Recommendations for a flattering summer holiday dress in size 18

[Hogett]

Hello!
I am looking for a nice summer dress to take on holiday with me, south of France at end of August, mainly to wear for meals out etc. Im 5ft 8ins and a size 18

So far ive tried a spotty A&F dress that made me look huge, a fit amd flare dress from Monsoon, who's zip wouldnt come past the skirt and top join ( tried 3 of these) and now I need some input, as im at a loss.
Nothing to expensive,suitable for warm evenings, have to usually shop online as nearest city is a few hours away and although we have Next all 14+ sizes vanish quickly.
Open to most styles, but if it hides my stomach all the better, open to colours, prints etc.
Thanks

M&S have some lovely ones! I’m a size 18 and I’ve picked up the following:

https://www.marksandspencer.com/polka-dot-v-neck-midi-tea-dress/p/clp23067507?color=PinkMix&intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/polka-dot-v-neck-midi-tea-dress/p/clp61227434?color=RedMix&intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-v-neck-midi-tea-dress/p/clp60786414?color=PinkMix&intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-polka-dot-mini-cami-dress/p/clp61220854?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share&color=WhiteMix

i also have to give an honourable mention to this top, which is gorgeous

https://www.marksandspencer.com/checked-asymmetric-top/p/clp61227559?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share&color=GreenMix

I am a size 20 and 5ft 7 and I get most of my summery stuff from Yours or Asos. Yours in particular have some really nice summer dresses that are cool and comfortable.

@thingsarefine thank you so much, I never think to look at M&S, the white spotty one is lovely. The top is fab too. Will check out their website today.

They have so many lovely ones. I’m hoping for a sale before summer ends for me to get some more for my holiday!

@Sparrowsandbudgies I havent bought from Yours in years, I will have a look thank you

What colours do you prefer?

My current favourite summer dress was under £25 from Tesco. It’s a shirred stretchy top half with maxi skirt but might be more ankle length on you as i am 5’5.5’’. They had black, cream and brown and all will be in the sale now.

I’ve also just picked this up from nobody’s child in the sale, I’m obsessed with their dresses (they’re pricier, but so worth it!)

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/butter-yellow-shirred-halter-neck-tizzy-midi-dress-d255470ylw?variant=54446738637185&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Nobodys_Child-UK-PMax-All-DT%2BTA-SE-ePmax-Tier+4&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20969365384&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIVgR7Rdb5LO6Cg_gUNsN3MH4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3qLSBhDaARIsAFTiVh6J_GIY15syXSWZsbMTeCSXfps-4TEFH8KBREkJ3wVaQ_dGhwcqhM0aApZOEALw_wcB

Take a look here:

www.roman.co.uk/

@Sparrowsandbudgies I havent bought from Yours in years, I will have a look thank you

@SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePleaseBarista blues, reds, some pinks, but darker pinks and greens.

I’m similar size to you and picked up a couple of dresses from Roman.

@wizzler someone else suggested them, I used to avoid them as they came up small, but will take a look

https://www.fatface.com/style/su892946/g09211

this is my current favourite dress.

I bought the green one of this from Oliver bonas recently and it’s lovely and light, v easy to wear. You said you like blue so the link is to the blue one:

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/blue-cream-sun-print-v-neck-tiered-midi-dress-406579

eta - I’m an 18 or 20 depending on the shop and the 18 is a great fit on me.

Evans have a couple of cotton ones that would keep you cool.

otherwise live unlimited or seasalt.

https://www.evans.co.uk/evans-curve-natural-floral-print-sundress-617053-p

This is different advice so I hope you take it with the good grace it’s intended. Try it on. How does it make you FEEL?
Dont look in a mirror, dont scrutinise every part of your body that isn’t ‘acceptable’ to someone else.
I shied away from shorts and play suits for years because I wasn’t good enough for them.
this year I wore them and felt floaty and cool and had an even better time not giving a fuck. The people
on holiday won’t give a crap what you are wearing !

I have this which I like a lot, it keeps going out of stock but I persevered with checking until it came back in! https://www.next.co.uk/style/SU894595/G09891

I'm 5ft8, a size 18 and have a size 20 stomach.

I recently bought a "Bardot" dress from a local store. it fits fine. The company also has a store in Newcastle, but they have a website.

Might not be to your taste, but it comes in several different coloured patterns, so I'll link just in case. The waistline is forgiving.

One review said that they felt that they needed to wear an underskirt with it, but I've been wearing mine with natural coloured underwear and it seems fine.

youknowwhos.co.uk/products/ladies-jade-leaf-bardot-print-midi-dress-1?_pos=2&_sid=729dd6088&_ss=r

I've a couple of linen Seasalt dresses, they're great in the hot weather. Good quality, wash well and so far, lasting for years!

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/green-gingham-starlight-midi-dress-d255245grn?_gl=113z4etp_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuuzL19S5lQMVLIpQBh32PgXPEAAYASAAEgJy7_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIVDu_zy-d3ci5s7k_xRgqAmn

That’s is gorgeous

I have this dress also. It’s fab. Link here: https://www.tesco.com/shop/en-GB/products/323225235?srsltid=AfmBOorHYlPzNMnl2_SgswYcHVP07lGsc3GCsh_GVCHrQuSqvi-CFtU3

Try Apricot clothing. They have gorgeous summery dresses. Wash with care.

That’s the one!