Help - my first blacktie event since having the dds (I am not younger or thinner than I was)

[MrsFogi]

I have been invited to a black tie dinner at Claridges. I haven't been to a black tie do for ages and the last time I attended one I was young enough to wear above the knee dresses and thin enough to carry most things off. Post-dds I have certainly not regained my figure, I would no longer wear anything above the knee and I certainly haven't got any younger! So - what does a 37 year old with a not bad but not perfect figure wear to a black tie do these days? And, any pointers to nice dresses online very welcome as I am not great at clothes shopping at the best of time. I have high hopes for this post as last time I posted in this section a wonderful mner linked to a jacket in a sale that was not only a bargain but fitted the bill perfectly . In case it is of relevance I am about 5ft3 and a size 8-10 on the top and 10-12 on the bottom (and a very untoned tummy in the middle). And, fwiw I generally like pretty classic looks.

[bellabelly]

nice one from Hobbs, vastly reduced?

[bellabelly]

Damn, link didn't work but the "Garbo" dress at thebottom of the page?

[PharoahNuff]

oh god easy


so not tight on tummy
can show arms?
colour?

do you like frill or plain/
have you looked at coast and phase eight ?( first ports of call)
also reiss?

avoid monsonn

[PharoahNuff]

blue reisss

[PharoahNuff]

more trad kookai frilyl thing

[PharoahNuff]

bit funereal imo but maybe more useful long run lacey thing

[PharoahNuff]

nice if you have the right colouring, lots of peopel sa is very nice on

[PharoahNuff]

red one shouldered i LOVE

[PharoahNuff]

think if you are tiny on top you can do the armless thing and that will make up for having legs hidden ( never too much out all at once)

[PharoahNuff]

sits back

this is like dressing a DOLl i tell you

[PharoahNuff]

er hello?

[MrsFogi]

Back online now - I'm not a doll unfortunately (that would probably be more fun than working all day!). Thank you for all your posts PharoahNuff I'll look through them as soon as I've had my dinner.

[MrsChatalot]

If you're a mere 37 you can certainly flash your legs if you feel comfortable about it! As a 40 year old with 2 kids I avoid strappy on top but would wear just above or on the knee with high heels (agree with PharoahNuff - never too much out all at once). I think my legs are pretty much the same as they always were but I wouldn't say that about the rest of my body! Hope you have a great night out.

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

Loads of lovely ones at Karen Millen.
I like this LK Bennett one as well.

[worldgonecrazy]

Invest in some really good foundation wear. If it's mostly jelly belly it will squeeze in very nicely.