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

It is rather lovely. Surprisingly cool too. I’m only short and the regular is the perfect maxi/ankle length for me so could be too short for the OP but worth a try.

Matalan has similar dresses to some suggested above.
Next linen dresses in various colours and patterns are super comfy, wash and wear well.
Cut, colour and pattern I’ve found hide my multitude of sins!

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/8083/446118-sammie-wrap-dress/GREEN_MLT

I'm a size 18 and got this one: https://www.whitestuff.com/p/7713/jilly-linen-dress/NAT_PR

I love it, super comfortable and flattering. I'm 5"5 ish and it sits on my knee.

That’s lovely!

I'm away at the moment and just before I went I had a quick look in my city centre, couldn't find much until I nipped into New Look, which I don't normal bother with but actually they had loads.

It worth looking on Vinted too. I was a size 18/20 last summer and regularly put nice items on for a few pounds just to get rid of them but I am buying some things from there if I know I generally suit that style too as I am not at my target weight yet and don’t want to invest too much in clothes.

No offence taken, you are so right! My great Aunt used to say why are you worrying no one will no you or care! Guess she was ahead of her time!

Thank you all so much, sorry I was busy last night. There are some amazing suggestions on here, so im going.to have a proper look and order a few to try on.

I’ve just bought a couple from Tu by Sainsburys, sorry, haven’t got time for links as I’m going out but they have a big selection

A few more thoughts for you OP, how about trousers:

Halara - dresses, jumpsuits and separates - all flowy, and so comfortable, and I always feel fantastic in them. I have this, and love it: https://thehalara.co.uk/products/scoop-neck-sleeveless-tie-front-casual-linen-feel-jumpsuit-with-pockets-easy-peezy-24-131?pmui=24.1.collection.list.19.best-sellers&pmuih=best-sellers&currentSkc=2517434&_gl=1rhy77e_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU0xNf-Jn6wSfR9nJtoAFUOwuGitIQPBA29Z1VXGiYsjpOYIVpUVvhxoCWeoQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAB_7KRHL7Yjq7UmUS7HJzWd4gm12b&requestId=626dd0f6-8a5e-4fb0-8f22-f45f9677eb2a

I also have some balloon trousers which are really cool in the heat, comfortable and look great - I have some from Forbidden Tribes, one pair from Next and I’ve seen some fab summery ones from Tu at Sainsbury’s which I really like with a crisp white linen shirt: https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc147851133?cmpid=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20331211902&utm_term=___%7Bproduct_item_id%7D&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=825-875-8916&utm_custom6=TU_PPC_BAU_SEARCH_GOOGLE_PMAX+SHOPPING_CLOTHING_Womenswear_xx_xx_Mixed_PMax&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20331213789&gbraid=0AAAAADCAkB97MKO9KvQrOkdI53JpgYRmH&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU7NJIsqVHubN8n1Shvdbu8id324igSCMtnzxxLiwq1oITji1P2qnsxoCQawQAvD_BwE

And as for dresses, this style has been a staple for me as it can be easily dressed up and down and it’s in the sale at the moment (size 18 available and it’s a generous fit, perfect for the heat)

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-shirred-waist-v-neck-cap-sleeve-midi-dress-baja-blue/p114546492?size=18&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20158969600&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1xXYYgesZYfhjEx9876HNa4Q&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU7UjuyqOLZG7tXPRe4OfuZf4HfuhpxW6YrH7iOFvnNpIsYFiJ-ILeRoCFMIQAvD_BwE

And I have one similar to this which looks fantastic with straw hat, sunglasses, basket bag and tan shoes:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-broderie-v-neck-midi-shirred-dress/p/clp23078170?color=NAVY#intid=pid_pg1pip17g4r3c3%7Cprodflag_Online%20Only

Hope this all helps - embrace what makes you feel glorious!

I've just bought this for a posh do on Wednesday. I tried it on in the shop last week and decided my DH would probably say/think it looked like a kaftan. Then at home I thought, fuck it - who cares, so I bought it online. I'm a redhead so green has always been my colour!

Next sales started today. Lots of size 18 stuff.. get down there!!!

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/p/mfbf2a/kite-clothing/cheselbourne-womens-3-4-sleeve-jersey-dress/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21835127944&gbraid=0AAAAADoKbU8hwbNxBdmltSYckzwYLGJKp&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU0SWkh3LGuBX5GV-Qgfo4lxQAuqOE8lU3-___mkjk4DWaljXOd2AYRoCaaUQAvD_BwE

I really like the selection on Unfolded and they always show different sizes wearing them. https://thisisunfolded.com/

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-knee-length-relaxed-tiered-dress/p/clp23030893?color=NAVY&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_3pb_ch__-UK-_-_womenswear&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22697911888&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bS5QCXj6xjKfXUVb8VYl99LZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwgajSBhBEEiwASicJU68ssUQ-zROSE9KuE8HwZ6YU3nxWSOlNNkFHvzPnHGG6jJZKI3tWyhoCTo8QAvD_BwE

Can be dressed up or down, lovely and light too for hot weather.

I’m the same height & size and carry most my weight on the top & middle & find this style of dress from Apricot really flattering and pretty. it has a stretchy waistband, and pockets and the skirt is full and floaty. I usually get one every year in a different print so have quite a collection!

www.apricotonline.co.uk/ditsy-floral-maxi-dress/D169191-P-Blue.html

I have this, it's really nice on

https://www.next.co.uk/style/SV124334/G44053

I have this one too - one of my favourite dresses!

I understand that Roman has great summer fashion this year, Worth a look

Thank you so much for posting the John Lewis dress @AnotherNewNotebook . I just got the last dress in my size, absolutely love it and perfect for my holidays next week.

Stunning dress ! And it suits a fuller figure ?

I have bought these in multiple colour-ways: they are lovely! https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-curve-navy-blue-palm-leaf-throw-on-dress-270740-p

I'm a 5'3 size 16 and while it's obviously longer on me it hangs well.

This thread has to be a set-up from the other two threads discussing exactly the same yellow Nobody's Child dress in a size 18 and which became contentious.