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.

Yes I would say it is

Have a browse on here
Dresses are lovely floaty comfy to wear and gorgeous colours

https://www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/plus-size-dresses

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/jasmine-midi-dress-royal/

I wore this to a wedding last year and got loads of compliments. I'm a similar shape to you

I'm the same size and shape as you. I've just bought this which is really flattering.

www.sugarhillbrighton.com/en-im/products/matilda-smock-dress-pink-animal-pastel-love-heart?_pos=1&_sid=11397b717&_ss=r

Also worth looking on Evans. I have this in different fabric. Loose and floaty and could look great with toning colour accessories.

https://www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-dress-doll-up-pln-215896cobalt

Have a look at Clare Watkins stylist on Instagram for inspiration, she’s always beautifully dressed.

I am 40 but same proportions as you. This is easy to dress up/down. https://www.dancingleopard.co.uk/products/dove-dress-in-navy?variant=32660455129159&currency=gbp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLGN4ODY_wIV94dQBh1-1gIbEAQYASABEgLFWPD_BwE

Not massively expensive and nit quite coral but bright this lady on insta wore this dress yesterday and she is a size 18 and about 5’10’ but sized up for this dress it could be accessorised (also see photos on Freemans) it could be worn again. At the weekend she had a bright orange dress on from M&S and she wears a lot from M&S. Also maybe look at Anthropologie as they had a lovely coral dress and have a sale on. Online they have bigger sizes than in store. Enjoy the wedding and remember the most important accessory is a smile.

Monsoon have some lovely dresses, you can select by sleeve length

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sale/womens-sale/occasionwear-sale/

I love love love this one.

This is lovely:

https://www.oasisfashion.com/plus-size-lace-puff-sleeve-midi-dress/BAA04678.html

Joanie is a good place to shop if you like boho but nice quality. I bought a Dawn O'Porter one last year from there and I love it- flattering, dramatic and a good swish. The one I bought is below but out of stock, but search 'midaxi' on the site and there's some lovely options

East have some nice flowie dresses

https://www.east.co.uk/collections/dresses-and-jumpsuits/products/harriet-green-organic-cotton-belted-dress

www.seasaltcornwall.com/belle-dress-fit-and-flare-lightweight-cotton

Phase Eight have this yellow dress
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/maisie-floral-dress-230671550.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=118&cgid=dresses&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=clothingType&prefv1=Dresses&prefn2=color&prefv2=Blue|Orange|Pink|Yellow&prefn3=sleeve&prefv3=Cap%20Sleeve|Short%20Sleeve&pid=230671550&pos=174
Or this blue one

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/alicia-ikat-swing-dress-221784284.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=color&prefv1=Blue&pid=221784284&pos=5

I bought this style dress last year for a wedding and dressed it up. It's cotton so really cool. The shape makes a waist and hides the tummy.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/meleri-broderie-dress-221062751.html#isSecondPage=false&start=0&sz=60&is=true&cgid=dresses&prefn1=color&prefv1=Blue&pid=221062751&pos=28

Sorry I did not have time to find this in your size but I have the same size / shape as you and I buy this style for weddings- it also comes with a shorter skirt which but if you can't find the short skirt version could always get a dress maker to shorten. I literally have this in a few colours from pale green to black because it hides my tum very well.
Tiffany Sequin Trim Cape Maxi Dress (ginabacconi.com)

This looks nice..

A new one to me, posted on here yesterday. Some gorgeous dresses and a sale. Fits your style.

This one is natural fabric too. Would be amazing with a ‘straw’ natural coloured hat and heeled espadrilles. Very cool looking. https://www.wraplondon.co.uk/fashion-ZB44-SMWSDRSK/colour-a-warm-ecru/dresses-skirts/tiered-linen-dress.htm

I second this.

Really love Sahara. I'm a similar shape to you op and their stuff is really flattering.

Some lovely dresses suggested but i feel for a posh wedding, a lot of them are quite casual. If I was you, I'd be looking for a wrap dress (cotton, viscose or possibly even linen). Have you thought of renting a dress?

Rent Oversized Sleeves Wrap Dress - MIMINE AG | HURR (hurrcollective.com)

I was browsing John Lewis today and found You might like this at John Lewis:
Scarlet and Jo Isabelle dress would that work?

Hi there have a look on kaleidoscope I found a lovely dress for daughter's wedding 3 weeks ago I'm size 18 5ft 4 inch

I also have a wedding for February and have found this range of dresses from Gina Bocconi as very stylish and you should find something within your budget: