Dress needed for a summer party - it needs to say 'This is a woman in the prime of her life!' Please hit me with your ideas!

[BadSkiingMum]

I have a special summer event coming up (evening party) and would love something new to wear. I am tall, size 14, late forties, a bit overweight but working hard to tone up a bit! Eyes will be on me, so it needs to project a certain something!

I often go for something with a full skirt and this shape suits me - Hobbs, Pretty Dress Company etc - but I am quite open to something a bit different. Perhaps a bit like Farm Rio but toned down. I would be happy to spend £200 plus. More for something special. I am also happy to shop on Ebay.

I like bright, light colour, so really anything except black or lime green etc. Happy to wear either a dress or perhaps a really special skirt, as I have an ivory lace top that could work with something.

I am unlikely to have time to go for personal shopping between now and then, so any ideas are welcome. Thank you! :)

https://www.carraigdonn.com/products/phoebe-pink-long-sleeve-midi-dress They deliver..

Have a look at Scamp and Dude dresses, always really flattering and make me feel good. Plenty of prints for you to make an impression

I love this and it’s striking without being too off the wall

Or totally different, try Rixo

eg I love this fabric

https://www.meandem.com/fluid-crepe-jersey-ruched-maxi-dress-intense-orange

Either the maxi in red or pink

https://www.jasperconran.com/products/celia-silk-maxi-full-skirt-wrap-dress?variant=55274399531381

Or the midi - in so many colours - I love the yellow.

This shape is always flattering with a larger bust and the silk is striking.

I am tall and have one of these dresses. They are incredibly flattering.

I would say I’m a similar size & age range to you. I bought & wore this recently. very comfortable & flattering. It’s sold out in a 14 but you might get it on eBay / vinted etc
www.boden.com/products/clara-cotton-shirt-dress-multi-flower-tile?variant=42433830256849

I'd have a look at what Hannah waddingham wears. She's tall, curvy, older, and wears loads of brights. Found a couple of Instagram accounts that track down her outfits and there are a few bits in there that are totally swoon worthy and not incredibly expensive.

How about something like these? The Mabel is gorgeous for highlighting curves, and they have a lot of other dresses with nice full skirts, plus petticoats to get that extra poof if you need it. I find they come up a bit small though.

https://theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/products/mabel-waterfall-dress-in-mustard

https://theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/products/cindy-dress-in-lipstick-red

https://theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/products/francoise-dress-in-red-polka

Thanks everyone, I have looked at all the links.
At the moment it is a toss-up between a Seamstress of Bloomsbury dress, a Pretty Dress Company dress or possibly a Vivien of Holloway full circle skirt, worn with a lace top that I already have.

I also have a couple of Ghost dresses in my basket, although I worry that they might show up every little bump?

Oh and for anyone else looking for an occasion dress, be careful with Phase Eight maxi length dresses. They come out exceptionally long, even on me, so I really don't know who they are aimed at! I saw a nice one in John Lewis but, after a similar experience last year, decided to measure myself and realised that it would literally be brushing the floor. I need to get there on the train so it is just not remotely practical, even with heeled shoes.

Update: I went with The Pretty Dress Company because that full skirted style just works on my figure and I feel completely confident in it. Comically, the silky Ghost dresses were rejected by my DH for '...being too reflective and having too many buttons sticking out on the front.' 😁About to press my dress and looking forward to the occasion!

Oh I like those too! Which style have you gone for?

The Pretty Dress Company dresses are such good quality. Good choice.

I bought a fitted, off the shoulder dress for a big birthday. Felt fabulous.

Myla, such a classic! I had one already but bought it in a summer colour.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/celeste-border-skirt-100008500020.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=qiwimrwxr&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=21744775086&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21744775086&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21751088156&gbraid=0AAAAADumyC89Fql0OPErB9YuK-WSAeBGQ&gclid=CjwKCAjw3MXBBhAzEiwA0vLXQbQOD_DpAFT8aOx_pzU28AEUapyelUDciD8TG_LqGrqdMm5a3UC3yRoCngkQAvD_BwE

Or go very bold
https://www.karenmillen.com/floral-twill-woven-prom-skirt/BKK24916-144-18.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21835188868&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY-iU2rfiTtwdJ0ksTKHr899Y&gclid=CjwKCAjw3MXBBhAzEiwA0vLXQdbxFfCRB2QNwmlaIwRJnP_8ceycvmKpnxo2LausrvoF6ZGG_xHmjhoCcTsQAvD_BwE