My friend wants chic mother of the bride ideas - I'm suggesting this flattering and sophisticated dress

Searching for the perfect outfit to wear for a special occasion needn't be stressful. There's a great selection of figure-flattering outfits to choose from on the high street this season, and you don't need to spend a fortune on a designer label to look good.

As a fashion editor and personal shopper, I have lots of experience in finding the best wedding guest dresses, and I'm particularly good at seeking out mother of the bride outfits, too. It's important that you find an outfit that makes you look good and feel great while being comfortable to wear, from the first photo of the day to the last dance of the night!

I've been a huge fan of Hobbs, one of the top British clothing brands, since the late 80s when I used to work as a Saturday girl in their Mayfair store.

Over the decades, Hobbs has evolved from a small shoe label into a womenswear brand that's synonymous with contemporary yet timeless designs. They cater for women of varying shapes, with sizes that start at a UK 6 and go up to 22. The exciting colours and exclusive prints suit women of all ages.

I'm often asked for help finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion and Hobbs is great because it's possible to find everything you need in the same store - perfect if you're short on time. I also find their shop assistants are extremely helpful and will suggest alternatives and accessories to complete your look.

One of the timeless silhouettes they always stock is the 'fit and flare' dress, which has a retro 1950s feel that combines glamour with romance. They have over 150 dresses in this style on the website, but the Hobbs Maddie dress instantly caught my eye with its modern floral design. Here's what I thought.

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Hobbs Maddie Dress: Style & Design

A fit and flare dress does exactly as described - it fits neatly on the top half and then flares out from the waist, creating an hourglass effect. The skirt section is cut on the bias, so it falls gently and gets fuller at the hemline without adding any gathered bulk over the tummy area.

The design is sleeveless, but the shoulders are completely covered, which allows you to wear a bra, and there is a matching long-sleeved jacket if you prefer to cover your arms.

The combination of bright jade green and soft cream create a dramatic pattern. The pattern is lighter at the top of the dress, which draws the attention upwards, making it a flattering choice if you are looking for a stylish dress to hide a tummy. There's a soft tie belt attached to the sides of the dress, which can be knotted or tied in a bow for an extra feminine touch. The dress fastens with a hidden zip at the back that I found easy to use, but you may need to ask for help!

Hobbs Maddie Dress: Comfort & Fit

I am 5'6" tall, waist 32" and hips 37", and I chose to try on a size 12 regular fit dress, which fitted me snugly. I also tried on a size 14, which was slightly too big at the waist, but if you are between sizes, I would suggest you size up.

If you are 5'3" or under, I suggest you try the same dress in the petite version, which has been proportioned to fit. I wear a FF cup bra, so I chose to wear one of the best minimiser bras, which I find flattering under dresses with high, round necklines.

The hem of the dress finished at my calf, and the flared skirt felt great to wear as it swished and swirled when I moved around. The dress felt very comfortable and cool, perfect for spring/summer events.

Hobbs Maddie Dress: Fabric & Care

The Maddie dress is made from 100% polyester and is fully lined. The care label states that it is dry clean only, which is very often the case for occasion dresses.

Hobbs Maddie Dress: Value for Money

Your budget will depend on your personal circumstances, but you may be prepared to spend a little more than you normally would on an everyday dress, especially if you are mother of the bride or groom.

The Maddie dress is £179, which is about average for a special occasion (non-sale) dress at Hobbs. I tried on a variety of dresses on my visit, and two of them were made of 100% silk and priced at £349 each. I decided the Maddie dress offered better value for money as it could be worn in a variety of ways.

I tried the dress on with high heels, a smart jacket and a fascinator, and it created an elegant look, but I would also wear it with my best white trainers and add a denim jacket for a more casual feel.

Hobbs Maddie Dress: How to style

The great thing about Hobbs is that they sell fabulous accessories to complement the clothing, making it easier to decide what to wear. This dress would work well with anything from trainers to stiletto heels, but I would recommend a low kitten heel to look elegant and feel comfortable.

If you are worried about your upper arms or prefer to cover them when in church, I suggest popping on a bolero jacket that you can take off as the day turns to night.

Finally, add a hat, headband or fascinator to transform the dress into an outfit fit for a special occasion.

Hobbs Maddie Dress: Verdict

This dress felt comfortable and easy-to-wear. The shape was very flattering, plus the fabric hangs beautifully and skims over my curves without clinging. Sometimes floral prints can look a little dated, but this bold reversed print felt modern and fresh. The shop assistants in Hobbs were so helpful and suggested a matching jacket and accessories, making it easy to get a full look from one store. A great dress for under £200.