201509 Slightly 60's vibe from New Look again?
www.bluebanana.com/en/product/1028937/15863/hell-bunny-dakota-black-pinafore-dress Pinafore flared dress
www.emp.co.uk/p/sweat-dress-with-all-over-star-print/498255.html Sweater dress, but with chunky boots/ shoes and tights could work for a non-formal meal out?

My mum is in her 70s and says Edinburgh Woollen Mill is for people older than her!

I refuse to shop in M&S cos my mum shops in there, so it must be too old for me!

OP your friend is tapered trousers showing your skinny ankles....loose shirt, big long necklace and a clutch bag....with obligatory high heels...any colour however nude elongates the body and the silhouette x

Nothing floral. Nothing with a print.

I used to be classy! I'm not giving it up yet!

www.hobbs.com/product/talia-knitted-dress/0222-9867-9044L00-DARK-PLUM.html#cgid=new-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0222-9867-9044L00-DARK-PLUM&pos=23
i'd suggest good foundation garments. spanks for the tummy and a good bra.

If you can find tapered trousers to fit size 4 legs with a size 12 stomach, that would be perfect.

If you're presenting with a 6-month pregnant tummy, maybe a stylish maternity dress? Asos have loads and can do quick delivery, maybe one of these?

www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-design-maternity-angel-sleeve-midi-pencil-dress-in-navy/prd/14039153?clr=navy&colourWayId=16586788&cid=8799
www.asos.com/closet-london-maternity/closet-london-maternity-ribbed-pencil-mini-dress-in-navy/prd/203166001?clr=navy&colourWayId=203166002&cid=8799
www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-design-maternity-sweetheart-ruched-side-midi-dress-in-teal-and-rust-floral-print/prd/202002533?clr=multi&colourWayId=202002536&cid=8799
www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-design-maternity-elasticated-pleated-midi-dress-in-pastel-yellow/prd/201977024?clr=pastel-yellow&colourWayId=201977026&cid=8799

Ooh or H and M: They tend to do lots of square-ish dresses which can be flattering, especially with a bit of a tunny
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1071018001.html Denim dress
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1087406006.html Collared checked dress
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1120485001.html Sequiny black dress
www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1079575001.html Different shaped denim dress

You are still tiny.

And I can't choose between the dresses because they are all so badly photoshopped that it's impossible to work out how they might hang on a real body that moves.

Ah @Onlytheriver I really feel for you as I have very similar issues. I’m completely out of proportion because of my stupid bloating belly, despite a generally “slim” figure. I size up just to accommodate my tummy and things then looks massive or I’ll fitted.

I actually liked dress 1 and 2, perhaps because I could see where you were going with them- dress up, nice bag shoes etc.

Plain can work, black being flattering but bold prints are good for creating illusion.

I’ve had success with the following shops/brands:

M&co - there’s obviously some “older” fashion styles, but their tunics are really flattering. Filter by their own brand and they have some nice shirt dresses and tunic style - which are far nicer on than on the hanger. Can’t find the one I got but similar to this: Patterned tunic

Pieces - brand on ASOS. Had two lush dresses for the summer. Good quality, really flattering.

Peacocks - a bit cheap/fast fashion but picked up some nice pieces from the Louise Rednapp edit including a jumpsuit that I didn’t think I’d ever wear.

This one has pockets

A trip to Zara might work for you

I always wore lightly fitted dresses which skimmed my body. That or a pencil skirt and top and blazer. Mini dresses when going out. Never floral. Usually black/white or a combination. I tend to wear coloured heels/scarves/accessories. I'm not into fussy clothing. Simple but elegant would be how I'd describe my taste. I was a size 6 though with a toned body so could get away with shit. Above the knee for going out. At the knee for work.

I like the first one the zigzag. I'm 43 and slim but tummy concious. I would wear the zigzag one it's nice. I love the style

I quite like the zig zag one, although the quality looks very questionable. The other two, definitely not.

How about this:

www.next.co.uk/style/ls289286/P95833#P95833

Would you wear something like this? Apologies for overseas link ....

www.sheike.com.au/products/catania-shirt-dress

www.riverisland.com/p/black-frill-detail-mini-shirt-dress-773061

It's floral and has puffy sleeves.

www.riverisland.com/p/black-smock-mini-dress-779452