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

This could work - although it has sleeves it is short and floaty: www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/printed-mesh-mini-shirt-dress

Or this: www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/sadie-spot-print-mini-dress#images-single-4

Or this: www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/renee-zip-front-mini-dress#images-single-5

Based on the one you liked, River Island have a similar one.

www.riverisland.com/ie/p/black-long-sleeve-mini-blazer-dress-762522?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIytjuyaWB-gIVFeztCh3SdwA2EAQYAiABEgJ1p_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

What about a stretch waist pencil skirt with a peplum top to disguise your tummy? I'd probably go white top black skirt

Do you like any of these? Tried to find similar to your first post, but slightly better quality…

www.riverisland.com/p/black-halter-neck-shift-mini-dress-764023?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkLbMsK2B-gIVAr_tCh3eewB7EAQYFSABEgJ1DfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.karenmillen.com/compact-stretch-diagonal-stripe-shift-mini-dress-/BKK01999-808-20.html?gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY_OSlVAezVVcnzJCsYXJN_sp&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY_OSlVAezVVcnzJCsYXJN_sp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkLbMsK2B-gIVAr_tCh3eewB7EAQYAiABEgLkavD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.karenmillen.com/viscose-satin-crepe-sleeved-drape-wrap-mini-dress/AKK02456.html

How about this? www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/oops-fashion/bow-shoulder-black-sleeveless-v-neck-shift-dress?locale=en-GB&srsltid=AdGWZVRPTxpP8-Ik8CRxsbUX5Dz7n4j_cBQC4yxzhNJWwzjVB_fobLB9Jh8

Try QVC uk?

they have monsoon etc as well as their own cheaper ranges and ones from their American and German shows.

the beauty is you can try stuff on, wear and wash it. And send it back within 60 days for a full refund (excl postage both ways which is very reasonable). So you can wander about town in new togs and see how you feel before you commit.

what’s not to like?!

I came these two.

www.next.co.uk/style/ls283254/P92429#P92429

www.next.co.uk/style/ls297165/K01335#K01335

The latter looks more forgiving but I hate itchy fabrics so it might not work for me and it's longer than I would wear and probably not a fabric I could get taken up?

The first one I've in the basket in a size 10 and 12. I'm not sure how forgiving it would be on the tummy though.

Not a style that suits me.

OOOOH. We could have a winner! I'm going to buy that. Free returns I hope?

That is stunning and will probably look hideous on me but a girl can dream?

I'm buying that one.

Will report back after trying on and will post a pic of me looking utterly amazing on the day (I've got to be an optimist lol).

Ordered! Woohoo. I also got 15% off as I've never bought from River Island before.

Do you like this style OP?

www.asos.com/prd/200281965?acquisitionsource=com.example.android.notepad

Just noticed you had bought one, it's lovely!

@ThirtyThreeTrees Thank you so much.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. If that blazer dress doesn't work for me, I'll be back to go through all your links again.

If I was a model, yeah. I'll probably end up looking like a flasher haha

I'm excited now!

I couldn't see any measurements though, so I've ordered an 8. It looks short on the model but she's 5'9" so should probably be a good length on me.

I have these shoes which are very similar styles and I'm thinking the silver ones would be better given that the pin on the dress is silver but I love the yellow ones and I never have an excuse to wear them.

If you love the yellow, wear them

The dress has just arrived. It was sent by Royal Mail so was delayed due to strikes or something. It's fabulous! The only thing is that it has shoulder pads which I don't like so I'm wondering would it totally change the look/shape/how the dress hangs if I had them removed? I know a shop near me that altered a dress for me before. I think the owner is a dressmaker by trade so I'm thinking of bringing it there to ask her opinion maybe. I'm not sure whether she would alter something not bought in her shop though. Oh and the best bit? The nappy pin buckle thing is gold so the yellow shoes will be perfect! Thanks again @ThirtyThreeTrees

The material isn't super high quality but it's not cheap looking either.

So glad you found something. We obviously need a photo of you in it op!!

Not the way I look right now! When I'm done up, I'll post a photo.