I know it's been done. Sorry. Please dress me for a ball!

[Asleeponasunbeam]

I have to go to a ball with DH - networking for him. You may guess by my tone that it's not my thing.

However, I will attempt to enjoy it if you will help dress me. I am generally unglamorous, size 8, 5'6'', short hair, almost 40. Colouring is 'winter'. The ball is in July.
I'm crap with heels, accessories, anything really.

Would anyone like to go instead of me? DH scrubs up well in his dinner suit.

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Budget?

Any idea what sort of thing you want re sleeves / neck lines?

Which shops can you get to easily or is it all online?

[MrsRonBurgundy]

Try Virgo lounge. Not many people have heard of it but it's got some beautiful and glam dresses with a really lovely 20s vibe

[Asleeponasunbeam]

Ah, good questions! Well, I don't get out much so budget either low (£60 ish?) or dress must be wearable in the future. Online probably but I might be able to get to big shops next weekend as we're away.

Don't mind about sleeves etc. It's called a 'ball' - I presume that means long dressss? DH is checking dress code today.

I'll look at Virgo now.

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Smokey grey

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Navy v neck

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Strapless monochrome

Any of these along the right lines? TK Maxx has loads online and usually more in store

[WhiteHairReally]

Just be wary of those fully beaded numbers from TK Maxx. They have tags on them saying 'do not wash. Do not dry clean.' Huum. I know that you are 'Reluctant Ball Attender' OP, but that is taking 'one wear only' to the extreme.

Not helping much though. There a good number of sales on just now. Debenhams No 1 Jenny Packham range (as favoured by the Duchess of Kate) are worth looking at. I got one for half price online.

[Twinklestein]

Checkout Adrianna Papell at John Lewis and House of Fraser.

[Ifyoubuildit]

You could be me, I have the same stats and colouring and am going to a ball. Slightly spooked...

[Asleeponasunbeam]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I do like the navy beaded one, but will consider the laundry advice! Navy would be good as my only half decent sandals are navy and I really can't bear buying new shoes as well!

[Asleeponasunbeam]

Where's your ball, ifyoubuildit?

[Twinklestein]

This is pretty and cheap in the sale. But not navy.

[RedRosie]

I wore this to a black tie thing recently.

Surprisingly wearable. Sparkly though ...

[Casmama]

I wore top right in purple to a black tie do and it was lovely- surprisingly well made considering how cheap it was.

[Asleeponasunbeam]

I love that biba one, RedRosie! It's definitely the style that would suit me, I think. How recently did you wear it? Okay for a July event do you think?

I'm still waiting for confirmation of dress code - don't want a long dress if it turns out to be cocktail dresses.

[PerspicaciaTick]

This website has some dresses much reduced - might be worth a browse, especially if you want cocktail dresses rather than full length.

www.justlastseason.co.uk/maxi-middleton-pleat-dress/060032792.html?dwvar_060032792_color=0190&cgid=JLS_ClothingDresses

[RedRosie]

Just a few days ago, Asleep. I like the shape, and if that's too much sparkle Biba have similar column dresses in other colours.

Good luck!

[Ifyoubuildit]

At my school asleep (I'm a teacher), where's your ball?

[Asleeponasunbeam]

I'm a teacher too but it's not a school thing. A charity ball in a country house. DH's smart colleague has organised it. Eeek.

[TheRachel]

I feel your pain. I am being dragged to a similar such event tomorrow night. I have been really lucky at tk max on the past.

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

I would take laundry advice with a pinch of salt TBH - most stuff can withstand a hand wash with dilute laundry liquid and a drip dry....

[Duckdeamon]

You are slim so have a lot of choice, budget is small if you need shoes too though!

I had a lovely beaded dress once but dry cleaning melted the beading!

[AWimbaWay]

I always get dresses for this kind of thing off ebay, it's the kind of thing people spend a fortune on, wear once then sell on, so you can get some really nice dresses for next to noting. Only risk is you can't take back if it doesn't fit!

[WipsGlitter]

Agree eBay is good.

[Asleeponasunbeam]

I'm not doing well with searching on eBay. I can't tell what's nice. I'm so rubbish at this!