Help - I need a dress for a party and a wedding! I am hopeless and should not be allowed to dress myself.

[shrinkingnora]

I am having a party for my wedding anniversary and then going to my brother's wedding the following week and want to buy one dress for both events. I am hopeless at clothes - I just don't get it. I recently had a bit of an image change (finally got some leggings/tunic tops/boots and had very positive feedback from everyone ) and am really trying but I need your expert help, people.

I am 5'4'' about a size 16 (maybe 18 at some shops) and hate my upper arms with a passion. Seriously, I cannot show them to anyone, ever.

I am a bit rubbish with heels but suspect that the key to wearing them is to buy expensive nicely made ones.....

Please help me, style gurus of mumsnet. You are my only hope.

Do you know what shape you are? Hourglass,pear etc? And what is the budget? Does this cover shoes and dress?

Whoops - budget £200 probably should include shoes but can go a bit higher maybe. I suspect I am a bit apple shaped. I think I pick things that I wish I looked nice in but am growing out of that now I used to blame my body for the fact I couldn't instantly buy stuff that looked great but I now realise that I have to try on more than two things....

My legs are pretty okay (from the knee down - I have a fine pair of ankles whereas my size 8 sister has cankles) and my forearms are great. Colours that suit tend to be darker plum/dark green etc but I think I am harking back to my punk/goth days...quite fancy something raspberry. Or is that wrong?!

I also never wear any makeup at all, ever. And have short nails. But both can be rectified.

OK.
What about these nude wedges? They are pretty neutral,and should be ok to walk in. Help to lengthen the leg etc.
If you google LK Bennett, go into special offers-along the top. Select dresses,I have selected size 16 for you. They have some really nice things reduced.
Berry colour
Red
Bargain!Just a few ideas. I always find the girls in the shop very helpful too,and there is usually a sales rail in the shop too.

Sorry,will try the shoes again.
Shoes.
Oh,and long nails haven't been fashionable for years. Short and neat is what you want. Get a file and paint done locally,it will make you feel very glam!

Those shoes are at the bottom of the page,scroll down.

Like the dresses but fear I may be a little barrel chested for them. Shall I just brave shopping and try loads of stuff on? Buying industrual strength undies first?

I looked at this earlier and wished it would look nice.....Last really good wedding outfit involved a slightly 50s style dress and seemed to work. Wedding will be quite funky I suspect...

Good to know re nails as I always assume I am somehow not going to be glam enough!

When you say barrel chested do you mean big boobs?

Yes, but also a big rib cage.