holiday of a lifetime.... what can i wear for black tie!

[threenoisyboys]

ooooooooo I'm so excited i might actually wee myself!
I have just found out my AMAZING husband has booked us a weekend at burgh island ( www.burghisland.com )for our first break away from children in 7 yrs!

but what the heck do I wear??? I dont have anything suitable for the black tie dinner bit! I need something that will look flattering on a 30 something size 12 apple shaped woman with no waist. I have reddish hair and I'm pale.

not sure on budget yet but generous without going mad £100 ish for a frock or so.

please help I want to look glam and amazing!
xxxxx

Hi TNB...amazing holiday bet you can't wait. Yes, an outfit is definitely needed! Apple-shaped with no waist you may be but which bits do you like? Tell us what parts you want to showcase. Good arms? Half-decent legs? A nicely-turned ankle..?

right..... good legs from knees down. arms ok to be exposed. bosoms smallish. dont suit pastel type colours.

I honestly have no idea where to start. having a few weeks before we go but no much time to go trying stuff on.

any ideas???

gathering will flatter waist, but not sure on colour//

oohhh helloo

Yes I think black will wash you out. Also everyone wears black...with red hair you can go for amazing jewel colours like green or purple (both of which are in abundance this year). Am doing a search. John Lewis has surprisingly good stuff in, I reckon they've got a new buyer! Will post links

unusual

notyummy you WILL NOT believe this but that is the very dress I was about to post a link to!!

another

Great minds and all that....

Have just been on Reiss website, they have some quite nice stuff. This one would be good if you want to get more wear out of it www.reissonline.com/shop/womens/dresses/cristal/pacific_blue/

oooo like slinky one but worried I might look a bit chunky. oooohhh hello one good. purples look good on me
is short ok do you think?? or would long be better??

have to go... someone really needs to finish putting children to bed. will be back soon to have proper ponder and look

Black tie can go either way on length tbh. Some will be in long I would have thought, but not obligatory. If your legs are one of your 'features' then I would get them out - just nothing toooo short! Also, depends what you might get more wear out of in the future.

Vivienne west wood anglomania worth a look.

Also, spanx or something similar underneath if dress is close fitting - confidence booster!