I shall go to the ball...help me traceybath et al!!

[JustBeachy]

Help!

I am 32, 5ft 8, size 12, 34DD with a decent waist but a bit of a mum tum and bum!

I need an evening dress for a charity black tie Christmas dinner/dance and I NEVER get to go to anything like this so I literally want to look like cinderella for the night!

Has anyone got any suggestions for dresses? I suppose my best features would be cleavage and waist so no high necks or sacklike shifts. If short skirted I would only go to just above the knee unless opaque tights were possible. I have to be able to wear a bra. I look washed out in nudes but like colour/sparkle/embellished things. Would prefer not to go with black unless it has something extra iyswim? I have an aversion to one shouldered things but am willing to try to overcome it if something is really lovely.

Budget up to £200 (must be resellable after though!!)

Help me!! I spend my life drooling over beautiful eveningwear but now I need to buy something I don't know what I want!!!

Have got to do school-run but some nice stuff on here

I am similar size and shape to you and the first place I would visit is Phase8. Trying on irl is vital though, don't do it mail order (eg the gorgeous Twist Front Maxi Dress can't be worn with a bra so needs toupé tape to stick your boobs together).

Depending how much attention you like, you could go for one of these and spend the change on a petticoat and vintage hairdo/make up.

Then go to John Lewis or similar department store (not M&S) and get your boobs measured so you have a decent bra. Get a 2nd opinion if fitter is under 30, you want the lady who's been doing it for 20yrs.

And you could wear a black dress with a really contrasting colour for accessories eg scarlet, bright green, electric blue for shoes, handbag, beads, fascinator etc.

Oh silk you reminded me of how I have always coveted a Vivian dress...I do just worry about not trying on first though...

I saw this which looks like a good shape for me but a bit black...maybe I could do OTT shoes/jewellery to glam it up?

pretty

Have you thought about hiring designer from girlmeetsdress.com?

This?

here?

here?

vivienne of holloway rule.
The dresses can be taken in to fit quite cheaply, and the last time i wore one a fashionista was convinced it was vintage designer! Also great customer service. (no spanx needed)

I think tethersend and notyummy's blue suggestions are gorgeous. (spanx needed for the french connection) the monsoon is a bit bridemaidy in real life but still fab- this is because I have seen bridesmaids wearing it.

The black Oli is nice but it might cling in the wrong places. (Triple spanx needed)

I'm waiting for someone to brave styleshake so I can get feedback. (?possibility of in built spanx)

For an evening reception in Feb I plan to get this tehtersend recommedation with my vivien of holloway underskirt

Love the black Oli one but I would worry about my tummy so yeah, Spanx needed. This has a drape in front that could reduce need for Spanx and would cover a bra nicely too.
This one you could wear with black or silver accessories and get a pal to stitch the straps of a black or silver bra under the sequinned straps to look like it's a feature.

this would be nice with your figure

That last one is nice tethers and thanks for all the suggestions...I think I am going to order a Vivian dress and see what it is like before looking further...but which print to choose???
I think I am dithering between black/pink dots, black/white dots or red/black dots on this one with a black net underskirt.

Any thoughts on which is nicest?

Or maybe black/pink dots with a pink net skirt??

And what shoes?

I'd go for black/white so you can wear it again with different coloured accessories eg all red or pink. Don't forget the stretchy belt in whichever colour you choose. And a bolero jacket for future use eg church wedding. Shoes should be shiny patent and have a mid heel and anklestrap for dancing imo.

Shoes men dream about

Agree with silk - black and white spots.

Oh hurrah - I have had the black/white one with black petticoat and white 2" belt in my basket since this morning - now you have backed up my choice I might have to press the "buy" button!!

silk the style of those shoes is nice but I would want a much higher heel than that

Would seamed stockings (nude/black seams) be appropriate??

There you go then - available in red or baby pink too!

Oh silk now that's more like it!! Gorgeous!!

Thanks so much for all your help everyone - I ordered the dress and am beyond excited to see in irl!!

x

those red ankle strap shoes are GOPPING!

and the vivien of holloway ones make you llok like some Mini mouse pastiche
UTTERLY VILE
is this supposed to be style and beauty? or fancy dress?

Bit rude Janice!

I will admit I don't like the shoes - red killer stilettos MUCH sexier and would look great with that dress. Like the 40s/50s dresses though.

the shoes are humming
the dress will make her look ENORMOUS

Oh fuck off Janice - I daresay your party invites are a little thin on the ground if you talk to people like that in real life...jealous?