Outfit help needed!!

[Cannotclosethebloodytupperware]

Am off to a very swanky hen night in London next saturday. The chief hen has 'connections' and has got us a table at a new and trendy members only club night at a place in Mayfair, she's only just revealed the location. I am more of a pub/occasional nice bar kind of girl so am stumped as to what to wear! Also, the bride and many of the hens have high flying well paid jobs and wear designer clothes some of them are also a tiny bit intimidating and I am a bit scared whereas I am a public sector worker and get most of my clothes in H and M and charity shops. So, I'd like to look fairly on trend and not like a fashion outcast. The dress code is little black dress and heels.

Thankfully I've just had a significant birthday (I'm 30) and got some money for nice clothes so my budget for the dress and heels is £250-£300. My stats are size 12 (with a squishy saggy post baby belly but I can control it with Spanx!), 34F boobs, normal sized bum, short legs (28" inside leg) and 5'2" tall.

I don't really read fashion mags anymore so don't know what is cool. I do know that the heels need to be block platforms or wedges as there will be dancing and I won't be able to manage that all night in a stiletto heel. I would quite like non-black heels, something a bit more interesting would be great.

Please can you help me amazing S&B ladies! Thank you!

[Curtsey]

Oooh! Yikes, I'd be intimidated too. Fun challenge, though, with that budget. Let me have a think and get back.

[Cannotclosethebloodytupperware]

Thank you! Really need guidance, otherwise I'll go into panic mode and get the first vaguely ok looking black dress I see and end up looking like I'm going to work in an office!

[StatisticallyChallenged]

A few dresses
ceme
westwood!
more vw

[notyummy]

Michael Kors

Catherine M - draping so good for tummy.

[notyummy]

More VW

This is lovely too.

[notyummy]

Sequins?

[notyummy]

Whistles - easy to wear, I think - and flattering. Quite minimalist so could dress up with amazing heels and bag. Possibly get more wear out of this for future occasions?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Shoes wise - have a look at the Kurt Geiger sale as I don't know what size you are but they have some fabulous shoes at the moment and very bargainous.

[Curtsey]

Opening salvo:

blazer BARGAIN extra 40% off at checkout

Reiss


www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/ie/en/zara-neu-W2012/269194/969538/WEDGE%20COURT%20SHOE

[Curtsey]

LOVE that Catherine M dress notyummy. OP I think that would be a great option for you. pity it's so dear

[Curtsey]

I actually want to buy it (the Catherine M) for myself.

Would look great with the blue Zara heels IMO.

[HyvaPaiva]

This from Westwood is wonderful.

[AmberNectarine]

Why are the hen nights I go to never like this? I always end up dressed like a twat while my lovely VW LBD hangs, unworn in my wardrobe.

Bargain Freda

[AmberNectarine]

DVF

[Cannotclosethebloodytupperware]

Amazing, thanks so much everyone! The following have been ordered:
Westwood hop n skip
Westwood Boudicca
Riess mesh

I just hope I don't fall in love with them all and have a hard time choosing maybe I will keep them all

I loved the FC sequin one but I thought my boobs would be a bit indecent in it and couldn't think what I'd wear under it. Catherine M also gorgeous but would leave no money for shoes!

Really appreciate your help, I wouldn't have had a clue without it!

[Cannotclosethebloodytupperware]

Oh Amber, cross posted with you and just saw the Freda... It is a bargain! Tempted!

There is a strict no twattishness rule at this hen. No willies, veils or L-plates allowed.

Right, on to the shoes... I am a 4.5 with wide feet and high arches if anyone has any more thoughts! Love the Zara heels and am off to the shops in the week so will definitely try those on.

[brighthair]

Grr can't link off this stupid phone. I know you said not stilettos but bear with me
M&S have patent shoes in, £19.50 come in half sizes. All different colours (nude, caramel, red, black) and they are so so comfortable and properly padded inside
If you google patent court shoe they should come up

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Depending on which dress, I have these shoes in another colour and they are quite comfortable due to the monster platform.

Also - you need a nice handbag.

[Cannotclosethebloodytupperware]

Thanks statistically, I need to have a proper look at the KG sale. Do need something that comes in half sizes. brighthair, M and S ones are a total bargain, I could afford two pairs!

Oh, hadn't thought of handbag! Rectangular clutch? Is it best if the colour clashes with the shoes rather than matches?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

There are a few bags in the KG sale which are nice - it depends how big you need but they had a few lovely sequined ones.

Or you could go the whole hog and hire something seriously posh!

Dune have a sale on too - they don't seem to do half sizes however if you haven't tried there before I would consider trying a 4 as I find their shoes absolutely massive and quite often go down a size.