I need a dress for a ball - advice/suggestions?

[ComeAlongPond]

It's not too fancy, it's black tie university one. But from what I can tell, everyone is going in floor length dresses anyway so I don't want to be the odd one out flashing my legs around when nobody else is, iyswim.

I'm 23, size 6, five foot 3... but I'm on a teensy budget and really, ought not to spend much over £100.

I like this one but I'm not sure if the skirt is too 'thin' and not enough room to move? Also it may be a bit big in an 8, but is very cheap so could be taken in...

I also like this one but I have my doubts because it's Jane Norman... is it actually nice, or just tacky??

Finally there's this one but I'm just not sure about it.

What do you think? Other suggestions would be greatly appreciated too.

Thank you :)

[ComeAlongPond]

Bump

[AKissIsNotAContract]

Would you consider hiring one?

Wishwantwear.com has lovely dresses to hire.

[mythical]

are you looking for a specific style/colour? First 2 are both nice, not so keen on the third but can't really say why..

[ComeAlongPond]

I could hire, but I have a couple of things that I could use it for so probably makes more sense just to buy one. I can up the budget if neccessary but would rather not if I can manage to find something in the sales...

I know what you mean mythical, I can't explain why it isn't my favourite but it just isn't! Not fussed about colour or style really :)

[mythical]

www.coast-stores.com/SYMPHONY-MAXI-DRESS/Sale-Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2224721350 this is a tiny bit over but i do think it's lovely and could possibly be worn again for a formal occasion..

[PastGrace]

Coast one shoulder
Phase Eight
Phase Eight red
Phase Eight doesn't seem to do a 6, but might be worth trying an 8 and seeing if it could be taken in/on the off chance that they have small sizes?
Ted Baker but you might have to dress it up a bit.

I like the Jane Norman one, but I think you'd need to try it on to check it doesn't look a bit tacky.

[ComeAlongPond]

That's lovely mythical... I tried it on a while back actually but it wasn't in the sale! Not sure if I like the colour but I will have a look at the other colours. Thank you!

Thank you PastGrace - I like the red one, and the Ted Baker one. Hadn't thought of either of those shops, so I will check them out.

[ComeAlongPond]

What about this one?

I also LOVE this one but it's only in an 8...

[PooPooInMyToes]

I love first one!

[ComeAlongPond]

Apparently the Lorna one from Coast comes up small, according to reviews, so I went to order it but it's sold out :(

[mythical]

oh no! it's lovely! have you tried reserve and collect, OP?

[ComeAlongPond]

What's that? It still says it's available online, but when I try to order, it says sold out... grr.

[ComeAlongPond]

Oh, just tried the reserve and collect thing. None near me... don't think we actually have a Coast. My friend might be able to get one though, I will check!

[lurkinginthebackground]

I like the one mythical posted best.

[startail]

BHS adult bridesmaids dresses, start at size 6 and are£89-100 30% of today.
Several styles loads of colours, defiantly suitable for a uni ball.

Also Debenhams have similar duel use ones always lots of student aged girls in ours trying things on.
I love the purple broach detail one. £96
Sorry can't link, stupid iPod won't copy properly.

[ComeAlongPond]

I love the style, lurking, I just don't think the colour would suit me really.

Thanks startail, I will have a look at BHS! And Debenhams, too.

I've spent all afternoon looking at dresses, never thought I'd get sick of it but I am!

[ComeAlongPond]

Either of these?

black one

pink one

[only4tonight]

The pink one doesn't even suit the model! But the black one is hot and looks a lot more expensive than its price suggests

[warmandwooly]

ComingAlongPond- I posted on another thread a few days ago about a dress for a recital. I linked to loads of dresses that would be suitable and most under one hundred quid. All were TK Maxx.

thread

They aren't really ballgowny iyswim. Lots of long. Slinky dresses

[wonkylegs]

What about these
m.houseoffraser.co.uk/mt/www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Anoushka+G+Sapphire+dress/151712821,default,pd.html
www.tkmaxx.com/dresses/purple-glitter-evening-dress/invt/53069263
www.tkmaxx.com/dresses/red-gem-encrusted-evening-dress/invt/53008956
www.tkmaxx.com/dresses/long-grey-jewel-beaded-dress/invt/53063906

[startail]

I didn't say HofF because mine from there was £135, but if they have a Sale you might do well.

[FauxFox]

I'm sorry but I can't help feeling that alot of these dresses linked so far are very 'safe' and 'mature' you have all your life to wear those things, you are young and slim and it's not a massively formal event why not wear something a bit more fun?
These come in size 8
silver and black
blue with black straps
Or ebay is your friend for a huge choice of new size 6 dresses, i picked these but have a browse
lipsy split skirt
peacock
backless

[hattifattner]

have a look here

I was looking through this site last night at prom dresses - but many of them were much too sophisticated for a 16 year old. Prices are good too. Look at mother of bride section as well, and homecoming.

[hattifattner]

formal do dresses

[Lostinsuffolk]

I have the one shoulder coast dress, it's a great dress...so comfy. Would recommend coast first every time.