Tall wedding guest, recent weight gain

[Fartly]

Please help me!

I have four weddings this year and I need to find a dress. The first is my gen z, petite sister who has a lot of stylish friends. I have no idea what they will wear but I'm not trying to fit in, just not to stand out!

I have recently gained a lot of weight and feel uncomfortable in my skin. My arms are huge so I don't want them on show. I have a belly which is also new. I put all my weight on my hips, thighs and bum usually but I guess there's no room left. My usual clothes are ripping at the seams, I feel like the hulk.

If you can help me find a dress that will make me feel more confident I'll be so grateful.

Size: I'm probably a size 14-16. And 5'11
Style: Prefer v-neck, flowy, midi or maxi dress. Don't want anything fitted at the bottom or a high neck.
Material: I love jersey material like they have in Boden dresses. I don't like polyester.
Colour: I love black as it's slimming, purple, green, blue.

Morning Fartly,
you’re so lucky because there’s loads of choice now - and I speak as someone a little taller and a lot fatter than you!
Your start point should be the Next and John Lewis apps, with all the appropriate filters set - occasion, size, height etc etc. I’ve found some gorgeous, classy & flattering dresses there inc Scarlett & Jo and Phase 8. Worth looking with the Sale filter on too!
Empire line type dresses could work for you, they’re really flattering to our shape.
I disagree with you about black being a flattering colour; patterns, flowers, and flowing fabric are much better as well as being more suited to warmer weather.
Be proud of who you are!!

I second Phase Eight - used to work there and our rails were so high as dresses were made for tall women! Can you get to a store like in Westfield to try?

Look at Live Unlimited and Scarlett and Jo. As PP has said find an online store that sells various brands and filter style size etc.
Debenhams and Next sell various brands. Next do a tall range too.
Just one example from Live Unlimited in one of your preferred colours.

https://liveunlimitedlondon.com/products/purple-short-sleeve-dress

Thanks! I'll look for patterns instead! I appreciate your advice.

Oh this is very Grecian and my fave colour, thanks!

Never Fully Dressed has loads of lovely, flattering items and very stylish

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/blue-ombre-toria-dress
https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/pink-abstract-tilly-dress
https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/green-shirred-nara-dress
https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/pink-and-red-jacquard-tilly-dress

Thanks for all your help and recommendations. I bought this from Next in the end

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su621387/f30319

That’s lovely and thanks for the update.
Enjoy the weddings.

Nice!
Have a wonderful summer of celebration x