christmas ball work do...

[bobsalong]

...type thing. apparently it's "cocktail dresses" according to partner, his first year at this company so i want to make a good impression and not feel like a frump.

DD is 4 months old now and while i've lost most of the weight round my legs i've still got a good tummy pouch and imo massive arms. am broad shouldered and the boobs have lost their zest for life as well :(

can anyone offer advice on a good shape/style dress to wear? ideally something with black tights and flat shoes, and something i can use to cover my arms?

usually i'm a real scruff (26 but still have my teenage leggings, cardi and vest top dress most of the time) but i'm going all out and trying to be a proper adult. getting my makeup, hair and nails done for it for the first time in my life and i don't want my outfit to let me down!

please help ladies x

[FauxFox]

teal tunic
black
biba gold print
lace sleeve
black midi
peacock beaded
green satin

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

What's your ideal budget excluding shoes bag etc?
How tall are you ?

[bobsalong]

Probably about £60/70 for just the dress
I'm 5"6 :)

[bobsalong]

Thank you fauxfox I'll take a look at those later!

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

Cocktail dress basically means knee length, but evening trousers [so silky material rather than wool pinstripe or jeans] and an evening top will be equally acceptable unless he works somewhere amazingly conservative like the military or something.

You don't sound like someone who wears dresses a lot [at the moment anyway] so I'd pick something classic that won't date quickly and with different accessories will look different. Like a little black dress or navy etc.

John Lewis have a mid season sale on with a fair bit of stuff in your budget. And it's easy to return stuff to them that doesn't fit well.
www.johnlewis.com/browse/special-offers/womenswear-offers/womens-dresses-offers/_/N-ehj

Something like this
www.johnlewis.com/kaliko-burnout-floral-prom-dress-navy/p2117217

www.johnlewis.com/kaliko-lace-shift-dress-black/p2117193

This is a bit dull and slightly over budget but it covers the arms and places the emphasis on nice legs. Because of the neckline I think it would be easy to change the jewellry, wear with a jacket to a wedding etc etc.
www.johnlewis.com/whistles-medina-drape-front-dress/p2073330?colour=Navy