Formal evening wear for middle aged hippies?!

[Moanyjoni]

Hope someone can help me with this conundrum.

I have been invited to a close relative's landmark birthday party. The theme is James Bond, dress code cocktail dress.

However, I am up against the fact that I am a 42 year old size 16 hippy who never goes out anywhere in the evening normally. I live in harem pants and DMs. I have a purple crew cut. I cannot walk in heels. I am skint.

So, I need a low cost option; shoes I can walk in, and an outfit that I don't feel like a complete twat in, but that fulfils the cocktail dress dress code.

Tricky, huh?! Can anyone help?! Many thanks!! x

[Notoedike]

Gothic? Black lace?

[BikeRunSki]

I'd hit the charity shops!

[lavendersun]

I have hippy like tendencies at times ... I sew a fair bit but I quite like Nomad for some things

www.nomadsclothing.com/clothing/dresses

[lavendersun]

Maybe not formal enough this year though, has been in the past. They usually have good evening things near Christmas.

[Bunbaker]

I hate it when dress codes are that specific. Not everyone has or suits cocktail dresses.

[Moanyjoni]

Oh my word Lavender, love that Nomad stuff! But as you say, probably not formal enough. Charity shops are a great idea Bike. But I live in the middle of nowhere. My nearest town is pretty small, but it might be worth a look, you never know! I think the gothy formal look may be the way forward actually! Thanks Noto. Appreciate any links people could chuck my way, as internet shopping is the way forward where I live!! Thanks all!

[shoopshoopsong]

Plain black maxi dress?

[Moanyjoni]

Yeah Bun, exactly how I feel, but the person organising the party doesn't "get" me at all!!

[shoopshoopsong]

Like this? m.direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Product-Show?cmpid=ppc--ad-pla--ggle-pla--Women--GEM391125&cm_mmc=ad-ppc--ggle-pla--Women--GEM391125&istCompanyId=2698bd23-149e-43d1-940b-8cc94f7ea571&istItemId=lrrqxlpmm&istBid=tztx&cmpid=ppc--geor------&cm_mmc=geor-ppc--ggle-gen--%5breduced_category%5d--&channel=ppc&pid=G005212755

[Moanyjoni]

Simple black is proably the way forward to be honest! Shoes though?!

[shoopshoopsong]

If it's long people will hardly notice your shoes? Flat sandles?

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Curve-Ruth-Dress.html

Start at size 18 ans 10% off first order

[PacificDogwood]

This?

Or this? - a bit more conventional.

I think either of them would look great with your hair.

Would you be able to walk in something like this?

Oh, goth is not really my RL style at all, but oh my, I love looking at the stuff! look at the boots!!

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Charlotte-Dress.html

This ones£13

[Moanyjoni]

Love them all Pacific! Thanks! Couldn't walk in those sandals, but love them!! Really like that second dress too Sally, thanks!

[PoppyBlossom]

teal or floaty?

[franticpedantic]

What about this which shows a funky way to wear dressed up - and frankly say take a hike to the shoe police. (Had my wedding dress from them a long time ago - can recommend).

[herecomesthsun]

bond girls

[horsewalksintoabar]

Monsoon online or second hand Monsoon clothing on eBay.
East clothing as well...online or second hand on eBay.

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

Hire a suit and go as Bond.

[horsewalksintoabar]

Monsoon can have good sale items.
Or what about a sari on eBay?

[Moanyjoni]

Think that might be the way forward frantic. Thanks.

Ha ha ha, heecomesthesun, I'd look a right state in that!

[herecomesthsun]

black dresses from tk maxx - high to low prices

[Moanyjoni]

Like the way you're thinking NoArmani! Good idea, horsewalks, thanks!

[lavendersun]

What about oxfam?

www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/womens-clothing/dresses?i=1;m_sort_shops=FirstMadeLive;q=*;q1=Women's;q2=Dresses;q3=16;show_all=products;sp_s=productcreationdate;x1=secondary_cat_1;x2=secondary_cat_2;x3=Size