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!

Beety - it's certainly not a matter of being pompous - perish the thought ... it's the worry of being caught and being pulled up on it .... I'd go bright red and start stammering and give the game away ....

Also - when I get sloshed I tend to spill stuff all over me

oooh - yes ... the grapes debate - I DO remember that ....

Had to draw the line at breaking up a bunch of bananas though

I wouldn't do it because sod's law I'd puke all over the thing and have to keep it!

Just loved the "for goodness sake don't be so pompous" remark beety!

Eat in Sainsbury's? In a ballgown?

Try charity shops in posh areas - always worth a look!

beety

Talking of Charity shops - I went into Marie Curie today and bought 5 pairs of Alain Manoukian trousers

Now that's a bargain - hoorah

sergeant major beetroot

Well, thanks again everyone, you have made me feel a lot better about what to go for - not that I was worried as such, I am really looking forward to the night, just needed to clarify what to go for which you have helped with!

Mmm, will look in Monsoon, but would keep the dress if I bought it Slink!

I really want the understated glam look I think, and boring I know, but black probably, maybe with a bright wrap. Best features CD I Think are legs and shoulders. Can't wear floaty cocktail numbers, just not me, bit busty and still, after, (deep intake of breath) forty years, not quite used to showing it off!

So .... Ideally, black off the shoulderish streamlined (ish!) number with 3/4/ankle length skirt, fabby wrap, and I fancy some fab high heels,, but not strappy cos CD to answer your other question, my feet are one of my WORST features! And you've all made me feel so relaxed about the half stone and advice about undies and body shaper tights that I have just had a creme egg.

Of course, I will probably hit the shops on Saturday to find high summer floaty numbers in cream and pink, ooh and yellow, which I hear is the new black!

If I haven't bored you enough already, I will report back about my shopping trip and let you know how I got on. Thanks again

Ooh, gosh in the time it took me to type that, I see there are about another 17 messages!

Beety (can I call you beety), God no! I'm a lightweight, I have just one daughter, who just happened to be nearly four when I created my name.

Mm, ok, yes, off the shoulder not right, I think I was thinking showing top of shoulder/collar bone bit, top of chest bit without going too deep, if you know what I mean, probably not, cos now I've confused myself! But, yes yours sounds nice. Now I've got to find it

What size are you Nearly Four - perhaps someone here can lend you something??

Mo2, I'm a size 12/14, well, 14 on top and 12 on bottom, altough feeling more like 14 on bottom too at moment, and five foot six. That's a lovely thought but I'm sure I'll find something if I start early enough on Saturday. (she says, typing with crossed fingers