Wedding guest - I've been an ostrich - please help

[ADress]

I've had ages, but I'd hoped to lose more weight so I've had my head in the sand and now I've run out of time! Ideally I wouldn't spend money of a new dress or accessories, but I can do if it will make me feel really good.

I'm 5'3, size 16, mid forties, and with a lumpy tummy as a particular problem.

The only dress I have at home as an option is the navy pattered one. It fits and is nice and forgiving around the middle. Plus I like that the worst of my upper arms are slightly covered. But I don't think the length is the most flattering. What do you think of it?

For comparison, the white patterned dress is a Phase Eight which I was helped to find on here a few years ago when I'd lost weight. It doesn't do up any more so it's not an option but I'm sharing the photo for comparison of the different length dress. I feel like the length is better, but the under bust band style could be a bit too maternity at the moment and I'd prefer my arms covered.

Please let me have your kind thoughts and suggestions. Any new ideas would need to come from somewhere who will deliver quickly like Next or John Lewis.

I think the navy dress is lovely and very wedding appropriate! I have almost identical proportions to you and it's something I would wear. The length looks good in my opinion.

I prefer the white one by miles. The other one doesn’t really flatter your top half.

I like the length and the neckline of the white one on you.

No help, but I think they both look lovely.

The white one looks fab.

There's not much difference in the lengths of those two dresses. I think the issue is that a v neck is more flattering on you. It's also a more cheerful print.

Hi there, the second dress definitely looks better.
in the photo is a classic navy dress from JL it could be accessorised with gold/silver/cerise shoes, fascinator and bag.

The phase eight dress one is the nicest and does suit you. Much more weddingy too. Can you get a similar style and colour?

The blue one is fine if you can’t afford a new one, but if you can I think you could get something more flattering.

https://fhwt.app.link/yycmlsculKb

How about this? The v neck suits you as does the brighter colour.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-symmetrical-floral-midi-dress-blue-multi/p111035818?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Not sure if the above link works, but what about this dress?

Ps DO NOT wear a fascinator. They are old fashioned.

The navy dress is really nice, and the length is fine with the heels.

Second dress definitely, it suits you. The navy is really frumpy, sorry

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/scarlett-jo-victoria-v-neck-midi-dress/p111747061?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Second one! maybe with different shoes though, they are a bit clumpy for a summer dress.

The first one isn't giving wedding vibes at all.

love this one in navy

Second dress is a lot more flattering and the neckline looks lovely on you

Second one definitely, floral is very wedding and it’s a better shape on you. The first darker dress is more evening wear.

The first does nothing for you at all. Charity shops or eBay are your friend here if you’re on a budget, so many people wear occasion wear once or twice and then get rid of it, you may even be able to find the second dres in a larger size if you look, the shape and length really work for you. Neither pair of shoes goes with the dresses they’re worn with though, so it might be worth spending the money there.

Both dresses are lovely, but the white one is more flattering - it's the V shaped neckline which makes all the difference. You'll look great and I hope you enjoy yourself.

White one. The navy does nothing for you, it’s the neckline.
The white one is lovely and the shoes work well. Do you have a shawl or little cardigan and a bag?

The style of the Phase 8 dress really suits you, agree the other one is 'fine' but it's not great. You definitely need a v neck

The shoes are quite dated, I would look for a block heeled sandal, maybe a platform.

Thanks for all the replies!

Sorry my post was a bit wordy, but the WHITE ONE DOESN'T FIT any longer. So if that style is better, I need to find something new.

I'll look at the links posted once DC are in bed.

The shoes are definitely dated, I don't think I've bought a pair of heels for 15 years. Block heels sound nice and comfy 😂. I'll worry about shoes once I have a dress.

I LOVE the floral one on you. Shame it doesn't do up, but could you get a little cardigan and just keep it on ?

www.johnlewis.com/saint-tropez-mila-short-sleeve-open-front-bolero/p111932799?s_share=jlappdroid

Just saw this on Vinted -think the v neck and bright colours would suit you

I love the navy one on you. I think the white is less flattering.

I prefer the navy one it looks nice.
If you want something a bit more summery maybe try the charity shops, they're always full of occasion type dresses for a few quid.