Mid 40's and need a dress to impress

[mimimomma]

Please help.....I am mid 40's, under 5ft5 with a classic pear shape (big bum) size 10 on the top, size 12 on the bottom half. Desperate to find a lovely dress to wear to multiple events this summer including afternoon tea, summer parties etc. I have a budget up to £150 and just want something that doesn't make me feel or look frumpy. It's so hard to know where to look!

Have a look at accessorize, although potentially they're too casual? I like the maxi dresses they have in at the moment Summer Dresses | Sun Dresses | Accessorize UK. Or Abercrombie? They have some nice ones in too. Women's Dresses & Jumpsuits | Abercrombie & Fitch

What colours suit you? And what length? Do you pref florals/patterns/plains?

What shape suits you fit and flare / A line / wrap / bodycon / off shoulder / shirt / column / peasant / asymetric

What neckline suits you?

I have fairly nice arms and waist so prefer something nipped in a little....being short and pear shaped, long floaty dresses don't really work for me. Colouring wise, I'm blonde....I guess imagine an older, less attractive Holly Willoughby.

This one?
https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/pippa-dress/coral#size-XS

Or this?
https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/pippae-dress/dahlia#size-XS

Or are you thinking of something lighter/more floral?

Longish but not floaty:

& Other Stories

Cool:

Cos

Dotty:

Sister Jane

https://www.meandem.com/tailored-flare-midi-dress-black

I think that's versatile. They also have it in blue.

Do you like a retro look? If so try:

Pretty Dress Company
The Seamstress of Bloomsbury
House of Foxy

Oh - I’d definitely look with determination at the Me and Em sale dresses, here:

https://www.meandem.com/sale/dresses-and-jumpsuits