When, where and what to buy for posh wedding in December?

[TickledOnion]

BIL is getting married in December. They are having a big wedding and I think the dress code is black tie for men, evening dress for women.

What sort of shops should I go to and when should I start looking? Is the winter stuff in yet? I'm thinking of spending about £200 on dress, shoes and accessories (or less if I can get away with it).

I'm 5ft3, curvy size 12 and I need to wear a proper bra so no strapless or strappy dresses.

Any ideas please or is it too early? TIA.

I'd leave it a couple of weeks ad then talk to the personal shoppers at John Lewis. December should be easy as all the party stuff is in stock.

Can you wear black?

This is nice

It could well be worth trawling the sales now as there won't be any more until after Christmas... this for example...

I can wear black but not a fishtail dress. My hips and bum are too large in proportion to the rest of me.
I think I will take your advice Crutchlow and wait a few weeks then book a personal shopping appointment at house of Fraser.

How about this? (I so want it myself but cant think when I'd ever wear it)

I posted this a while ago, but have still not found anything. Can anyone help please?
I'm a winter, so can wear black and strong jewel colours but not nude, peach, yellow etc
Nothing strapless as I need a proper bra. I'm somewhere between an hourglass and a pear, with a tummy.
Thanks.

How about something like this?

Ooh, long

I like the pink one tethers but not sure about long sleeves (I get really hot) or the high price.
I've been looking for a patterned or embellished dresses and I think it's because I'm not good at accessorizing and that seems to make it easier.
What do you wear with a dress that is all one colour?

toning colours?
how are you with bright blue?

www.coast-stores.com/lori-lee-maxi-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2213151415 any good?

do you want long?

Phase Eight have some gorgeous dresses.

Try alexon as they're quite flattering.

loads on Lk bennet

I like those coast dresses. Not sure I'm tall enough for a long dress. I like some of the phase8 too. Lots of lace around which I'm surprised that I like. Lkbennett was a bit expensive and alexon looked a bit old for me? Anywhere else I should try?

Coast have some beautiful dresses in, I saw some today that I thought 'oh I wish I had a party' (I don't ).

lk bennet

do you want straight shape? or skater? v neck or high neck? lace or sparkle? detail please

yes but buy lk on ebay after wards.
I have the coast olivia dress and was happy in it at a works do

Aaah too many questions.
Skater doesn't seem to suit me as the waist is to high I think. Nothing to slinky or bodycon as I am quite lumpy.
No real preference on neck as long as its not too low.
No preference on lace or sparkle.
Strong darkish colours look good but I don't want black and the bridesmaids are wearing purpley aubergine.
Thanks for taking the time to look for me.

any good?

too slinky ?

A friend bought this for a black tie wedding and looked stunning. Height and size same as you but shape slightly different perhaps. Still with good underwear it could be great. Accessorise with nail s and clutch in a deep jewel colour, maybe fuschia or emerald.

That Reiss dress is gorgeous and a great material if you don't want clingy.

i like both of those

are we ok with ARMS? op?

How about this from Jigsaw. You could make it look more evening-y with some sparkly jewellery

This and this are both lovely, and this would give you some cover if you felt you needed it.

Good luck

Last one I promise... this?