Plus Size Picks: Wedding guest looks without the fussy florals

Wedding season is fast approaching, and I know it's a time that many plus size women dread. Finding clothes appropriate for formal occasions without resorting to florals is difficult - not everyone wants to wear massive blooms all Summer long and for every nice floral there are twenty frumpy, old-fashioned ones (mostly in catalogues - ugh). So I've gone on the hunt and picked out some wedding (or races) appropriate dresses in plus sizes that aren't covered in mad prints. If you prefer simple shapes, block colours and a touch of texture, these are the occasionwear dresses for you.

First up, a great buy from Lovedrobe for £36 (up to size 20 in stock, but New Look has it too, up to size 26) which would look great with gold accessories and a cream jacket. Someone once told me that wearing green to a wedding is bad luck. Unfortunately, I was wearing green to a wedding at the time so it was a bit late to fill me in - but the couple that wed that day are still happily married so don't believe the hype. Just beware of this one if you know the bride (or her outspoken nan) is particularly superstitious. Green looks great but the last thing you want to do is jinx the marriage from day one.

Next up is a bit of a designer treat, from queen of plus size Anna Scholz. Her lace tunic dress isn't exactly cheap at £175, but look how happy the model is. Colour! Lace! Sleeves! This baby is available up to a size 28 and will quickly become your go-to smart frock. If you prefer more shape, just add a belt.

If the coral colour and modest hemline of the above dress aren't for you, you can still get in on the lace action. This alternative has a slightly younger feel, a less in-your-face colour, and is a great deal cheaper. It's £59 at Castaluna in sizes 16 - 30, and the shorter hemline makes it a great buy if you're petite and fed up of being drowned in midi dresses this season. Navy is also great colour for weddings if you're usually a fan of black - you can keep traditional brides happy but still stick to a dark palette.

I'm going to try and write about this 1920s inspired gown from Simply Be (£85 in sizes 14 - 32) without mentioning that film but it's rare to find this slinky dress shape in plus sizes, let alone in a bold coral-orange colourway. So embrace that originality - nobody will expect you to wear something like this, which is what makes it so special. Just add a wrap or cardi for daytime. And beware the feathery fascinator - one person's artfully themed outfit is another's inappropriate fancy dress.

Finally, a chic little number that would be perfect for a city wedding. Just add a big hat (I love a big hat). This is another designer number - because if there's any occasion when you should treat yourself, it's a wedding. It's by Elena Miro, available at Navabi for £198.90. Move quickly if you want this one - it's a popular choice and sizes are selling out quickly!