I desperately need help, 5 weeks to find a dress, serious challenge for anyone wishing to test their stylish abilities to the limits!

[poachedeggs]

I'm 5'3", size 20 (dreadful apple belly + c-section overhang :(), and 31. I need to wear a demure, conservative dress to a daytime party in August. I will also require a hat, clutch bag and wedges. I would like to avoid the sack-of-spuds look, the borrowed-it-from-my-gran look and the bought-it-in-the-Millets-sale look, if possible.

Oh, and one other significant point. I am utterly totally skint. The whole outfit should ideally be less than £100. This has me looking at v cheap places like BonPrix and La Redoute :(

Please help me out, I am desperate.

If you decide to go for one of the 50's ish dresses and want a petticoat under it (not essential but fab), ebay is the place to buy. Much cheaper.

Will you let us know what you go for?

Oh! Fair You are much better than me at this!

OK so I haven't had much time to myself today and I need to go to bed now but top contenders are the green and black print Phase Eight wrap affair, the 50s ones (LOVE them), the mocha floral one (DP?) and another which escapes me but can't check as am posting from phone. Tempted to get those fab chunky blank platformed wedges and build an outfit around them!

I will let you know how I get on, and thanks again for the wisdom and help :)

I love Fair's outfit2.

You will send us the links when you have decided, OP?

Loved it also but suspect jersey will be unforgiving of my big baggy belly. Also reviews say it is small sizes. Hell, I might order it anyway though ...

Yes will let you know what I come up with :)

Lady V dresses arrived today, cannot believe the value! Lovely prints and so much fabric. I need a better bra as there seems to be a minimising effect going on but I love the palm print one. A work colleague has a black pill box hat I can borrow too,and although I'll need shoes I also have some black patent heels which will also look great with it so it will have a lifespan.

Thank you all so much (especially Procrastination for introducing me to Lady V - I've told all my friends!) - I feel much less dread :)

A mock wrap dress would be fabulous. I"ve a great black one from Coast which was about £85 but SimplyBe do another very similar one for about £45 (with built in tummy control!!!). I dress up the black with funky animal print shoes and bag and with a bit of statement jewelry it could look fab.

As people have already said the 50s look could work very well also. A fitted waist and full skirt would be great. Instead of a fascinator or hat, why not try a decorated hairband. Accessorize and Claires have some lovely ones.

Let us know how you get on.

Wonderful!

So, which dress are you going with? Let us know if you need any help with headgear / bag and the like...

It sounds like you might need a balconette bra, maybe?

Sorry, you can borrow a black pillbox. Perfect!

Yes, definitely need moulded cups too!

I've just started another thread looking for a jacket. I'm sure it'll be freezing so something to cover my arms would be good. I fancy a short blazer but not sure it'd go?

That nice envelope clutch is out of stock but Matalan have a similar one for £8 :) so now all I need are wide fitting shoes. New Look here I come!