Summer dress for size 16-18

[Coffeeforus]

I desperately need one or two summer dresses for when we go on holiday this weekend. I had ordered 4 off Vinted and all were too small. I don’t want to spend a lot as I’m losing weight but this adds an extra challenge given how the price of clothes has gone up so much. Budget up to £30 pref.

I never normally wear dresses but after trying a few on in shops I know I’d more suit something:

Floaty
Not too tent-like otherwise I look even bigger
Cotton or viscose fabrics (not clingy jersey)
Prefer maxi length but midi ok
Darker block colours (floral etc makes me look matronly)
A style that skims my big stomach

The nearest big shopping area to us has an M&S, Next, H&M, New Look, River Island, Fat Face, Zara. It does have other retailers which are too expensive for what I’m after.

Not sure if I’m asking the impossible given the budget..

Have you tried supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons etc. How about Matalan or try Simply be

Sainsburys have nice clothes, better than the other supermarkets. Also charity shops

I’ve looked at all the supermarkets in store and online and anything I like just doesn’t suit me, or they are all florals/patterns unfortunately.

Ive been scouring the local charity shops for weeks and have got one tiered dress.

Just ordered 100% cotton summer holiday dress from Matalan, cobalt blue and no pattern!

Berkatex?

https://www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/dresses/midi-dresses/3019029913-berkertex-size-18-20-chiffon-dress-with-scarf

I've got this one from amazon
Summer Dresses for Women Casual Midi Dress Short Sleeve Shirt Dress V Neck Button Decoration Swing A Line Tunic Dress with Pockets Size XL = UK 14-16 Light Green : Amazon.co.uk: Fashion

Plain - no pattern
various colours
not clingy
can be worn on beach etc or dressed up a little for evening.

I am the same size as you. I love H&M for dresses. We are a large if they aren’t sized 16 etc. I see you say no jersey , but I love their tshirt and tank dresses. The simplicity of the style streamlines the body inside. I also love their strappy summer dresses. I used to not wear them because of bra straps. Now I make sure the straps are a good colour. But they also have loads of floaty dresses in plains. Patterns and fabulous florals.

Hey, I’m a size 16 and have this. It’s so comfortable. Not tight. Lovely shape. https://www2.next.co.uk/style/st445545/d78311#d78311

Bugger, just read your budget. Sorry.

I'm same size as you and this skims without clinging - it's jersey but better quality and quite a flattering cut. Pockets are positioned nearer the front, not on the hips. soft fabric looks slightly dressier than you would expect

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/mercerised-cotton-a-line-short-sleeved-dress-455692.html?dwvar_455692_color=COL61&dwvar_455692_size=SMA001

New look has a few decent ones. And the cheaper options at M&S. Also agree with PP that H&M have some decent options

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/blue-button-front-midi-dress/p/855929040?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Designer_NC_Google_DV_c_AGID_126584460476_PRID_8559334&_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMIzYzKtYaM_wIVpoBQBh0iPAuzEAQYAyABEgLNlfD_BwE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYzKtYaM_wIVpoBQBh0iPAuzEAQYAyABEgLNlfD_BwE

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/khaki-jersey-frill-sleeve-midi-smock-dress/p/856096234?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Designer_NC_Google_DV_c_AGID_126584460476_PRID_8561023&_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMIzYzKtYaM_wIVpoBQBh0iPAuzEAQYCiABEgLe2vD_BwE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzYzKtYaM_wIVpoBQBh0iPAuzEAQYCiABEgLe2vD_BwE

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-round-neck-midi-tiered-dress/p/clp60561898?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SIMILAR-PERSONALISED_END_PDP_16_0:c9d15178-73f4-45f0-8c6c-619229ddeaaf

Yours?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st393376/d50670?dp=a&dndl=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW8AjVPzo-Jhr6t_DNkmI9DyJ2pR6TtmO5Y4yH7EVYMtBhbxPKn4h04aAq1tEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#d50670

next £27

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st208640/t11292#t11292 £22

https://www.next.co.uk/g75602s6/c88641#c88641. Another next one

there’s lots in next, search cotton dress and then filter cheapest to most expensive. Remember you can order to store and then pick up and try on while there.

Uniqlo, Zara (XL or XXL) in the special priced bit - both give you way more bang for your buck.

i’m the same size as you - and I love dresses for the cool factor. I can’t wear ‘largenlook’/too baggy as they swamp me.

i’ve found this dress - and loved it so much I’ve ended up going back and having 3 more of the same cut but various patterns. The fabric is a really lovely quality jersey. But cool. And drapes well - normally jersey shows up my lumps but this doesn’t. They deliver really quickly. Can’t recommend enough (no affiliation!!)

https://www.apacheshops.com/product-page/halo-panel-dress

Matalan have some great buys this year.

I have these in pretty much any colour they have brought out. They are my go to and are super flattering.

https://direct.asda.com/george/women/dresses/black-linen-blend-midi-dress/G007540825,default,pd.html?redirectFromInt=1&cmpid=ppc--geor-------_-dskwid-_dm&utm_campaign=pla:Fashion-Womens_BAU-_Performance_Max&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW8pHiW7sk0KVd92qyhWT3lIaKcsVoqpb186zbrsPTOM4p-9ecB8TwYaAs4JEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Www.goose-island.co.uk

I have bought this for summer and it’s super comfy.
I’m 5ft 5 and usually prefer maxi. I wouldn’t call this midi ….maybe midaxi.
FatFace Dress

Agree with the recommendation for Apache. They have an oi sailor sleeveless dress currently that's in budget. You do need to pay for shipping which we've all got used to not doing. But the clothes are lovely, no patterns (of we aren't counting stripes) and easy to wear

Would this sort of style suit you, OP? There are lots of different prints. the size 16 model looks lovely in it.

https://www.sugarhillbrighton.com/products/flissy-jersey-midi-dress-black-colourful-leopard-spots

Sorry, I didn't read the budget properly.

I like this, OP. Comes in different colours, good reviews and now £22.50.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc142239279

Hi @Coffeeforus I have found some very flattering and summary dresses from Bonmarché recently. I would have a look here, they are reasonably priced and are up to size 28.

Try SHEIN op. I'm the same size as you and have got a few things from them. Easy returns and affordable.