Been Invited to a Ball. HELP. What do I wear??

[nearlyfour]

Just been told we have been invited to a big Charity ball NEXT THURSDAY through Dh's work. (Nothing like forward planning, eh?)

So, glam sophisticated mumsnetters of the world, what the h... do I wear? And, how do i lose half a stone in a week?

I am going to go into town on Saturday to try to find something to wear, but am really one of those people that if I need to find something, I get into a panic and dont. Added to that, I dont think I have been to a big glamorous do since the big taffeta numbers favoured by Princess Di circa 1985.

So do I wear long/short/understated/sparkly or what? and where from?

Replies VERY gratefully received!

nearlyfour, what shape/size are you? And what is your best feature? And your worst?

I would wear something glam but understated, probably black (as a true vampire should!). Maybe showing a bit of flesh somewhere unusual, eg low scoopy back or something.

1. Don't worry about the 1/2 stone. There will be bigger ladies there (always are), and if your dh lovces you, that's all that matters

2. probably black (although I try to avoid it, as everyone else wears black), and sparkly seems to be in.

Don't know where from tho', used to get mine made for me, haven't been anywhere glam in 4 long years

Hi nearlyfour, oooh, what I wouldn't give! Are you looking forward to it? Depends of course on your size and shape, you know what suits you best? Above all, something you're comfortable in/happy to wear. Would you prefer to stand out, or be (all be it glam and respectable ) part of the crowd? I tend to go for something long for ball type things, and plain (not flouncy ), but in a colour that does me favours (black makes me look dead, somehow!) then a wrap (hides a multitude of sins) or shawl. No harm in a touch of sparkle or detail - understated but an added bit of interest. Oh, and I heard somewhere that good underwear is as important as 'the dress'.
Hope you enjoy yourself

Monsoon. They generally have nice simple posh frocks as well as a few sparkley numbers. Colourwise, I always go for something dark - I have black, midnight blue and deep purple in my wardrobe.

As for the half a stone - good underwear should sort that out Unless it's all on your arms/face I guess...

message withdrawn

I go to balls on and off each year. TBH most things go and there are still some people who do wear the full ball gowns. I don't though, and most of the younger people I know don't either. I tend to opt for a simple ankle length cocktail dress. My last dress - in Feb - was ankle length, black silk (with chiffon type stuff over top), stappy straps, lowish at front and back, reasonably fitted at top and a bit more swishy at bottom. Over top I wore a pink/purple wrap. Had black strappy sandals andbag I borrowed from my mum! I got mine from House of Frazer - dress was £80. I added a bit of glitzy with gold and amethist jewellry which I already had.

Oh, and you could have a bath or shower before it and throw in a gliettery bath bomb thing for a bot of subtle shimmer.

Dn't worry aout any excess weight - there will be ALL sizes and shapes there! And if concerned at all, do as I do - M&S pants, magic knicker style!

Agree with Soupdragon - so long as you aren't short (like me) Monsoon has some lovely dresses.That's also wear I got my wrap.

Definitely long, for a ball, and as ritzy as possible. It's your best chance ever to wear something really glamourous. I wore a dress with a hoop round the hem to one once.

what have you decided upon nearlyfour?

Do you have a TK Maxx near you - they often have fantastic ballgowns and really cheap too. They are usually there around Christmas so you may be out of luck - but worth a try. Otherwise, I think I would hite something as you will probably get help with choosing something to suit you - I know that I wouldn't have a clue - I am short and need to lose a stone or two - not an ideal shape for a ballgown.

I would buy something that I could wear again tho maybe at Xmas. Even if you got a simple black dress (Next) you could glam it up with a fab necklace or a colourful wrap and some great shoes. Am so jealous. Book yourself in at the hairdressers and you will look a million dollars!

PS M and S knickers and body shaper tights will make the half stone disappear!!!

Other places have gotten more reasonably priced suitable dresses for balls have been Next, Debenhams, BHS and John Lewis. Even though I am only 5 foot I have also been able to get normal dresses and just worn them a bit longer. And next do petite sizes too.

BHS do a good range of bridesmaids/weddingy dresses that are really reasonable - some of the bridesmaid dresses are long/strappy/shiny but could be worn again for whatever - could even be shortened to mid calf and worn as a wedding guest outfit. They do fab colours and prices start from about £60. Have a briliant time

Hi everyone. Thanks SO much for the advice. I havent had a chance to read through all the messages properly yet - one of those days! And, my dd's Angelina Ballerina outfit for Book Day has taken over my plans for mine today, but will be reading it all through after bedtime. Right, BEDTIME NOW dd!

I recently got a dress for a charity ball - 3/4 length - dark purple but looked black in certain light.... from Debenhams - black shoes, stockings and bag. Very reasonable - about £80 from memory

Go to Monsoon buy a GREAT DRESS wear it ..............return it the next day. Do it all the time.

Sorry Slink, but I think that's shameful... Chances are that the store will then have to sell that dress as 'soiled' as it will be obvious that it's been worn, however careful you are.

I don't do it all the time sorry to offend i have done it from time to time. People do it all the time and if you need something in a rush.....Go on try it............you know you want to. And they never know you spay it with fabrezze

I don't do it all the time sorry to offend i have done it from time to time. People do it all the time and if you need something in a rush.....Go on try it............you know you want to. And they never know you spray it with fabrezze

That's awful ! .... Monsoon obviously take it back - and therefore would sell it on as new - otherwise they wouldn't take it - surely.

Hope you don't live close to me

Agree that i couldn't do that either; I'd feel awful. And I wouldn't be able to enjoy the night either - worried about it all.

I agree. that's a terrible thing to do. I'd certainly never do it, nor have I wanted to.

LOL beety

ooooh missed the sainsbury's debate !!