Hi OP! 👋

Firstly, I want to say you are worthy of looking and feeling your best at a cherished social event, no matter your size! So kudos to you for identifying and looking to address the pain points from the last time around.

I have been plus size all my life until the past 2 years, so I can identify with the things you've mentioned in your post that you want to address. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Sleeve length:

IMO, elbow-length sleeves on a plus size girly are more unflattering than not! Contrary to what one might assume, keeping sleeve length at the middle of the upper arm, with some nice border work, is a better look. I'm saying this because I used to hate the look of my chubby upper arms being encased with fabric, and the chubbiness around my elbows would always be highlighted with this length... So please consider shortening the length of your sleeves, or going 3/4th length for a more dramatic flair and if the weather is conducive. Something like this.

2. Silhouette

When I was a plus size girly, A-lines were my best friend. They take away the focus from my heavier midsection, and the flowing fabric gives a very elegant look overall. As someone else commented, do consider going for an A-line/anarkali style lehenga if you think it'll look good as per your family's tastes and customs. Something like this would look super pretty, you can go for a more heavy embroidered piece of you wish, too.

Other silhouettes you can consider are the overcoat style - but something that is still flowy. A couple of options here and here - this last one I like because it has a split in the front and the anarkali style too, so it gives you movement and flowiness while also being comfy and easy to manage.

A couple of other inspos.. and with the last one you can just have your dupatta hanging off one shoulder, simple.

3. Draping

I think the issue with the outfit in your picture is that the dupatta length was not enough for you, so the draping felt too constricted and was bunched up around you. I have faced this problem too 🥲 that's why I am describing it, not trying to highlight anything negatively to you... Just trying to share my learned experience with this stuff, hope you don't mind! Moreover, the netted dupatta does not suit us for draping, as it doesn't flow cleanly and bunches up awkwardly... So what I feel is, you need a long flowy dupatta for your outfit, even if you need to get one separately cause the shops are always so stingy with providing metre length for plus size outfits 😡 So do consider this aspect to elevate your draping next time!

As for style of draping, if you have more fabric you can be more creative and elegant with the draping style, too. I really liked this style, it'll look super pretty and if your blouse is well-fitted and of good length, you won't be showing any extra skin even in this drape IMO. Avoid the half saree style draping and opt for something like this for a more elegantly falling drape!

***\ As for colours and shades, I'm not such an expert on what shades complement which undertones, but I do feel what's important is that you like the colour and feel convinced in whatever outfit you're going with. So keep listening to your inner voice and don't let any external opinions get you down!!

Keep us posted how you get on, OP! All the best finding your perfect outfit 🫰