Is this dressy enough

[LIZS]

for a summer ball here ? Like the shape and neck detailing. Anyone seen it in rl to advise ? Am only 5'3" ish so often struggle with longer length think this would skim just above the ankle.

I'd personally say no. It's a bit...meh. (Sorry)

any alternatives ? Size 14ish with rounded tum to disguise. Prefer not black, may be mid calf.

I didn't realise how hard it is to find nice, petite clothes...have you looked at this site? They have some really pretty evening gowns on there, I can't judge how long they'll be on you though!

If you go for such a plain dress, make sure you wear accessories that bring it (and you) to life. The empire line is good to disguise a rounded tum, but bring focus to it by wearing a belt or a brooch pinned there. It'll draw the eye away from your tummy and to the smallest part of your torso.

It's easy to shorten a dress that's too long, or you can always give it to a seamstress to do. £49 is an awful lot of money for this particular dress, though.

At 5'3" you may be on the borderline of mid-calf length dresses making you look shorter than you are. Usually dresses that just touch the knee will make you look taller. Floor length dresses can look fine, too, but if they end just at the ankle they'll once again shorten you.

Hope this has helped. Enjoy the summer ball!

Tried the Kew one on yesterday and you were right - too simple and a bit too long. Instead I got this which admittedly doesn't look great on internet, far more elegant in the flesh. Need to try it on again in cold light of day though !

Sorry but I don't think that's a ball dress either. And it's way too long.

If you're on a budget have a look at Oasis. Loads of youthful, pretty, up-to-date styles there.
And..
Need I go on...?

That Oasis dress is stunning!

I really don't think this a full taffeta event (will check) though those dresses are lovely. Feel too old to go above the knee !

How about [http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Biba+Twist+sleeve+sequin+dress/147674095,default,pd.html?cgid=S0356 this?]]

or this?

or this?

this?

this?

Sorry messed up the 1st link

Don't think anyone's linked to a full taffeta number - how old are you?
And what size are you? Age restrictions don't signify if your legs are decent - plenty of time to wear cruisewear when you're in your seventies sixties imo.
Sorry don't intend to be mean, but if you're petite anyway none of the above dresses will be actually short on you.

WhatsWrongWithYou- I linked to sexyher.co.uk- they have a lot of 'proper' ball gowns on there...I just assumed as it was a ball they'd be appropriate lol!