Outfit for a 'midsummer ball' - help please!

[LadyBitterSparkles]

I've not really gone to any big events or nights out since my DC were born, but I've now accepted an invite to a 'midsummer ball' in a few weeks time. I have no idea what to wear!! No ideas of even Eva shops to look in.

I'm about 3 stone heavier than I was when I used to get dressed up pre-DC, and considerably larger round the middle. So I don't even know what suits me anymore.

Please can you give me some pointers if where to look and what I should be looking for? Thank you!!!

[LadyBitterSparkles]

That should say 'even what shops to look in' - not sure how Eva crept in there!

[LadyBitterSparkles]

Anyone?

[ChambourcyHippopotamousse]

What about something like this? Full length is good.

www.coast-stores.com/p/abriella-structured-maxi-dress/1680880

Or this

www.coast-stores.com/p/lori-lee-lace-maxi-dress-sl/1556520

Or possibly this?

www.coast-stores.com/p/waldorf-printed-maxi-dress/1776065

[slug]

Size?
Shape?
Budget?

[LadyBitterSparkles]

Ooh that sounds good User. I just need direction as I'm now overweight and I'm not used to it. I'm probably a size 16 most of which is around the middle whereas i used to be a size 10/12.

I've been in denial about my weight so I've avoided buying nice clothes, thinking there's no point until I've slimmed back down again. But I now have to accept that this is actually my size now.

As for shape - I literally have no idea what to wear to a summer ball. I'd rather be underdressed than overdressed as I'm embarrased about how I look so I dont want to stand out. I just want to survive the evening feeling as though I fit in as much as possible.

I'm 43 so don't want to look too frumpy but i dont want to look like mutton either.

Size: probably a size 16. Disproportionally large stomach thanks to diastasis rectii, bingo wings I'd like to cover but my legs are ok.

Budget: again I've been out of the decent clothes game for so long I've no idea what is reasonable. But I'm unlikely to wear it again so not too much.

There is a dress agency near my house so i thought of renting something? But I'm not sure if that's overkill?

[LadyBitterSparkles]

Thanks Chambourcy I'll look in Coast!

[slug]

Probably a bit pricey, but is this something that tweaks your interest?
Or this with a silver or gold shrug?
Cobalt blue?
Cheap and easy to accessorize
blue?
With a coloured shrug or bolero?

[slug]

One more simply because I love the green version

[BeaLola]

I'm rubbish at suggesting things but do you know anyone else that is going ? If so could ask them what they plan to wear. Other thought is if it's an annual event which lots of these things are could you see if there's a Facebook entry or perhaps some published pics from past event and that may give you a good idea of what people tend to wear ?