Please help me with posh frock shop

[tigerdriverII]

I need some serious advice!

I have two events to go to in the next few weeks. One is dinner at a v pricey nice but not glitzy restaurant. One is a black tie dinner at a v upmarket country resto. This is really a business dinner, so it's not Xmas party time or anything.

anyway. I don't really have anything suitable for either. I'd like something, probably black, or grey or dark purple, which I can dress down for dinner 1 and dress up for dinner 2.

Now the problem. I don't have time to get out to the shops much, so browsing is limited. Plus, I am 48, size 18-20 (it didn't feel good adding the "-20"!), 5'5", I have curly blonde midlength hair. I wear heels, so even though I'm not tall, I look tall. My budget for the dress (not accessories/shoes, I have plenty of them) is up to £150.

Please dress me!!!!!

i would go for a lovely lbd - mid calf length

you can then soften it with costume jewellery, jacket or a beautiful, silk scarf.

this is the most adaptable sort of smart dress.
in the past i have got dress after dress to be fashionable & 'new', but with an lbd you can make the same dress different by accessorising for each event.

most shops have something along these lines.

also, it's 'not trying too hard'!

hope this helps & have a lovely time!

thanks, everything.

My upper arms are hideous, not fair on the audience to reveal them. My cleavage is good! Also I have some nice necklaces so I like showing them off. lower arms/Wrists and ankles good. I have an irritatingly fat stomach. I know I should just go on a diet but I've only about 4 weeks so that won't really make a huge difference.

I like that dress apart from no arms is a no-no without some sort of jacket/shrug etc, and I think it could be a bit long, esp for the not so formal dinner. Knee length, but not shorter is good for me, also mid calf (so could wear with boots if dressing down).

Thanks, Kathyb - that was what I was thinking, but not sure where to start: I'd like something simple but stylish, which makes me look 2 stone lighter .

I don't live too far from Bicester Village (thinking of the other thread on this) but I think I'm a bit bigger than their average punter, so would be looking at the scraps. I buy East dresses for work, sometimes, but they can be a bit too mumsy?

i'd go for a slightly pleated (hope that's the right term) skirt as this skims over the tum - i should know!

i'd avoid a tight skirt & corsetty pants combo as you won't relax during dinner - she says from experience!!

if you couldn't find a dress like this, what about a top & skirt in matching black?

then it's about adding glamour through accessories.

Oh yes, I'll avoid magic pants! The first dinner is my b'day so I am not suffering for anyone. Top and skirt might work too - I'll see what I can find. Thanks!

www.harveynichols.com/womens/categories/designer-dresses/cocktail/s345698-side-gathered-silk-dress.html?colour=BLACK

what about something like this one?

hope link works - not v. good at I.T.

Link doesn't work but I've cut and pasted and found it: Issa - £485? It's a lovely dress, that is just the sort of thing (although maybe 3x my budget...) but this is the sort of thing I'd fancy. The length might just about work - legs are the least of my problems!

I sort of fancy something with chiffon sleeves, so it doesn't look completely daytime, but hides the horrible evidence. However I feel a mother of the bride moment coming on - not a good look.

not black

with a cover up

not dressy enough maybe ?

black

pretty colour

this is meant to be purply blue in RL according to the reviews

Oooh - thank you all - some great ideas. Tillyscout - Hobbs: of course. What a nitwit I am. Their stuff does fit me normally and I like both the ones you found. Also, not the Monsoon one on the link( I don't think I could do maxi) but there's another dress lower down that link which looks lovely. Hobbs and Monsoon should do it!

Cornslik - I think it's a bit too figure hugging for me - like the dress but I don't think my fellow diners would appreciate it.

tigerdriver are you the original penguin tiger driver?

X posted . I really love the Harvey Nicks one you found . Its gorgeous

bang... not bank. obviously

Hey, Cornslik - yes, I am the very one. I de-regged, so couldn't be Tigerdriver. But I am one and the same. I was wearing an anorak and plaits during that episode - not v sartorial!

anorak and plaits! Not quite the look you're after now then.

Well, in my defence it was p*ing down that day. And of course I couldn't be confused with "Jane"!

The sad thing is that this is one of the funniest things I have done for years, but of course can't tell anyone in RL! DS has been doing a penguin project at school and I've been winking at all the other mums over "y'no penguins". They must think I'm a loon .

ha ha - one of the most well known roles on MN and it's incognito

I'm very flattered you remember. It was an absolute crack on the day, especially getting back home (didn't have a smartphone) and then posting, seeing all the "come on Tiger!" posts - hilarious.

yes must have been ace!