Another 40th birthday dress help request!

[Hullabalooza]

Hi everyone, I was hoping you lovely lot might be able to help recommend me a dress to wear for my 40th birthday. Having a party, it’s not super posh but a little fancier than a pub so I want something that feels special yet not like I’m going to a wedding. I’m a 16-18, short, classic pear shape and the dresses that usually suit me are short sleeved wrap midaxi style.
However despite searching and having ordered loads to try from next, a lot of that shape and style seem a bit frumpy with flowers that look like wallpaper, or butterflies etc on. Please help as 90% of my wardrobe comes from next because it’s so easy, and I don’t really know where else to look! Bonus points for really comfy block heel sandals to match, mid heel is okay. Feel like I might cancel at this rate!
added two photos of the sort of thing I am looking at, think they might be a little dull though 😔

Have a look at Pretty Kitty.. loads of lovely dresses, returns are free

Thanks, hadn’t heard of them so will take a look!

I don't know what the materials are like for this company, but I quite like

When is the party - spring or summer?

I wonder whether such an auspicious occasion might not be a good moment to break out of your comfort zone and try a different type of outfit? (Also midi wrap dresses are really not the height of fashion right now so the places selling them might not be the most stylish.)

What else do you enjoy wearing?

I do wish I could step out of my comfort zone but whenever I try different styles they seem to highlight all the bits I’d rather not highlight, ie tops of arms/knees/mum tum areas. Maxi dresses drown me. Suggestions welcomed though, what is everyone else this shape and size wearing?

For the sandals try Linzi. Also I have a few from Shein which are comfy and great value. (I'll probably be in trouble for suggesting them). Tu at sainsbury's sometimes have nice dresses and also H&M.

Thanks I hadn’t thought of H&M to be fair, will have a look 🤞

I'm a pear 14, but not short, I tend to go for separates quite often- a satin maxi skirt has been my go to for a while, but I prefer an ali I'llne fit, not bias. For dresses I prefer an a line/ fit and flare, and I find halternecks very flattering. There's quite a few I like on nobody's child, though I might want a bit more colour than they have at the minute for my birthday.

red dress
khaki
black
love this with the red Mary Janes they have
Wildcard? depends on how much thigh you're happy to show!

Thank you! I love the red bow back dress, and the wildcard I’d seriously consider if I could find boots to fit 😅

This is the style of skirt I prefer though I prefer maxi

Simply be! They do multiple calf widths.
Although I don't think it has to be boots- gold esska- style platforms would work well.

I have a kind of similar red dress in my wardrobe and it gets complimented every time I wear it- love a red dress!

Tons of choices here I quite like the cowboy boots. La redoute are good for small heel sandals