White tie dress code

[Daisychainsandglitter]

I have been invited to a white tie ball for work next month and I’m currently panicking about what to wear.
I am 5ft1 and a size 16-18. Everything I’ve read suggests that a full length dress is needed. I also hate heels and avoid at all costs.
Does anyone have any ideas for acceptable attire which given my size which won’t cost the earth?
Thank you!

I think I’d look to hire something for white tie it’s not the sort of thing I’d want to buy to just wear once

3/4 length is ok and nothing wrong with flat shoes. What is your budget? I’d look at ever pretty (they sell through amazon as well as direct) mostly because they have plus sized models for many of the ranges (usually image 5 or 6 admittedly) but you can see what it looks like on a larger lady. Read comments and sizing carefully, I go up a size but they look good for the price. I have this one bought for a ball. It’s no designer dress but fits well now I’ve had in shortened

I wouldn’t wear 3/4 length to a white tie event:

https://debretts.com/etiquette-category/events-and-dress-codes/

I certainly would look to renting if the outfit is not something you’re likely to wear again.

What’s the context of your event and do you have a budget?

Is it really white tie? What kind of fancy place do you work?! White tie is a pretty rare dress code nowadays, and would involve pretty much every bloke having to rent or buy something new, as they'll need tails, white waistcoat and white bowtie.

Can you find pictures from previous years' events?

It it genuinely is white tie, you absolutely can't get away with a 3/4 length dress, that's barely ok for black tie, let alone white.

The above dress I would say is too informal for white tie.

White tie is ball gown territory. Full length and showy, generally.

This kind of thing is more like it (though some of these are quite pricey).
https://macduggal.com/search?filter.v.option.size=gid%3A%2F%2Fshopify%2FFilterSettingGroup%2F19366067&sort_by=relevance&q=ball+gown&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Sadly this is a proper white tie event. I work in insurance in the London market and this is a winter ball (no idea why it’s known as a winter ball in May!) hosted in a very posh venue.
we have already been sent a comprehensive list of faux pas from the master of ceremonies (no shoulders, three quarter length etc).
I wouldn’t want to spend any more than £200
on a dress and would begrudge that tbh given that I am a rock chick at heart and this is not my style!
Thank you all- I may look at hiring options. I’ve heard of hiring for men but wasn’t aware that option was available for women so will take a look and see what I can find.

Here you go:

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

Best luxury fashion rental sites in the UK

https://www.thetimes.com/article/c9e97d96-760e-4dd6-a5b4-c1ede4c5f597?shareToken=c26bc8e4b3aa453d97c926a8e3ae1b2e

https://www.hurrcollective.com/

Thank you so much! You guys are the best!