last minute party invite - what to wear??

[tryhard]

DH & I never, ever go out somewhere where I need a frock but we've been invited to a big birthday bash at the weekend (posh hotel) & I don't have a dress (or anything remotely dressy) in my wardrobe, not one. I've recently lost a bit of weight so would like something fairly fitted but I can't spend a fortune - we don't have the money & it's very unlikely I'll need this outfit again in the foreseeable future. Where can I look for something suitable?!

[MrsLettuce]

What size and what budget? Do you have any shoes or a bag that you could use?

TBH I'd probably be trying to borrow something from a friend, if I could.

[Twinklestar2]

eBay

[MrsLettuce]

I'm all for second hand but not ebay on short notice and with limited budget. No. I'd not want to risk a late arrival / bad fit / bad description problem.

[tryhard]

I'm scouring eBay now!...size 12 & I'm pretty tall (5ft9) & hate my legs (varicose veins galore after 2 kids!!) Budget anything up to £100 in the hopes that I could sell it on afterwards! Yeah I've got a nice bag, only plain heels but they'll do.

[SweetPeaPods]

Are you near a John Lewis ?

[Thisismyfirsttime]

I'd go for H&M/ Primark for a bit of a dressy look and use accessories to make it more dressed up. Who cares if it's not a great fit/ doesn't wash well if it's cheap and you won't wear it again?!

[Nettletheelf]

I'd go for a good pencil skirt that you can wear again plus a nice top (sleeveless if your arms can take it; if you can stretch to silk even better, and you can wear the top again with jeans). Add your heels and bag and some cheap glam jewels and you're sorted.

[lurkingfromhome]

My go-to party outfit is a pleather pencil skirt (I got a Peacock's one off Ebay - dirt cheap but doesn't look it and is really comfy), worn with a loose black silk T-shirt, heels, big bangle and nice clutch. Bit elegant but doesn't make me feel dressed up like a dish of fish, as my mother would say...