What stylish dress to impress options suit a curvy mid-forties figure?

[TheEasterBunny3]

Help! Ive been invited to a friends big birthday bash & I have no idea what to wear.

Its in June and the dress code is 'dress to impress' and the birthday girl will be ultra glam as will her close friends & family. Im in my mid 40's & most of the guests are aged 35 - 40 & very stylish - I dont want to look like an old frump in comparison.

Im a size 16-18 with very large hips not in proportion to the rest of me. I'd like a dress & prefer a-line style as they look better than clingy dresses on my hips & stomach. Im happy to show cleavage & my arms but don't suit high neck tops (I feel they make me look matronly & frumpy).

Ideally the dress would be midi length but would be happy with longer but no mini dresses.

I prefer plain colours to patterns and suit dark colours (black being my favourite).

Any ideas of what I could buy that suits my body shape but also is more stylish than frumpy. Budget up to £150. Its likely some very old school 'friends' will be there who I havent seen in about 10 years & Id like to look my best in front of them too!

Thank you

Thank you so much @EleanorMc67- youve got a great eye!

Lots for me to look at & I absolutely love the midnight blue one.

I am so glad @EleanorMc67 said about the 50s look not being current - I too love 50s but it does seem a bit “costume” at the moment.

love the suggestions, adding this to the mix:

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/primrose-collar-midi-dress?edit=one&_su_rec=bTu8Y6v2pqe6EYoPf0YBX5z5m63in4hb3YCPeNM_0ejs2U0BX3yr7vVH5sGoUUfO_NFrJMapEhhF92wQmG60900IO6erBuTNZ8jZ6ZSvIQupPFUBqTVbXDGTBVFuxV45tuJ9bReclNftUUB89QR41IZ2XEHh__mfvDUBbIcoXGgCBg3-RbNOPgfeL0ayPv-IWwQrUopZlynECBpRwsMKaij9BZbDtL11E9NgtwHj6jLLt39_PpB2kA1fzil2EDDB0sSfvUREUxxXTW5ZE2k&_su_rec_id=dfb6e3d5-70fc-4bf2-8f05-ee21948db68b-1778621991

Thanks! Did you mean the Wyse one? If so, there's also this one that's quite similar. It all depends on the cut of the skirt, really - ie if it flares slightly away from the hip rather than narrowing below them.

https://mintvelvet.com/products/navy-lace-detail-slip-dress

There's also this Ghost one.

https://www.johnlewis.com/ghost-delphine-dress/navy/p113531063

OP, do you think that by "dress to impress" & the fact that you said the birthday friend is very "glam", the evening so is likely to be quite blingy? It's an evening in June - so it could be very warm? Would you wear any lighter block colours at all - maybe even red or hot pink? As many of the black or navy or forest green options are heavier fabrics, whereas you might find a lighter dress better for June - ie lighter in both colour & weight?

This is quite understated but I think it's very lovely - & the cut is contemporary as well as looking as if it would be a good shape for you, OP? Acetate & silk so it has a sheen, too.

https://www.arket.com/en-gb/women/dresses/maxi/product/organza-detail-maxi-dress-dark-blue-1333004003/

Viscose satin in a gorgeous colour. Very sleek-looking - definitely one for shape wear! One size 18 left ...

https://mintvelvet.com/products/burgundy-satin-maxi-dress

Ooh - now this looks like a good option! Black, lustrous, a little bit of bling but not too much, & a great shape without having to bother wearing big pants?!! AND it's reduced from £140 to £60 - AND there's a size 18 left! AND it has pockets!

It is also both minimal & contemporary ...

https://www.albaray.co.uk/products/crystal-tie-back-dress-aw25

This is rather fabulous too ...

https://sisterjane.com/products/emerald-maxi-dress

I know you said you prefer plain to patterned - but this is a great print on black, & good proportions, & really well reduced ... the top may be too high for you though?

https://roandzo.com/products/hand-painted-tulip-full-skirt

Good colour & shape & price?

https://roandzo.com/products/bronte-berry-lace-trim-detail-dress

this one has an 18
https://tallulahandhope.com/collections/dresses/products/hannah-wrap-dress-royal-satin-crepe-jet-embroidered?variant=56541362749820

I have a few Tallulah & Hope dresses, always feel like a million bucks wearing them and I get lots of compliments on the dress. they are fantastic

I think they are closing (or pausing for a break) tomorrow so get in quick.
I'm going to a T&H sample sale on Friday to snap up anything left over before their sabbatical

Yes, am tempted - but I really like the longer version ... Good luck at the sample sale!

I'm on a "buy new no new clothing" year but have made an exception for this sample sale (I made the exception at the outset knowing it would be coming up)