Help needed please - fat, frumpy and skint ... but I have two parties to go to!

[paulapantsdown]

The title explains it really. I am pretty much broke (budget will run to DP, Debenhams, New Look prices), have had a shitty few weeks, but I am really looking forward to these parties coming up and would really love to get something new to wear. Different crowds so can wear same outfit to both on upcoming weekends.

So, your challenge should you choose to accept it ...please can you help me find BY SATURDAY ...
perhaps a dress? (must cover fat knees and arms)
be vaguely fashionable (have NO clue really, but prefer the colour block stuff to florals)
look like it cost more than the 50 quid I can spend

Have spend ages looking online, but every dress in my price range seems bum skimmingly short.

I know its a tall order, but have seen you fashionistas come up trumps before.

what size.
and what style

are you SURE a dress?

would you do maxi? nice one in new look inspire www.newlook.com/shop/womens/inspire-to-plus-sizes/inspire-belted-maxi-dress_224362250

take belt off - and do long dangly neckalce and lurex silver cardigan?

is this too frilly?

why not straight legged trews and flowy gyspy top thing

i dont think i like this but it covers things

this top in navy or cream with summat

I am size 16 and 5'8. However, my belly is so untoned and fat that a woman gave up her seat for me on the tube a few weeks ago .

I really like tea dresses/50's look but I HATE maxis - they look completley ridiculous on me!

Sorry, I know I am hard to please, hence why I have no clothes.
Mesh dress is quite nice.

hate dresses like this but hey

www.next.co.uk/g362054s1#411766g36

What bits of your appearance do you like?

Be kind, don't be shy now.... Do you have good hair, nice eyes, dainty feet? It can be a better start to think of the good points :)

And if you like block colours what is your own skintone, hair & eye colour?

I have quite a good (short, choppy) haircut at the moment - thats about it in terms of what I like!
Maybe dresses are not such a good idea - like the idea of trousers and a cool top.
I prefer simple / tailored to flouncy - I think they suit a taller frame.

I am dark haired, but fair skinned and pale blue eyes.

I love 50s too, and there are few good dresses here:
here

Very flattering for a fuller figure. I've just bought the white one with red cherries. I know you said you wanted to cover up arms - I'm wearing mine with a red cropped cardi from Red Herring
Any good?
They don't come with petticoats so have a less full skirt than shown in the picture. I'm making a massive net petticoat to wear under mine though!

Just seen you don't like flouncy, so maybe scrap my idea!

Just putting this on 'threads I'm on'...

Am desperate for a party outfit for next week that doesn't 'cling'

Hard to link on phone but Zara have some gorgeous colour block tops & skirts in, maybe a cobalt blue bottom half (sounds like your colouring would suit that) & an acid yellow or lime top if you want something bold?

Or pick a nude shade of skirt & a bright top in coral or cobalt; I think skirt & top is easier to wear if you are tummy conscious.

A paper bag waisted skirt would help too unless your parties are more formal?

Do you have anything in your wardrobe that fits well and you love it? If so get it dry cleaned and buy some new shoes and earrings