40s Glamour please help!

[MrsHerculePoirot]

I am going to a posh ball where the dress code is forties glamour.

I don't do this sort of thing, I barely wear dresses or skirts - I have no clue. I am fat (18/20) - the odd dress I have worn usually comes in under bust (large bust) then out again.

Can anyone help me find something I might wear?!?

[MrsHerculePoirot]

So far I have considered this and this...

[LeonardoAcropolis]

Wow, how exciting. I can't link atm but google Lady Voluptuous, absolutely gorgeous things there.

[capsium]

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Biba+Deep+V+full+skirted+maxi+dress/191740327,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Biba+Pleat+detail+full+skirted+maxi+dress/215488809,default,pd.html

If you would like more of a formal ball gown, these have a 1940s vibe, I think.

[Queenofknickers]

Google Nyla Rose as well (or on Fb) - gorgeous dresses

[capsium]

You could team with a fake fur wrap - which would be in keeping with the theme.

www.amazon.co.uk/Flora-Satin-Bridal-Wedding-Bolero/dp/B0097VZKPI/ref=sr_1_11?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1432118267&sr=1-11&keywords=fake%20fur%20shrug&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[slug]

Maybe this?

[emsyj]

I think the dresses you've posted are too casual and you could do much better with something fitted. Someone posted a link to this dress yesterday which I think could be fabulous. If you can, get proper hair and makeup done too - don't hide away under a spotty cotton frock. You can totally do 40s glamour to the full hilt.

[emsyj]

Loads more lovely dresses on that website too by the way - and many of them are modelled by women who are plus size so you can see what they look like on a body that isn't model shaped.

[nottheOP]

So I think you should be channeling Rita Hayworth www.meredy.com/ritatriv.html

www.dylanqueen.co.uk/sheath-column-strapless-sleeveless-sash-ribbon-belt-floor-length-satin-dresses-n25d0165uz.html?ref=googlepla&gclid=CMXlmLCc0MUCFSrJtAodBzgAZA

with a bit of faux fur www.frenchconnection.com/product/WOMAN+COLLECTIONS+SALE+ACCESSORIES/SSCMW/Faux+Fur+Stole.htm?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=comparsionshopping&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=CPPgnc6c0MUCFa_LtAodwVEA4A

and some long gloves
www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-long-satin-evening-gloves-black/p1359250?sku=233336340&kpid=233336340&s_kenid=79d3ae62-b342-4e9c-b01c-c49cf23fb315&s_kwcid=403x137735&tmad=c&tmcampid=73&kpid=233336340

[cathyandclaire]

How exciting! I love the Rita Hayworth idea, was also going to post that divine wiggle dress, this is more the fit and flare shape you were looking at but a bit more dressy this is gold and black but it's also available in black

[BillyBigchin]

Try Collectif. Some really gorgeous stuff on there.

[BillyBigchin]

Like this?

A lot of those dresses posted a bit too fifties really. 40s glamour was wartime remember!

(Sorry to be a pedant!)

[themightyfandango]

What about here?
www.20thcenturyfoxy.com/en/catgroup/C1

[florascotia]

Billy - I was just going to say the same. 1940s wartime clothes were slim and fitted and slightly military (square shoulders etc). Fabric was scarce, and rationed. Extravagance was unpatriotic. The vibe was 'ladylike' (if sultry) and tailored. Daywear was short; evening clothes often clingy.
There are excellent pics herewww.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/544203/1940s-fashion-the-decade-captured-in-40-incredible-pictures.html

If you like full skirts/tiny waists, then Dior's immediately post-war 'New Look' is what to aim for. The above site has a couple of examples, I think.

[BillyBigchin]

OMG - I hope those are bullet pads in number 22!

The woman in the park, picture 25, looks just like my mum. It actually could be my grandmother, same area and age range.

[yomellamoHelly]

Which part of the 40's are you meant to be channeling?
Fashions quite different during the war compared to post-war.
Are you anywhere near a costume hire place that would have something suitable? (The one we went to had a big selection to work from.)
FWIW I did a WW2 party last week and it was as much about getting the hair, make-up, bag, tights and shoes right as it was about the uniform I wore to pull off the look.
Ended up pin-curling my hair and styling it a la youtube and a lovely lady in John Lewis did my make-up for free. Tights (with a seam) from amazon. Shoes and bag were ones I had that fitted the bill.

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Thank you for all your replies and suggestions!

It doesn't say, it just says 40s glamour, but I think around 1945 if I had to choose, as it because of VE day.

See I think the tea dresses will suit my shape better and I will feel more comfortable in them. However I did like some of the others and am going to a posh wedding in the summer and wondered if I spent more on something I could wear it to both? I also wasn't sure if they were 'glamour' enough...

Very happy to get shoes/bag/fake fur things and tights with seams to accessorise with. And of course do hair and make up!

I have tonnes of marking I have to get done tonight, but I am going to have a good look through tomorrow evening as I think I probably need to order some things to try on!!!

[MrsHerculePoirot]

florascotia I saw that earlier when I googled, I did wonder about something along the lines of number 4?

[florascotia]

OP - I think something like no 4 would be great, so long as the skirt is not too wide. The overall effect should be rather like a column.

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Right I have ordered three dresses to try, two are more tea dress style and one was suggested by capsium (this).

I have bingo wings. I need something over the top - I liked the stole colour, but need something more cardigan/bolero I think. The one capsium linked to feels a bit too white/weddingy, but if you all think I is fine then I will trust you.

What about this?

Although then I couldn't go long gloves..... aaaarrrgggghhh there is a reason I live in jeans and combats and wear no make up usually!!!!

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Sorry - also what on earth do I wear shoes wise?