I am running out of ideas and patience...please help me find an evening dress for a size 18?

[IhearyouClemFandango]

We have an event at the end of the month, black tie/cocktail.

I must have looked at/bought and sent back every dress known to man and have hit a wall.

I flit between "go classic" black, simple style and wanting a nice bright, modern one. I'm a size 18 but 5'8" with long legs, I carry most of the excess around my middle. I don't look huge to my eye, and don't have any real hang ups about my body. I'm early 40ies, and still like to keep half an eye on looking fairly modern/stylish.

I wouldn't want to spend more than around 250 on a dress at this time. I had seen a long sleeved, kind of drapey wrap style dress, but wasn't sure on the fabric as satin type may be a little unforgiving?

Can anyone make any suggestions? Either of dresses or styles to look at?

I found a gorgeous dress from Simply Be to wear to a special event recently. The fabric and draping is gorgeous. Worth a look.

https://www.nextdirect.com/tr/en/style/ls356418/k41743#k41743

This isn't the UK link but i definitely did get the dress from Next in the UK only last week, just cant find the right link for some reason.

Anyway something like this might work as with the ruffles and chiffony fabric the dress is quite forgiving. I'm your size too and this one is a good length, and the leg split is not as obvious as it looks on the model she's sort of sticking her leg out i guess.

How about a Scarlett and Jo dress from next. I wore one to two black tie events last/this year and got so many compliments, including from complete strangers! There are loads of colours and patterns so which you can search here Next Scarlett and Jo

I’ve linked a few here to help:

Black full length

Purple Print Knee Length

Blue Patterned Full Length

Phase Eight gave loads of lovely dresses. Here's a few:

www.phase-eight.com/product/piper-ombre-maxi-dress-221022715.html#q=Ombré&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221022715&pos=2

www.phase-eight.com/product/simara-ombre-pleated-midi-dress-221705172.html#q=Ombré&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221705172&pos=0

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/teagan-sequin-maxi-dress-221789165.html#cgid=occasion&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221789165&pos=15

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/marissa-floral-embellished-midi-dress-221850050.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=occasion&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=color&prefv1=Black&pid=221850050&pos=22

Or what about a jumpsuit:

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/kallie-v-neck-frill-jumpsuit-221916351.html#utmterm=jumpsuits%20phase%20eight&utmmcontent=147390447805&utmcampaign=20119500161&utmmmedium=cpc&utm_source=google&cgid=jumpsuits&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221916351&pos=2

Adrianna Papell

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/amily-sequin-maxi-dress-221051065.html#gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh_iviK68_wIVVu7tCh0TFAELEAMYASAAEgI8l_D_BwE&utm_term=&utm_content=133172061344&utm_campaign=14398527598&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&cgid=dresses-1&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221051065&pos=44

I think this would be really flattering.

These are all lovely, thanks. I've got some good browsing to do!