Petite ball gowns?

[MackerelOfFact]

Argh, help! I have a work 'do' in just under 2 weeks, and it transpires that I need some kind of ball gown. Problem is, I'm just shy of 5ft 2in and anything vaguely nice flippin' drowns me.

I don't like bling (sequins, diamantes, studs, beads), would prefer something black, and would ideally like to cover my arms. But really I just want something that doesn't make me look like I'm a 5-year-old playing dress up.

I'm a size 10/12 but have 34H(ish) norks. Have tried Debenhams, Coast, TKMaxx etc and no joy. I've recently lost about 3 stone and was so looking forward to dress shopping, but it's turned into a nightmare. :(

This is a really difficult one, I am also miniature and often just buy a dress from non petite range and then get seamstress to alter it.
m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Minuet+Petite+Silk+maxi+dress/174971884,default,pd.html
Is that the kind of thing you mean, as it sounds like you want plain black?

I also think this is very classy and will be flattering rather than the typical a line skirt on a ball gown which tends to drown petite people
m.houseoffraser.co.uk/Minuet+Petite+Black+pleat+detail+maxi+dress/170702241,default,pd.html

I like both of those, crazyaccountant - I think I need to get myself to a House of Fraser!

I was thinking about possibly getting something altered if I found something I loved and was just too long, but I haven't even managed that yet. How long does that usually take?

Just depends really, the one I use gets very busy so can take up to a week and some styles/fabrics adjust better than others. May be worth you trying those two on as an off the peg item might be easier as you are up against the clock a bit!
If I see any others I will link them here!

I'm 5'3 and had a lovely midnight blue dress from minuet at house of Fraser.

I definitely need to find a House of Fraser then by the looks of things. Looks like someone's braving Westfield tomorrow...

I'm 5' and it's such a faff! I agree that getting a too long/big dress is a good option. Have you thought of a 50s style prom dress? I'm on my phone but I'll get on the laptop after tea and look on my usual websites to see if there's anything suitable :)

So I went shopping today and bought this which comes kind of mid-calf on me. I'm not going to get it altered as I quite like where it sits, even though it's not quite where it sits on the model!

I'm a tad worried that it's not really 'evening' enough but I feel good in it. I'm not exactly the most glam person ever. Just got to accessorise it now and hope I don't change my mind...!