Help an apple look great

[Hairyhat]

So I'm an apple shape (I think). I am size 14 on top and a size 10 on the bottom with petite/short legs. Large bust. Skinny but I think shapely legs.
Anyway I NEVER buy new clothes. Get some charity shop outfits but mostly either given or gifted secondhand most of my clothes.
I have high street vouchers and a couple of "dos" to attend so would like something smart and possibly a dress but no idea where to buy or what.
I think a 50s tea dress 👗 sort of shape suits me but where can I buy one of those?
My vouchers can be any high street shop I think except Amazon.
Is M&S the place to go nowadays? I'm late 40s with v pale skin.
It's autumn and winter events.
Can anyone help? Recommend something fabulous?
I'm so out of touch and unstylish!

Bump for a frump

You are a triangle, I think. M and S is not necessarily the place to go but you could start there, so you can try on things and see what shape suits you. Plus they have other brands.

Ok thanks. A triangle. An upside down one. Was hoping some stylish mumsnetters would give links and say "this would suit your shape" etc
Was hoping to order online as I'm fairly rural and massively clueless when clothes shopping (mostly hate it and get hot and anxious)
Wish they sold things with "triangle shape" or "pear shape" type indications.

I don't wear tea dresses myself, but have you tried Nobody's Child and Joanie? not sure if your vouchers will work there, but then M and S carries Nobody's Child so worth searching.

can you book a fitting session at a shop? i think john lewis do them.

Try British retro dot com xx

@Hairyhat I would go and book an appointment with a JL personal stylist who would be able to help you with options and maybe go through what body shape you are. There is no pressure to buy.

These are great suggestions but my nearest JL is 3 hours away so not practical.
Never heard of Nobody's Child but I'll have a look online now.
Have a M&S only 40 mins away so I was hoping to order online then exchange or take back in person.
I'm just so out of touch with fashion I'm not sure what to wear or even look for.
I suppose I'll have to bite the bullet and venture into a store

Just looked at Britushretro.com - they are fabulous but my vouchers won't work. The vouchers have to be high street brands if that makes sense

British*

Is this glamorous enough and ok for a triangle shape?

Bombshell -their dresses are fab !!

Bombshell are truly lovely dresses but out of my price range mostly. Thanks though

What do you want to emphasise? Your relatively large too half or your lower half?

As you're not a standard size separates would probably be best

To emphasise your top something like this
https://www.riverisland.com/p/white-broderie-long-sleeve-shirt-752414 for the drama with a plain lower half or

Something like these with a plain top if you want to draw the eye downward

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-trousers-0?p=6#429.40624237060547

Oh these are great. Thank you. I didn't think of separates

I really like these dress shapes but can't have off the shoulder due to knorkage scaffolding required.

I think I have my heart set on a 50s style party dress

@GettingStuffed to answer your question I think I want to emphasise my slim legs rather than my top heavy bust if you know what I mean?

Palava do masses of 50s influenced dresses without being facsimiles. (Sorry I really don't like Bombshell) but I doubt they would accept high vouchers.
Joannie also does that look, again, being influenced by, rather than a facsimile.

Palava
Joannie

Thank you @NatashaDancing great to look through these