Moderately festive dress for a size 18

[TeaNights]

Hi all. I've put on a lot of weight in the last few years and now everything seems to look rubbish on me. I don't have a great fashion sense but when I googled what looks good on overweight people I just don't like the recommendations as they mostly show clothes that accentuate your curves or bulges (e.g. very short, tight tops). Which is perfectly fine but not what I'm looking for. I'm very much pear shaped. Big bum and thighs but these days I've got quite a big tummy as well.

I have got a few Christmas events coming up and am looking for a dress I can wear to several of them. My requirements:

1. Comfortable And something i can wear with flat shoes or boots
2. Not too quirky or extravagant. If I can wear it for casual outings or work as well that would be perfect.
3. Not too short (ideally around the knees or just above them) but also not floor length.
4. No sleeveless (any length of sleeve is ok)
5. Neckline not too deep
6. Available online but with easy return option

I know it's a long list of requirements but ive seen magic being done on this board before... Budget is about £50 but could go slightly higher.

Thank you for your help!!

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/nora-long-sleeve-velvet-mini-dress-black-10016870001.html

Monsoon are pretty good for larger size. I was a size 18 and my most flattering clothes were from there

I have this https://www.marksandspencer.com/textured-v-neck-midi-relaxed-dress/p/clp60705379?intid=mobileappppdpshare it's festive, flattering and can be worn with boots!

That’s a good find, @GettingStuffed. Outside sales and ore-owned I do think £5 might be a stretch for something nice - but luckily there are sales everywhere at the moment. @TeaNights you can filter Monsoon dresses by size, here:

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sale/womens-sale/dresses/?start=40&prefn1=size&prefv1=18

This one is very tempting. I really like it. It's a bit shorter than I'd like though. If dresses are too short I look like a candy wrapper in them

This is stunning but for a size 18 too long and monotone I think. I'd look like a big duplo block in it..

What about this? I have the navy version and it's lovely but seems to be out of stock in your size. Maybe black would also work?

https://www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/all-dresses/products/luster-black-sparkle-velvet-midi-dress

Either of these OP? Both below £50 and Joe Browns do free returns. Can definitely be worn with flat shoes or boots.

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/winter-garden-dress-we886

https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/festive-flora-jersey-dress-wf151

I love that green dress. 😍it's not too Christmassy, is it? I mean I could wear it after Christmas.as well, couldn't it?

Anyway, that dress is gorgeous. Unfortunately along with that dress 5 other dresses have somehow found their way into my basket. I've totally blown my budget. 🙄

Could someone please have a look and Tell me which of those are rubbish?

Oh it would help if you could see the clothes,I guess....

Dress 1

Dress 2

Top

Dress 3

@TeaNights I agree the green dress is so nice and wouldn't need to just be worn for Christmas. It could definitely be an autumn/winter staple!
Of the other ones you've linked I like the purple top and dress 3 as well. I don't want to be a bad influence, but I say order them all! 😂 Then you can try them on and see what looks best. It looks like it's free delivery this weekend as well as free returns.

Dress 3 is the only one vaguely suitable IMO. The purple top is lovely but I don’t think it would be flattering on larger sizes.

The green dress is nicest by far.

I tried on the first monsoon dress, similar sized, and it's way too short at the back. Like nearly all designers, they seem to forget larger sizes have bigger bottoms so need a bit more length at the rear to compensate!

I like that short Monsoon one.

Sorry but I don’t like any of the Joe Browns ones.

I don't think any of those dresses will be flattering as a size 18. I say that as one.
I have this which looks slightly different in real and it's more burgundy than purple, I saw it in store which made me go for it, would never have chosen it online.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/purple-abstract-print-satin-wrap-midi-dress/p/913196369

Another vote for the green JB dress.

I find it really helpful to follow people on Instagram who are a similar size/shape trying on clothes that are in the shops this season.. you could try looking at Laura Adlington for inspiration

You said above short dresses make you look like a candy wrapper but other than the last one they are! 🤷‍♀️ I don't like any of them tbh and will have a browse.

I'm also a size 18 and recently bought this dress. I have massive H boobs and suddenly a stomach. The dress looks better than it does in the pic which I know sounds strange. Its very flattering on me anyways. Always start with good support wear underneath to help smooth things out.
When I've worn a plainer dress, I just jazz it up a bit- depending on the party. Christmas brooch with a little piece of tinsel around it. Glittery or festive necklace or earrings. Santa hat.
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc145379752

This looks lovely on.

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/jb775

Ambrose Wilson are a good source of budget dresses. Have a browse. Three that jumped out at me.

I've gone for this dress for the festive period (also an 18) I used the black Friday promo code. I hate my arms so feel like this is quite flattering

18 is currently out of stock, but I kept checking and managed to get one

www.nobodyschild.com/products/black-long-sleeve-starlight-mini-dress-d241892grn?variant=44431399977131&utm_source=NMPi&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PaidSearch&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagHcTE6d-Nz4O5oAj6gLNbwHIU8skQHPxaDmT5BtaPBHAfQxnY9-isRoCPL4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

How do you feel about animal print? https://www.marksandspencer.com/animal-print-tie-neck-mini-shift-dress/p/clp60703589?color=BROWNMIX&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_bau_smec_counterfactual&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bSwumRu52FH1MIhal6Q47xDY&gclid=CjwKCAiAjKu6BhAMEiwAx4UsAuFYzby0xL98DRvdE_SxSrC4z5n-7NCl2PhEjLjMZJS_u3njK8r31RoC9pQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

ive got this dress and it's really comfy and flattering (looks better in real life than on these photos). can be worn with tights and boots or heels/flats and can be dressed up or down

Yes try Laura Adlington, Fatfab40 (I think) or Emily Jane Johnston and others on insta.

I love this- might get it myself!