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.

Here's the link:
Gina Bacconi - John Lewis

A little trick. If you add a small matching wedding hat, it will make you look instantly posher with any dresses.

You can get one cheap from amazon/charity shops.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-kira-twist-flower-fascinator/p4861204

What do you mean by "posh"? In a cathedral, or something? It is a very loaded word that is used incorrectly. If you mean "smart", I would equate that with men being in morning suits (their own, not rented) and women in good quality dresses and hats, but only after they spent the morning mucking out their ponies. In which case, nobody will care what you look like and just want you to be comfortable.

For a classy outfit I love Mint Velvet, they have some beautiful clothes and I think some might work for the OP:

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/collections/mint-occasion

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/claudia-ruffled-maxi-dress

https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/amanda-ruffle-maxi-dress

https://clubllondon.com/products/unstoppable-black-floral-cross-over-halter-neck-maxi-dress-cl126739137?variant=40522760093738

floral hides a lot

I just found this product. LUXE Curve Pink Hand Embellished Angel Sleeve Maxi Dress https://yoursclothing.page.link/8sSz

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185957768264?hash=item2b4bf25c48:g:1FwAAOSwvq1kAcXd&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwAAgKJXTWcmy%2Fp3uBfEnXLjrWRRioCwkPCfYebDtD%2B%2FcUBnnUGYmE9bTx7eT881mqlLOA5Ke2ZPfcOIqY9cvJx4yO5XVs221LJESV18XVxfW8RaCCcI3jDJuDQVr8Esa7L2zts9qvNk2c7ZXqlky%2BMPFzm92phfAK3hi9xkUzqKS5LNLtWfb0oe2UKAti5WnzfpeoSrUyghErm2Dsofs%2FmvLyUCUxVpg2%2FNDDPPtNmks%2BQG%2BOaTPZntSR21cH9CSuQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5qX8-KeYg

As a similar shape I like Phase 8 shift style dresses https://www.phase-eight.com/search/18/?is=true&imageType=model&q=Shift%20dress&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false
i got so many compliments on this dress last year (definitely improved by my handsome rugby escorts 😜)

Dresses & Jumpsuits - COS GB

Cos have lots of very well cut beautiful dresses.

I love this V-NECK WIDE-LEG JUMPSUIT - BRIGHT BLUE - COS

Have a look at Jolie Moi dresses, I got my MOB dress from there https://joliemoi.co.uk/

I love this!
There is a slight waist but the way the fabric sits below it will hide any tummy, it's got a sleeve, albeit short, the pattern isn't flowery and the bottom is a nice shape - I think it's a really flattering design and would work for a wedding. It appears to come in an 18 too (though that's the smallest size, so if it's a generous fit you might not be able to get that).
I'd not wear those shoes personally though. https://www.apricotonline.co.uk/curve-waves-wrap-midi-dress/Am1108-Plus-Green.html

This is also lovely, though you might feel like it has too much of a waist - I'd say it skims and with the right underwear it might work? I love the shape, colour and style. Also seems to come in an 18 (and sizes either side).
https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/ow443

Good luck!

I absolutely love your Daughters of India dress. I’d wear that to a wedding with a boho hat and accessories.
i am now on their site and about to spend more than I can afford on a beautiful dress so thanks :) !

This Boden dress is gorgeous and could be glammed up:

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/maxi-empire-kaftan-dress-blue-ribbon-paisley-whirl/sty-d0456-bue

And this is a bit over budget but amazing: https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/hemant-and-nandita-kaftan-with-slip/?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=040&searchparams=q%3DKAftan%2520dress&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

And this one (or naything from 100 Stars really): https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/handkerchief-green-dress

Hi this is an Irish shop/site
Not sure if they deliver to the UK or not but worth an email I'd say
https://www.tempted.ie/

https://www.celticandco.com/womens/clothing/dresses/viscose-tie-front-midi-dress?colourid=1086

Have you looked at Joanna Hope dresses?

https://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/s?text=joanna%20hope%20dress&nofollowind=true

Hi OP, have you had a look at Cos? I think they’re H&M’s older sister, aimed at a more grown-up buyer and with a price tag to match (only in relation to H&M though, still great value I think!).

www.cos.com

Interesting aesthetic, often slightly edgy designs with asymmetric / strong colours / strong lines but helpfully cut and mostly in fabrics that don’t cling. Simple lines that a few accessories can really lift to ‘dressy’ status.

Happy shopping, enjoy the wedding!

I agree,they're really awful.

That's beautiful!

I'd be tempted to go for something like this caftan - in the right fabric and with good accessories they can look really glamorous. And they're lovely and cool!

i was you last year!! i eventually bought an outfit from Chesca. think they are specifically for larger women and the layered chiffon dress i got was very flattering. good luck i know how difficult it is

I'm a big fan of Never Fully Dressed for wedding guest outfits, they have some amazing prints. If you size up it'll be looser fitting. I usually get an 18 and always choose a sleeve. They're not cheap but look really special and aren't chintzy floral. Lots of midi length options. I'm wearing one to my brother's wedding a couple of weeks. I'm 40, busty with a big belly and have found their dresses really flattering in the past.

For you, I'd maybe take a look at their
Sun Kissed Sadie Dress
Black Shell Foil Zsa Zsa Dress (yes it's black but with gold shells on)
Running Wild Lindos Dress (personal fave of mine)

But there's a lot to choose from. They also have co-ords and separates.

I recognise that worry about seeing people after a long time, especially after weight gain (I'm up 4 stone in the last 10 years) BUT being bigger doesn't stop me being the most fabulous person in the room. Work it, don't hide, treat yourself to a statement handbag. Be fun but sophisticated. You've got this.

There is a really good Facebook page called Pre-loved Wedding and Occasion Outfits UK

I’m in the same position but a little bit bigger than you - look at Twisted Wunder on Simply Be. Nice fabric, well made, some reduced to £42 at the moment.