Party dress for me aged 50 - help please!

[Northbright]

I need a dress/cocktail type dress for a 50th party and I can't find a thing! I'm apple-shaped with a bit of a tummy so waisted or fit and flare dresses are out. The Whistles magic dress style suits me or slightly empire line and colourwise I look nice in orangey-red, purple, green, blue, gold. I don't mind above the knee but not tight. No patterns or bits and bobs. Something with an interesting cut. I just want to look a bit cool for once and not a frump! Budget of £150ish. Currently seems an impossible task....😒

What size are you?

And where have you looked?

Are you happy to buy online?

Any other restrictions not previously mentioned?

This might be useful:

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

Budget?

I am older than you, a curvy size 12 with a tummy, and I find fit&flare dresses to be really flattering.

I got a beauty from Hobbs recently.

I'm very rural but can go into a city to try stuff on if necessary. I am happy to buy online - as long as the stomach situation is catered for. Size 12/14. I will have a look at the rental site! Thank you! I really like the simplicity of Cos and the little tweak they have but the fact a lot of the clothes are oversized make me look enormous!!

Budget £150ish.

I wish fit and flare worked on me as there are so many gorgeous dresses like that at the moment. Unfortunately I look hideous!

Oh, so you're similar size and shape to me. I tried several things on in Cos and nothing worked for me (I'm talking only about 5weeks ago, so current season).

How about this, the pattern breaks up your outline

Remember the best way to hide a stomach I'd to disguise it , if you try to hide it you're only going to look like you're trying to hide your stomach, interesting necklines also work

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls396212/p74436#p74436

I really love that dress. Colours are fab and the pattern is not too patterny at all. The only thing is a tie just at the waist has never worked for me before. I'd definitely have to try it on I think. It's like wrap dresses...they are supposed to suit apples and I can't tell you what a fright I look in them which is depressing.

@GettingStuffed i think that belt REALLY highlights the problem area. Even that model looks chunky through the middle.

I think a bias cut dress in nice slinky material, cap sleeves and a low squareish neckline flatters. No idea where you might find said article tough

some ideas here:

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/by-anthropologie-v-neck-pleated-slim-midi-dress?category=new-dresses&color=060&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/floral-print-satin-dress-p08460148.html?v1=288153117&v2=2290847

https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/jaipur_blue_rachel_dress

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/paisley-print-dress-p02587161.html?v1=284175805&v2=2290847

If you were to wear that Jaipur dress people would think you were still in your dressing gown.

That Anthropologie dress is a good one. Lovely colour which I know suits me, and I love the sleeves.

The Jaipur dress is awful. Who would suit that?

https://www.gaudenziboutique.com/en-GB/women/designer/michael_michael_kors/pleated-midi-drs-ms381p77r3445/michael_michael_kors/dress/light_blue_empire-style_midi_dress_in_pleated_fabric_woman