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Original poster

I need a dress for a ball - advice/suggestions?

28 replies

ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 14:14

It's not too fancy, it's black tie university one. But from what I can tell, everyone is going in floor length dresses anyway so I don't want to be the odd one out flashing my legs around when nobody else is, iyswim.

I'm 23, size 6, five foot 3... but I'm on a teensy budget and really, ought not to spend much over £100.

I like this one but I'm not sure if the skirt is too 'thin' and not enough room to move? Also it may be a bit big in an 8, but is very cheap so could be taken in...

I also like this one but I have my doubts because it's Jane Norman... is it actually nice, or just tacky??

Finally there's this one but I'm just not sure about it.

What do you think? Other suggestions would be greatly appreciated too.

Thank you :)

OP posts:
Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 15:50

Bump

OP posts:
AKissIsNotAContract · 07/04/2012 15:53

Would you consider hiring one?

Wishwantwear.com has lovely dresses to hire.

mythical · 07/04/2012 16:01

are you looking for a specific style/colour? First 2 are both nice, not so keen on the third but can't really say why..

Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 16:09

I could hire, but I have a couple of things that I could use it for so probably makes more sense just to buy one. I can up the budget if neccessary but would rather not if I can manage to find something in the sales...

I know what you mean mythical, I can't explain why it isn't my favourite but it just isn't! Not fussed about colour or style really :)

OP posts:
mythical · 07/04/2012 16:11

www.coast-stores.com/SYMPHONY-MAXI-DRESS/Sale-Dresses/coast/fcp-product/2224721350 this is a tiny bit over but i do think it's lovely and could possibly be worn again for a formal occasion..

PastGrace · 07/04/2012 16:19

Coast one shoulder
Phase Eight
Phase Eight red
Phase Eight doesn't seem to do a 6, but might be worth trying an 8 and seeing if it could be taken in/on the off chance that they have small sizes?
Ted Baker but you might have to dress it up a bit.

I like the Jane Norman one, but I think you'd need to try it on to check it doesn't look a bit tacky.

Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 16:31

That's lovely mythical... I tried it on a while back actually but it wasn't in the sale! Not sure if I like the colour but I will have a look at the other colours. Thank you!

Thank you PastGrace - I like the red one, and the Ted Baker one. Hadn't thought of either of those shops, so I will check them out.

OP posts:
Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 16:42

What about this one?

I also LOVE this one but it's only in an 8...

OP posts:
PooPooInMyToes · 07/04/2012 16:52

I love first one!

Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 17:17

Apparently the Lorna one from Coast comes up small, according to reviews, so I went to order it but it's sold out :(

OP posts:
mythical · 07/04/2012 17:23

oh no! it's lovely! have you tried reserve and collect, OP?

Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 17:39

What's that? It still says it's available online, but when I try to order, it says sold out... grr.

OP posts:
Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 17:40

Oh, just tried the reserve and collect thing. None near me... don't think we actually have a Coast. My friend might be able to get one though, I will check!

OP posts:
lurkinginthebackground · 07/04/2012 17:58

I like the one mythical posted best.

startail · 07/04/2012 18:10

BHS adult bridesmaids dresses, start at size 6 and are£89-100 30% of today.
Several styles loads of colours, defiantly suitable for a uni ball.

Also Debenhams have similar duel use ones always lots of student aged girls in ours trying things on.
I love the purple broach detail one. £96
Sorry can't link, stupid iPod won't copy properly.

Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 18:31

I love the style, lurking, I just don't think the colour would suit me really.

Thanks startail, I will have a look at BHS! And Debenhams, too.

I've spent all afternoon looking at dresses, never thought I'd get sick of it but I am!

OP posts:
Original poster
ComeAlongPond · 07/04/2012 18:59

Either of these?

black one

pink one

OP posts:
only4tonight · 07/04/2012 19:16

The pink one doesn't even suit the model! But the black one is hot and looks a lot more expensive than its price suggests

warmandwooly · 07/04/2012 19:29

ComingAlongPond- I posted on another thread a few days ago about a dress for a recital. I linked to loads of dresses that would be suitable and most under one hundred quid. All were TK Maxx.

thread

They aren't really ballgowny iyswim. Lots of long. Slinky dresses

startail · 08/04/2012 01:57

I didn't say HofF because mine from there was £135, but if they have a Sale you might do well.

FauxFox · 08/04/2012 10:00

I'm sorry but I can't help feeling that alot of these dresses linked so far are very 'safe' and 'mature' you have all your life to wear those things, you are young and slim and it's not a massively formal event why not wear something a bit more fun?
These come in size 8
silver and black
blue with black straps
Or ebay is your friend for a huge choice of new size 6 dresses, i picked these but have a browse
lipsy split skirt
peacock
backless

hattifattner · 08/04/2012 10:06

have a look here

I was looking through this site last night at prom dresses - but many of them were much too sophisticated for a 16 year old. Prices are good too. Look at mother of bride section as well, and homecoming.

hattifattner · 08/04/2012 10:11

formal do dresses

Lostinsuffolk · 08/04/2012 10:18

I have the one shoulder coast dress, it's a great dress...so comfy. Would recommend coast first every time.

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