I'm sending up the bat signal, help me.

[MainStreetOrHighStreet]

I need something to wear for a creative industries awards do.

I'm 5'4", size 16 - 18, weight round my middle but broad and sturdy all over. Long body, short legs. I don't show arms, length must be below the knee at the shortest. I look best in stuff that drapes and/or is semi fitted, as opposed to tight or voluminous.

I'm a Winter, so suit jewel colours, charcoal grey, black, cobalt blue, navy, burgundy. Silver accessories, not gold.

I look best in v necks or a fastened up shirt neck, as opposed to round or scoop.

To give a sense of style: I like 100 Stars, but gather from reading here that the quality is iffy. I like Cos but look a berk in everything they sell. I'm not averse to print. My favourite item of clothing is a dress from John Lewis Kin. I don't like stuff like Popsy.

Please help me, I will be very grateful! Budget about £150.

A question about satin, something at the back of my mind tells me it's recommended for big people because it's not flattering. Is that true? There are a couple of things I like on Ghost.

I think satin is lovely on all sizes as long as it fits. Too small tight satin looks awful on everyone.

Re your satin comment - do shiny fabrics make us look bigger?

If you like satin I’d go for velvet much more forgiving and right time of year for it. With satin, if the fit is wrong it’ll show every lump and bump, if the fit is right it would be ok.

The bias cut that Ghost uses on its satin dresses and skirts means a flattering drape, rather than unflattering cling. I am a curvy short person and I love them.

I’ve never worn satin but I’ve ordered a couple. In fact I’ve ordered a few things suggested here, thanks so much!

Have you looked at John Lewis in their rental section?

This might be a bit too daywear? I think it fits your brief though (there is a split but it could easily be sewn or pinned), it is light on the pocket too:
https://www.asos.com/prd/205221752?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

I think this one also meets your brief and is stunning in both colours but you mentioned charcoal grey and this would look perfect styled with silver accessories: Check out this Pleated Velvet Long Sleeve Pencil Dress I found on Coast https://coastfashion.com/product/coast-pleated-velvet-long-sleeve-pencil-dress_bcc09466?link_source=share_button&link_platform=ios&utm_source=pdp_share&utm_medium=referral&colour=forest

Not sure if the colours would work for you, but this? https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-cilla-rose-print-dress-black-multi/p112460836

This looks lovely, burgundy and teal and other colours.

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-long-sleeve-soft-silky-jersey-maxi-dress/burgundy/p112093596?size=16&srsltid=AfmBOopM0b1Ive0oYy_x436flwKRqSnRZdT7ySRjKzTIOTvTiMpbhweiSiA0

Have you tried Debenhams Dorothy perkins or shein xx

@pippistrelle totally agree, it's the cut of satin that counts and it's very hard to find. Box shaped satin suits nobody except supermodels. I have a bias cut black skirt which hangs so beautifully, it's a sort of fake suede material and I'll never find another one. It's about 30 years old now.
I am a similar shape to OP, and I am not someone who likes to show any flesh at all, no matter the weather or occasion. Watching this thread with interest.

https://kitristudio.com/products/alex-red-tulip-print-dress

I wore a version of this dress for a wedding recently and got so many compliments. The one I hired had long sleeves. I hired it on an app called By Rotation. See if you can find something there.