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.marksandspencer.com/textured-round-neck-midi-column-dress/p/clp60702774?color=DARKRED#intid=pid_pg1pip2g4r1c1

It probably isn't festive or short enough for you, @TeaNights, but I am the same size as you and absolutely love this dress, which I have in dark red and look OK in for my size! It's quite understated, though, I see you fancy some sparkles (and why not!).

I think the way she's stood makes the slit look far higher than it is. But I'm short so may be a bit harder for me to judge.

I love this dress ever since looking up what Dawn French was wearing in the ad but sadly sold out in most sizes :(

@longtompot if you can go into a shop. There were loads in my local one yesterday!

I got this one from white stuff recently and wore it last night with some flat ankle boots and opaque tights. Covers the cleavage, not too tight around the stomach and just above the knee. Got on a black Friday sale - might still be slightly over your budget though.

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/5017/erin-metallic-dress/BLK_MLT

This shop has some fabulous dresses
https://deadlyisthefemale.com/product-category/clothing/dresses/

Oooh...do you think I could breastfeed in this?

I usually wear a disco ball of a dress but can't find anything suitable this year...

Wouldn’t something with lycra be easier to manoeuvre?

I have this dress in gold and its really flattering on curves. Honestly I'm a 16 and it looked better on me than on the model. I would say it would work with breastfeeding.

Would you shop at Shein? I find the curve clothing fantastic. I’m 5’2 and currently between a 16/18 but was a size 22 a couple of years ago. Also large breasts. I felt horrible in everything then I bought a dress from shein an A-line fit and flare style dress and I felt nice for a change. I now own a few dresses from them, very few dresses from high street retailers have ever fitted me without needed a lot of adjustments.

Read the reviews on material, people will also post pictures.

i have also invested in a couple of nice belts which I can add to the dresses to give me a waist.

For me it would be this, with black tights, black boots, hair up and a bit of red lippy!

www.next.co.uk/style/su521755/au1539#au1539

I just bought this for myself. Thank you!

Free shipping too. What a bargain!

I vote a sparkly midi skirt with a long sleeved velvet bodysuit. Can wear with heels or tights and boots.

I’m wearing it tonight actually so will test out its pull-to-one-side-ability and let you know…I’m not breastfeeding myself anymore but will
get an idea. It’s gorgeous on!

Very have loads, Simply Be & John Lewis. Use the filters for sleeves etc .

@Gatecrashermum I can confirm it’s extremely breastfeeding friendly, you’ll have no issues. It’s mock wrap too so although the top is wrapped, the bottom is fixed so you won’t accidentally flash your knickers or anything. Definite winner 👍🏼

https://www.marksandspencer.com/v-neck-frill-detail-midaxi-smock-dress/p/clp60705416?color=CLARET#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r8c2|prodflag_A%20star%20of%20our%20TV%20ad
I got this, it is now on sale!!!! And I haven't even worn it 🙄. It is lovely and floaty but you need to size down one if not 2 sizes as it's generous, it is also in black, not in sale.

I’ve picked this dress for the festive period from Next. It’s Yours Clothing. I’m also a size 18 & it’s very flattering, with just a hint of sparkle. It might be too dressy for what you are looking for but thought I’d share incase

https://www.fatface.com/style/su403542/e86550#e86550

I’ve ordered this but not worn it yet.

I'm a 16/18
Someone recommended a velvet wrap dress from Asda to me at work - I keep meaning to look it up!

I just bought this dress from Seasalt – a little more expensive than what you are looking for, but lovely to wear, and it looks really nice. I also am an 18.

The top and dress 3 are nice the others not so much and definitely not black its supposed to be festive not going to a funeral

ooh, I have this. also an 18 and it's v nice, v flattering on

I bought the dress @Eyerollexpert linked to from M and S today and I rather like it. Bought 4 dresses this week so may need to stop now. Have decided I look better in dresses than tops/trousers.

There's 20% off dresses (and knitwear) with Sparks card for the next three or four days.

It's beautiful. I really like it. However, I've got my sparkly dress now. I went a bit crazy with the roman sale and ordered 7 dresses for about £170. All black and sparkly except for one. 😱

I really really like them. They are super flattering. I didn't even know a dress could look so good even at this size.

I'd love to recommend roman but their returns are incredibly annoying. I can't generate a return label because the order number is wrong. This seems to be a common problem and I remember it has happened to me before. I think thr last time I just kept my order but I can't afford to this time. So I'll have to call them tomorrow. UgUgg. And also they charge £3 per order to return clothes. I hope that means £3 per parcel and not £3 for each item of clothing that I'm returning

Anyway, these are the ones I'm planning to keep

https://www.roman.co.uk/metallic-speckle-pocket-shift-dress-14467108

https://www.roman.co.uk/glitter-twist-front-stretch-dress-14304208

https://www.roman.co.uk/spot-print-ruched-waist-fit-flare-dress-14070408

Any ideas about shoes? I hate uncomfortable shoes or heels but I'm not sure if my very plain and chunky winter boots will look ridiculous.