dress/smart trousers and glittery top for v. formal dinner

[nuttymango]

DH and I have been invited by his parents to a very formal dinner (they have described it like a formal evening on a cruise). We've never been to a formal dinner and I have no idea what to wear.

I'm tall but am very, very overweight. Normally i live in shorts and t-shirts as my job is a casual outdoor job.

Can you wonderful people on style and beauty sort me out please? I need to spend less than £100 including shoes!

[OlennasWimple]

What colours suit you?

Which bits of you do you like to show off / hide?

Which shops are near you?

What size are you?

[nuttymango]

I'm a size 22 (Next) or 24/26 in M & Co.
I need to hide my upper arms, my legs aren't great either. I'm an apple shape. I always wear black or navy, I think purple suits me but not bright. I've got the type red head complexion and light red/brown hair.

We only have Peacocks, M & Co and ASDA near us. I'd have to buy online.

[nuttymango]

I did wonder about this but it doesn't cover my upper arms.
www.next.co.uk/gl770s1#l45947?i=24

[OhHolyFuck]

asos?

[SimplyNigella]

Simply Be have a range of Coast clothes that go to a size 26 and they have a sale on.

[OlennasWimple]

Over budget but do you like this sort of style?

[Germgirl]

I'm a fat apple shape & I bought the black version of this a while ago. They do it in several colours, there's also one with a lace overlay and one with an embellished neckline. They're nice, the knot disguises the belly a bit and it has arm coverage.

[OlennasWimple]

This might give you a good waist

[OlennasWimple]

This green could be lovely with your colouring

[OlennasWimple]

Good arm coverage but knee length

[ifherbumwereabungalow]

I'm the same size and have treated myself to several jumpsuits from ASOS curve range, I feel really great in them (both black) and they can get dressed up with a statement necklace and great shoes. Good price too!

[OlennasWimple]

Interesting print and well in budget

[OlennasWimple]

Black and metallic

[OlennasWimple]

Longer length

[nuttymango]

Lots of suggestions, thanks.
I wasn't keen on the John Lewis blue chiffon number, I'm a plain and boring person and don't like to draw attention to myself, I think that would. Ditto the ASOS pale coloured dress and the bright green - though I do like the bright green one.
I think I'm too fat for the Debenhams blue one, it's very clingy.

The last time we went for a meal with the in-laws, MIL looked at me like she thought I was something that had crawled out from under a stone; I wore a maxi dress as it was the only one I had. It's in the bin now.

How about any of these?

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/embellished-shoulder-top/cc066/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Black,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/blackblue-sequin-shell-top/jp470/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Black/Blue,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/simply-be-lace-bomber-jacket/gy808/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Navy,size: (just the jacket)

[nuttymango]

Oh, I do like that John Lewis dress - the interesting print. Thanks.
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to wear it though.

[nuttymango]

Or these?
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/simply-be-lace-bomber-jacket/gy808/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Navy,size:

but what top should I wear with them?

[nuttymango]

Oh, wrong link,

these:
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/alice-you-border-print-wide-leg-trousers/bs818/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=3467#colour:Navy/Coral,size:24

[OlennasWimple]

Hmm, not sure they are smart enough, perhaps the first top might be.

Do you have trousers and excellent shoes already?

[nuttymango]

No, only walking sandals and casual trousers/shorts. I never, ever dress up.

[HermioneWeasley]

Can I ask a non S&B question - do you want to go to this dinner?

If it's a wonderful celebration, or you're really excited at the thought of dressing up and having a night out, that's one thing, but your posts don't show any real enthusiasm for it and you might enjoy spending the £100 another way?

[nuttymango]

No, I absolutely do not want to go but it's PILs 80th and I've got to go.

[HermioneWeasley]

Ok, so it's a family thing so there's a bit more wiggle room - everyone knows you don't dress formally and you're hardly going to be thrown out!

I would probably go for some simple things you can wear again, and accessorise with a statement necklace (you can get them really cheaply online)

[chocolatecakemakesmefat]

Smart jeans a nice top and some heels/smartish shoes would go well if it's a family do

[BusStopBetty]

Seeing as you really, really can't get out of it, there are some dresses that be suitable on the Little Mistress site. www.little-mistress.com. There are some bargains on the outlet section. They also sell them in Evans and house of Fraser.