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'm trying to find photos but I don't tend to take many!

Funny, I wouldn’t call that floral. For me, floral is a floral print (which I hate too). But noted, floral lace is also out.

Will have a think of what else I’ve seen lately.

It's above your budget, but something with a similar cut to this? Fitted at the bust but with a gentle flare below: www.hobbs.com/product/ophelia-aline-dress/0122-5931-9845L02-BLACK.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=clothing-dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=pattern&prefv1=Plain&pid=0122-5931-9845L02-BLACK&pos=0

I'm sorry. I sound so difficult. I'll see if I can go shopping and if I buy something, I will report back. Thanks so much for saving me from myself lol.

Re shopping, avoid Oxford street. I went a couple of months ago and many clothing stores have closed down and been replaced with tat, it’s a real shame. Go to Westfield (White City, not Stratford)

That would be perfect if it was short (above the knee) and skimmed the hips. I suppose I could try to find something and get it altered maybe.

Another vote for Westfield for in-person shopping: John Lewis will have loads of things, and I reckon you might like some of the current Cos offerings.

Also, have a look at Next’s website. I hate Next clothing too but their website sells hundreds of different brands, so it’s very different to their stores. Half of my wardrobe is ordered from the Next website, but I don’t think I have a single item from the Next brand itself.

West city is miles from me. Stratford is doable.

Any shops you'd recommend? I'm flexible I guess on the budget if it looks fabulous lol.

@Onlytheriver if you are near Westfield, you may find Brent Cross less high end and frantic. But you still have time to order from ASOS with next day delivery, lots of options especially the curve range.
Examples
www.asos.com/in-the-style-plus/in-the-style-plus-x-billie-faiers-wrap-detail-dress-with-frill-detail-in-brown-leopard/prd/203000576?clr=multi&colourWayId=203000578&cid=11057
or
www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-collared-knot-mini-dress-in-magenta/prd/202892359?clr=magenta&colourWayId=202892360&cid=11057
or
www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-tie-front-lettuce-edge-90s-mini-tea-dress-in-black/prd/202081194?clr=black&colourWayId=202081195&cid=11057
tried to pick things similar-ish to your choices but take a look at the site - there are 100s to choose from.

Good luck.

www.next.co.uk/style/ls213847/r55590#r55590 This type of dress is my style (when I had a body to match). It's too formal for this occasion though and we have my tummy to think of now. It's more like a night out rather than a dinner, so not formal at all however I can't wear my tracksuit bottoms unfortunately.

At Westfield Stratford, take a run at: Arket, COS, Hobbes, John Lewis, Ted Baker, & Other Stories; then maybe M&S or H&M.

Stratford is much closer to me too but I still go to White City for clothes shopping.

If you go to Stratford, the John Lewis is ok, but they have a very limited range. There’s also a River Island and Ted Baker which may have things in your style.

OP I get it…I used to dress in lovely clothing and was also renowned for my style, whether it be going to work or meeting a friend for a coffee. I then got fat when pregnant and never lost the weight. It’s my own fault but the pressure to look good when you see old friends is real.

@Onlytheriver This I think is above your your budget , but if you had have good legs and arms I think it is elegant & tummy skimming & perhaps might pay for itself worn more than once or twice - or is it just not your thing ?www.phase-eight.com/product/nika-tiered-shift-dress-220759351.html#navAjax=true&is=false&cgid=dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=color&prefv1=Blue&pid=220759351&pos=29

It's awful. I feel fine when I'm at home and nobody sees me but the thoughts of this is sending me into an anxiety whirl.

I'm just looking at their website now actually and it's not as bad as what they seem to stock. If I find something, I will let you all know.

Thanks for the help.

Once you find something you like, you will feel and look good. It’s just the stress of finding something.

If you’re anything like me, I would avoid the shops and do a big Next order. There have been too many occasions where I go shopping hoping to buy a dress for a dinner, etc, and instead I try dress after dress that doesn’t work with my belly, and I end up feeling very fat and miserable. For some reason, trying on dresses from the comfort of my own home is less stressful.

Please send us a picture of how amazing you look when you find the dress and are all dressed up!

I will I promise!

It's horrible when you look like hell and feel worse than hell.

OP try looking here. I’ve had a few of these dresses and as stated I’m similar size to you with tummy issues. Returns are really easy and quick refunds too if you need to send anything back.

www.boohoo.com/womens/dresses/skater-dresses?prefn1=classification&prefv1=Main%20Collection&prefn2=color&prefv2=Black&start=40&sz=40#FZZ10627

Well what do you know. I've found the perfect dress. www.next.co.uk/g553146s1/u93641#u93641
For the tiny sum of 328 quid!

try a blazer dress op.
perfect for a slim apple…
and wear a colour that suits you.

www.isawitfirst.com/products/woven-belted-blazer-dress-black-jla064417

Oof sorry not sure that one is the classiest I could find

Op can’t wear a belt @Wallawallakoala

www.hush-uk.com/venice-beach-dress-black/002439-0456-14.html?fo_c=1586&fo_k=058d7ba50ae27bd5ea9235d86717dbac&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39uYBhCLARIsAD_SzMShGOyfz3KG3whrqRJ9Qb8OuYNKmIUPaJNjLloiatMPKFmUT4RkLjgaAvCXEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I was about to suggest this- it would be soft but stretchy, ruching to help around your tummy, skimming everywhere else, your could wear it short to show off your legs and dress it up with accessories.

Then I saw your update and I’m obviously not in the right place at all!!