"gala" dress

[GrapeWallofChina]

I'm going to a gala in a couple of weeks time - this is a rare thing for me so not wanting to spend a fortune whilst of course looking fabulous! And probably something plain that I could wear again instead of a big statement frock

So I need to wear a bra - strapless is a recipe for disaster, reasonably big chest destroyed by breast feeding and sticky out nipples so no slip dresses, spaghetti straps or even strapless dresses. And a pot belly so jersey tends to cling in the wrong places and I suit more tailored pieces and some nips and tucks. And whilst I like my legs I'd prefer to be below the knees.
Me - fussy not at all

Looking on Net-A-Porter for inspiration on shapes and colours before going a bit cheaper
I like
Vivienne Westwood but worry its a bit prom queen
Vivienne again but jersey so probably wont work
or flapper style possibly look like a big boxy bag on top would prefer a V neck
Would you ever get a cheaper version of something like this
DKNY solves the jersey but would I look like I'd walk off the beach?
ah to be rich, tall and able to carry this off

Anyone want to waste an hour or so helping me look?

[ForSaleChesterDraws]

When you say gala what do you mean? I think of really formal full length with opera gloves (think the Julia Roberts dress in pretty woman where they go to the opera). Is it that formal? I don't think Jersey fabric as smart enough for it.

What is your budget? And size? And shape- when you say you have a pot belly are you an apple?

[ForSaleChesterDraws]

The DKNY definitely looks like a beach cover up.

[GrapeWallofChina]

Thanks so much
I'm a 12, a 10 on a good day. Bigger chest than hips but with a pot belly. So face on I look great in slim - then I turn profile and urghh.
Its a school fundraiser for a gala - so gala but not exactly OTT. I think heavy jersey would be OK if dressed up a bit so the Vivienne Westwood could work given the cut but anything less well cut probably not (although I could be just pushing that as I like it if I had the right shape! You're probably right)
Budget I'd say 200 to 300. I do have shoes that could work depending on the dress.

[SquidgyMummy]

try:
www.divacatwalk.com/shop/view-all/evening.html

[WipsGlitter]

So not black tie? Can you suss out what other mums are wearing? Monsoon?

[GrapeWallofChina]

Where we live can be quite blinging which I am not. So from what I can gather there will be everything from full length, slashed to the navel to more LBD cocktail style.

[RosyAuroch]

No-one does gala like this lady.

[RosyAuroch]

But back in the real world you could bling this up quite eaily with good shoes and a bracelet

And I dont think this one woudl need any blinging!

[GrapeWallofChina]

ohhh love them both. The first isn't in my size. May order the second and see how forgiving it is on a pot belly.
And having said I don't like bling - I do like this
Or I go just all Cher and scare the neighbours....

[herecomesthsun]

Boden here sequin dress, silk and lace maxi etc