Moulin Rouge summer ball

[lovemydog]

As above. I am invited to a Moulin Rouge summer ball. Am middle aged, size 10-12, short, a bit of a tummy but not bad considering I possess no black clothes (honest) and no red. I don't want to spend a lot. What do I buy and where do I buy it? Thanks!

If you've got a long plain skirt you could hitch it up at the front so it/s long at the back and short at the fron if you see what I mean?
You could then ruffle-up the front part using pins and maybe trim it with a brightly coloured/contrasting ribbon? Stockings and suspenders of course!!
Gok Wan does great corsets/waspies - not too expensive and could be re-used? Might help with the tummy?!?
Feather in your hair? Long gloves?
You could always ask on freecycle - I've had success with much harder to find stuff before using freecycle!! People even responded with tips and suggestions if they couldnt offer me anything!

what about

this with a long skirt

this with gloves and a feather

this it costs £20 at least to hire a costume so this is a bargain! if its too short you could wear thick lacy leggings or tights with it