10th anniversary meal dress

[Delphinous78]

I'm a size 16 with broad shoulders, 5 foot 9 and a 34G bust. I'm not small! DH is taking me for a nice meal for our 10th wedding anniversary. It's our first evening out in seven years, I've just stopped breastfeeding and want to look nice but I can't find a dress. I don't like my arms, so would prefer sleeves and I don't think I can do high necklaces because of the boobs. I would be very grateful for any suggestions for dresses. Budget is up to £200. Thank you!

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-bodycon-midi-dress-black/p112773387?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-abbie-pleated-wrap-midi-dress-pink/p112852893?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_bmV0LndoYXRzYXBwLldoYXRzQXBwLlNoYXJlRXh0ZW5zaW9u

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-ruched-bodycon-midi-dress-dark-red/p112773310?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1haWw=

With no idea what your personal style is like here's a real mix of options...

Floaty wrap style: https://hopeandivy.co.uk/products/the-marlene-wrap-dress-tie-waist-flutter-sleeve

Silkier looking type thing https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/dark-green-satin-bridesmaid-erin-midi-dress-d243048grn?queryID=fbfa59df2ae0bd73d9245724fdf2a9c0

Off the shoulder type number, very dressed up for the dinner but the belt stops it being too formal IMO https://www.phase-eight.com/product/tallulla-lace-bardot-maxi-dress-221368529.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=420&cgid=occasion&isSecondPage=false&pid=221368529&pos=463

This?

Rixo pink

Or this?

Rotate blue

Or?

Doen printed

All chosen because reduced in sale. I’d want to pick something that could be incorporated into my wardrobe and worn again and again.

Or blow the budget:

Cortana maxi

As others have said I've no idea of your style from what you've said. I googled dress £200 and picked sales and excluded all eveningy type dresses. This is a random selection. The Alémais dressed are a bit over £200 but such bargaind.

If it were me I would look for a new dress, which I can then incorporate into every day life rather an eveningy type. Most restaurants aren't that dressed up. I think you'd be over dressed in the pink lace dress.
Alémais
Alémais
Stine Goya
Wolf and Badger
Brora cotton patchwork
Brora silk patchwork
All Brora sale

Wow, thank you all! Loads of brands I haven't heard of. I also hadn't thought about getting a dress I could wear again or incorporate into my every day wardrobe so that is a great point. I love the Rotate Blue dress.

There's always Sister Jane- they're more into party frocks territory but still at a level I wouldn't find it difficult to find somewhere to wear. And Joannie, party frocks which are definitely wearable multi times.

And no before the usual complaints, I have no connection with either company. They get mentioned a lot because they make interesting and affordable clothes.

Sister Jane
Joannie

The Rotate blue is beautiful! And also sounds like it would be great on your figure. Hope you enjoy the meal.

How about something like this?

This one, flattering shape and the rich red looks special occasion

So boring, though …

I think most of these are so frumpy and ugly

The Rotate dress is very low cut which may be a problem with your chest.

To be clear, I'm not saying that one shouldn't show cleavage, I think that significant amounts of your bra (i.e. the middle, below the cups) will be on show.
I'm saying this as a busty woman myself who has come a cropper with very low cut dresses.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/wallis-occasion-sequin-wrap-detail-midi-dress_byy13572?colour=green

I bought this in a last minute panic for a thing the other day and it is really nice! Heavy so hangs well, comfortable, nice length, flattering and could be worn to anything. One of the best £30 I’ve ever spent!

Then add your own suggestions. Be pro-active.

I found this on SHEIN in a size 16 and it’s only £15.99 - it’s such a beautiful, feminine colour and the style is really flattering for a fuller busted figure needing cover up on the arms. They have it in 11 colours so there’s bound to be something you like

Not Shein, please. Sweatshop conditions, nasty fabrics.

God - I should think the model’s hairspray cost more than that!

Without my glasses I thought that said “meat dress” and for a split second my mind boggled at what kind of anniversary would require such a thing! I needed a giggle today so thanks for inadvertently cheering me up and good luck with your quest xx

Go for a wrap dress. There is a lovely black one online at next only 68 pounds xx

Most of the big brands use sweatshop workers and not great fabrics. No need to be so cutting. It was only a suggestion. She may have been inspired by the colour and style which would be really flattering for her figure type so …..

I think the Rotate one would look hideous! As someone with broad shoulders too that high tie neck is not a good look.
As Op says she's not small. All those fussy features aren't flattering.

Op your height and size should be shown off. Simple form fitting or bias cut for maximum effect. Never a full sleeve, 3/4 is the best for making arms look good.

But if that's the Op preference I think a less ruffled version like this snake print one might be more flattering. And a snake print can be dressed up for dinner or played diwn for every day.

www.nobodyschild.com/products/snake-print-carla-midi-dress-d251021brn?queryID=920ba6372faef3a570c19b85b0945595&_gl=1yddxsq_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiA2cu9BhBhEiwAft6IxEr_QwBaLWb73pcAIUwniKylyGa37LJc2rU9uuioWINjm_S4WdkWHxoCTYEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIW43Z5n6J8eI_WwbcxlAhagG