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!!

I like Boden - they go up to 18 (and beyond) and have lots of reductions at moment.

I'm a similar size and bought this a few days ago for my work Christmas do. It's so flattering and elegant but not too dressy. The pictures don't do it justice at all.

the photos really don't do it justice do they! it's a really flattering style as well for all sizes too - i felt great in it (i bought it in a size 16)

Agree that Joe Brown's is great for the better-padded among us. Roman's always worth a look, too. Extra 10% with BF10.
https://www.roman.co.uk/sale/sale-dresses?filter=true&size=18&fit=main&price=20;50

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/navy-foil-long-sleeve-wrap-midi-dress/p/910033541?srsltid=AfmBOoo94afodU0RC90nrAc80Z4AQW0PvALFo5nfqgVOd1PFAkW85eb2_1o

Hope my link works…I bought this in the week, also a size 18, and it looks beautiful on! Gorgeous length and shape and could be worn with flats or heeled boots. I plan to wear mine with slippers on Christmas Day 😄

Watching with interest.

These might not be festive enough? Both 100% responsible cotton, under £50 at Joanie.

Joanie also has some extremely festive frocks, like this one - £22.50!
https://joanieclothing.com/fey-metallic-knit-midaxi-dress-gold.html

I’m a 5”7 size 18 and I’m getting away (with compliments) on this one.

i went with the green, I imagine the black may be even more flattering.
https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/make-a-statement-velour-dress-wf133

The only Joe browns dress I've ever seen that doesn't look like a frumpy unflattering nightmare, my heart sank when I seen the link but I'm pleasantly surprised.

This or the monsoon one OP!

Forgot to say, it really holds a tummy in.

👀👀👀👀

Yours is your friend.

I love this one...

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-curve-black-ditsy-floral-chiffon-tiered-midaxi-dress-p

I love this dress in black but they don't have my size. Also, love that they have a size 16 model in the pics. I wish All companies would do that.

This is absolutely gorgeous but way too dressy for my office party. I'm also not comfortable with slits. It's really beautiful though.

Thanks everyone for thr amazing suggestions!!

I do like roman. So many nice dresses. I thought my head would explode. Annoyingly or maybe thankfully, the ones I like aren't available in my size. I'm not great at making decisions..

The flared ones do. Or if they are loose around the thigh area. The ones that hug your thighs are ok but I'd probably wear them with leggings or opaque tights.

So lovely but if you've got any generous boobage, most of this won't flatter.

This is beautiful and I can imagine it looking good on a size 18 but I don't like the slit.

This is terrible. I have gone off the green dress now a little bit because I want something sparkly.

No, pretty economical boobage. 🙃

Totally over budget but has festive colours, so couple of sparkly Christmas accessories www.hellbunny.com/products/h40382-tessie-maxi-dress?_pos=54&_fid=e4a59ea6f&_ss=c&variant=46997665841469 also plus size model. I searched xxl a nice 18

Ooo I'm very intrigued by this over budget 😂 www.hellbunny.com/products/h40414-boogie-night-dress?_pos=93&_fid=e4a59ea6f&_ss=c&variant=47884038340925

Under budget beaut in black. Money left for a sparkly belt www.hellbunny.com/products/hlb40208-p-vera-lynn-dress?_pos=121&_fid=677ca9b3a&_ss=c&variant=47238296895805

Under budget nice bright www.hellbunny.com/products/h40375-cassiopeia-dress?_pos=199&_fid=677ca9b3a&_ss=c&variant=46623162794301

Don't worry I'm probably too non mumsnetty but I've drank wine and wanted to be helpful.

Only available in an 18. Idk if it’s too dress. I would wear it for a non dressy event. https://www.monsoon.co.uk/flossie-velvet-fringe-dress-black-64074501.html

https://www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/kya-teal-sparkle-tiered-hem-dress

https://www.popsyclothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/luxe-navy-sparkle-swing-dress

Popsy have loads within budget!

That dress is gorgeous, I’d wear it everywhere over Christmas! Sadly though it’s polyester and menopause has stopped me wearing that as need fabrics that breathe ☹️
Gorgeous dress though and ticks all of ops boxes.