DCs 18th party - 52, barely 5 foot and fat. What would you wear if you were me?

[Septemberbeginnings]

I'd like a new outfit for my DCs 18th in 3 weeks. I'm a size 16, slightly smaller on the shoulders and bust but have a belly, hips and bum and chunky legs which swell up.

For work I seem to have evolved a uniform of midi (they're often maxi on me) or on the knee dresses with opaque black tights and ankle boots. Casual is more of the same or dog walking clothes. I really need to get more casual clothes too but just can't seem to find anything I like enough to buy. It doesn't help that I hate clothes shopping. If I need new tights I'll go straight to the tights and not look at anything else as an example of my shopping style. The thought of traipsing around the shops looking for a sophisticated party outfit fills me with dread. Can any of you suggest what may look good on me please?

wear what you feel best in. who cares what anyone else thinks!
unless there's going to be some single dads attending or you like a toy boy of course

That dress is great OP, Not too dressy at all.

I see your photo in the dress and that you have your outfit sorted, looks gorgeous btw. Im similar height/size/shape and just wanted to give Scarlett & Jo dresses a mention. Can never have too many shops to browse impo. I discovered them from another thread on here as was having trouble finding dresses. Wore one for the first time to the theatre the other week and have never had so many compliments from strangers on my outfit before. I've since ordered some more just to wear as summer dresses. It's a plus size company but the clothes range from size 12 to size 30 so very inclusive.
Scarlett & Jo Website