curling serum/product for fine straight hair

[FishWithABicycle]

I have long, fine/flyaway hair which is very straight.

For an ultra-posh-party, I would like to have my hair semi "up" with curls coming down out of the clip.

I have some rubber-foam-wire hair curlers (leave in for a few hours) but when I've used them before I've got a mass of frizz rather than sophisticated curls.

Can anyone recommend any kind of serum or styling product which will help make the curls look sleek and elegant rather than I've-just-been-electrocuted?

I realise a heated curling iron would help but can't afford one.