Posh wedding in Aug: help!

[howtocope]

I'm trying to find a nice dress for a fancy wedding in Aug. I'm in my 50s, size 18, apple shaped with a big belly.

My criteria:

Not sleeveless
I'm always hot, so prefer lightweight, cool fabric
No florals
Preferably not black, but can do black for the perfect dress
Nothing waisted. It just accentuates the belly.
Not mini, but happy with knee length, midi or maxi
Prefer a V neck or open neckline

Seems like everything that's the right shape is some hideous floral print. I've tried that and I look like a chintz sofa. I'm not totally opposed to prints, but prefer something simple or geometric. I love colour and would be happiest in coral, yellow, turquoise or almost any shade of blue. Not keen on pastels.

I feel like I've looked at every dress in the world and nothing seems right. Added stress is that I haven't seen this group of people in over 20 years and I've put on a good 5 stone since then.

This?

www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/by-anthropologie-off-the-shoulder-peasant-maxi-dress?category=sale-dresses&color=037&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/dilli-grey-florentina-midi-dress?category=clothing-wedding-guest&color=030&type=REGULAR&quantity=1
Would this sort of thing work?

I think the waist wouldn't work. Empire is OK with a fuller skirt. Right at the waist just doesn't work on me.

Beaded?

www.monsoon.co.uk/lily-embellished-maxi-dress-with-recycled-polyester--blue-34515661.html

I think your yellow dress looks good!

New look but it looks good!
https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/curves-coral-satin-pleated-midi-wrap-dress/p/863263084?extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_Core_NC_Google_DV_m_AGID_125550190269_PRID_8632659&_cclid=Google_Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH1zJCyTbL1XTVDhHKva83cvt5uxQRj6BnnvZoj8qVXWwu9PjMc_jpYaAtgqEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH1zJCyTbL1XTVDhHKva83cvt5uxQRj6BnnvZoj8qVXWwu9PjMc_jpYaAtgqEALw_wcB

I do like Monsoon. That might be a bit too dressy. Would probably work for the evening if I was going to change though.

Another beaded one

www.monsoon.co.uk/tammy-embellished-wrap-midi-dress-in-recycled-polyester-orange-54287634.html

Not sure about the sheen but the colour is lovely. I don't think I've ever worn a pleated skirt. Will order that one to try too.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-plain-twist-front-midi-dress_byy07040?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH24TKtsWN6dXuM2xrtSH1BHgLSnNMj3PF90kStbZn43DIpA0I6-RgoaAsh5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&colour=blue&size=8 this looks like a good style?

They've got some lovely dresses at Sahara at the moment.

That's lovely. I think I'll make a trip to Monsoon to try their dresses. They have so many pretty ones.

So do I.

Sahara is amazing! I've never seen that shop before. There are a few dresses I like on that site.

You don't think it's too casual? It's very light and comfortable, which are big points in its favour. I don't do heels anymore, so it'll be some flat, but pretty, sandals. Not too beachy for a wedding? I just have no idea about this stuff.

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/maxi-dresses/danna/blue-and-green-leopard-maxi-dress-with-frill-detail

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www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/long-sleeve-dresses/girl-in-mind/brielle-navy-and-green-leopard-print-long-sleeve-shirt-maxi-dress

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This is similar to the orange Monsoon dress if orange isn't your colour And they've just reduced the price too.

Both of those are very nice but wouldn't work with my belly.

https://rixolondon.com/collections/extended-sizing-capsule?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI95yih-LX_wIVReN3Ch3aXASIEAAYASAAEgIx__D_BwE&page=3

for a posh wedding you want something like Rixo. Loads in your size and they’re beautifully cut and quite special.

I think your yellow dress is nicer than any of the suggestions tbh. It's over-sized and dramatic and I'm assuming cotton or linen.

There might be something you'd like in the Max Mara sale.

Max Mara sale

The quality of their clothes is really really good, and their customer service is brilliant.

"for a posh wedding you want something like Rixo. Loads in your size and they’re beautifully cut and quite special."

@movein, I really don't see why. Some nice looking dresses but they're over the budget the op gave (£200) and they don't look anything more than you can get for less money from the pictures. Plus if what you say is actually true, I would say it's better to get a cheaper dress or a vintage one as there would be less chance of someone wearing the same. 😉

Thanks, that's a new brand to me. Lots of nice shapes and colours.

Those Rixo dresses are simultaneously dull and fussy, over budget and look as if they should cost about a 1/4 of their prices.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I'm a terrible shopper and you guys have introduced me to some great new shops & brands.