hellppp! i'm going to a posh black tie do in 3 weeks and i have no idea what to wear, or what suits me

[chimchar]

i'm clueless. usually scruffyish, hippyish, wear flarey jeans and flowy tops and uggs and scarves type casual person.

i'm 5'6, fat hourglass curvy size 14 with big bappage.

fair skin, very short hair (brown and blonde), ear tunnels!

HATE showing flesh, hate wearing heels, hate dressing posh to be fair, but desperate to go to this posh do!!!

budget limited (under £100 all in) and will probably never wear it again.

any help and links appreciated.

ta.

oh. forgot to mention the bingo wings.

Sorry, can't be helpful with specifics, but what are ear tunnels - are they flesh holes? I'm sure you don't need to wear heels and there are lots of flowy maxi dresses around that would suit your usual style and be suitable. Have you got any chunky jewellery to go with?
I'm sure someone else will be along soon.

thanks bbb. yeah, the ear thing was being discussed on here the other day...thats why i mentioned it.

got loads of jewellery bits but am happy to buy something. am just browsing ebay now for dresses. im scared!!! lol

What's the occasion?
Don't be scared.

Not madly keen on flesh holes, but my daughter has one and she's gorgeous!

Charity dinner.

there may be local slebs there and everything. [shrieks]

Phase eight, phase eight , phase eight......... The MOST flattering dresses for the curvy figure.....do you have a store near you??? My advice would be go in a try some on! There are usually very friendly, helpful staff too ;)

great! thanks. is that the stuff with trademark swirly type patters on it?

www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/warehouse/Dresses/Bea-Trim-Dress/201401838

www.phase-eight.co.uk/fcp/product/warehouse/Dresses/Pleated-Dress/201290141

I know many look like they will reveal every bit of bingo wing/ fat arm but they are very cleverly cut to flatter....so give them a chance ;)

Very important to feel comfortable with what you're wearing so you can relax and concentrate on chatting ( and scoffing and glugging) and not worry about falling off heels.
You sound too young for bingo wings!

thanks jammy for the links.... those dresses are not me at all.

i love this but need to lose about 3 stone before i could wear it. seriously!!!

this would be great if it was floor length.

i dont mind different, and yes bbb, its important that i dont feel like a complete twat in it!!

I love the tapework one.......lol @ looking like a complete twat ;)

is this wrong for my shape and with thick lycra tights??

So don't depart from your usual style, black tie is very flexible these days ime. As soon as something is long it looks more dressy and with more, or more sparkly, or bigger jewellery that moves it up a notch too. If you wear make-up make it it a little more dramatic
Get out there trying stuff on. Can you take a friend for advice?

I would order the next one and the phase eight and see which is the more flattering ;) Trying on is the only way x

Yay! Love that beaded collar dress. If you're happy in that length, it's fab, and completely appropriate, I think you're more confident than you've led us to think!

That one fits your budget better and leaves more left over for shoes and other bits, and I think you're tall enough for it, even without big heels.

again, thanks. i really appreciate your help in bouncing my ideas.

i'm not at all confident...in fact, quite the opposite.

i like the style of the next one...i guess i'm a bit sort of "kooky" iykwim.

i wonder though if its too short and if i'm too old (just 36)

I wear things that length and I'm more than 20 years older than you, and the same height, and I get compliments.I think you'll look fab. Have a lovely time. Smile lots. x

This would be nice. A funky flattering shape, and a blank canvas for accessorising in your own taste so you don't stand around feeling like a complete twat. And big sleeves for bingo wing coverage.

www.monsoon.co.uk/brooke-batwing-dress/invt/95319103/

Rather like this one, might go and have a sniff myself.

more thanks.

i like that dress. i think a trip into town for a big try on sesh is in store!!

appreciate your posts.