dress for party 18th birthday party (dd's not mine!)

[overthemill]

i am 53, 5 ' 2 and have put on 2 stone since menopause so feeling a bit frumpy. BUT my beloved dsd is having her 18th birthday party and I want to do her proud! What on earth can I wear? I want to look elegant, pretty even. I have a very low budget as I am out of work but prepared to get our dh's credit card if need be (cos i could sell it on or wear it again for other 'do's)

Went to nephew's wedding last year in borrowed outfit and am ashamed of the photos so really want something lovely - any ideas???

Pre poverty I loved hobbs, lk bennet, jigsaw and banana republic.

will come back later after work to help but just wanted to say i wish I had got something nice to wear for dd's 18th , photos all over fb of me in shittiest outfit i chose about 10min before party as i was so busy preparing everything.
def get nice one sorted
what size do you think you are
boobs
shape?

dd cup (cant believe it!0
curvy
dont want to be frumpy!
thanks!!

Peacocks have some nice shift dresses in for about £20. They also do lovely shoes and jewellery. You could probably get a whole outfit in there for £40-is that doable on your budget?. Otherwise I would suggest New Look. I know alot of the stuff looks very young but if you shop wisely you can get nice stuff-perhaps tunic and leggings?.

elegant
love this if youre arms ok
jigsaw
very similar
let me know if i'm competely off the mark here?

pink4ever hadn't thought of peacocks, not sure there are any around here but will look. Quite happy with that budget (she's only 18 once!) and newlook i quite like, you have to really look around but some stuff is fab on me (well pre weight gain!).
ggirl - hate the lk bennet one (think too 'worky') but the others are really nice, specially the asos and second jigsaw one. Would prefer some colour? Should have said it's a day time party in a beautiful garden!!

thank you, love MN for this helpfulness.