I need to look KNOCKOUT!

[HappyGirlNow]

Help please!

I have an event coming up that (for reasons I won't go into here) I need to look AMAZING! It's a party but not at an overly glamorous location.

I have quite fixed ideas of what I'd like - cream, white or gold (or possibly red) knee length fitted dress (bodycon?) preferably sleeveless and with a bit of cleavage and/or back in show.. Not work type material but not too sparkly.. Unsurprisingly, with such tight requirements, I'm having difficulty finding this - can anyone help please? TIA

I also like the Westwood best and Dexavia is spot on about keeping it classy. Red is va-va-voom enough on it's own - it doesn't need to be short/low/tight/strapless/sparkly as well. I think if you go for a more conservative colour you might get away with a bit more sexiness but, given the context, the last thing you want is to look like you've tried too hard.

I'm not at all sure about cream - too bridal in this particular situation, although I do like the Donna Karan and the Helmut Lang.

I hope it goes well and remember that his ex will be just as nervous as you!

Thanks Poly - I do have some lovely accessories I could use..

And thanks Flo - definitely don't want to look like I've tried too hard - it's a difficult balance to get right! And you're right - she probably does feel the same as me..

Wow! That first dress remus linked to is seriously classy.

I'd recommend you keep your assets covered :)

Thanks Cauli

Folks, thanks to all of you for your help. Big big thanks to Remus..

I BOUGHT THE WESTWOOD YAY!!!!!!!!!

I'm SO excited for you! I hope it makes you feel amazing :)

Thanks Cauli

and have a as you get ready... but only the one...

Ha yes deXavia - a little glass should help!

oooh lovely I'm so jealous!

Enjoy your night. You'll look amazing.

Good choice. Enjoy.

Hurray! Now go and enjoy the party, knowing that whatever happens, you have a fabulous dress that you can wear again and again.

Please come back and tell us how it goes. Living vicariously, me?

Good call! It's a stunning dress, hope it makes you feel fabulous!

Thanks all Hopefully it'll fit well when it comes - I shall update!

Yay! I am v v jealous. Hope you love it.

If it is not ideal, try the pied a terre slinky knot dress.

Very classy and sexy too

Dress no good It just doesn't sit right on me.. Think it's a little small below the waist but a bigger size would be far too big at waist and above... Ah well, back to the drawing board...

Don't suppose you're a 12? This Versace dress looks gorgeous! My friend wanted it but is a small 10.

It's not you OP those Anglomania dresses are cut badly. I've not seen anyone wear one that didn't look saggy, pouchy & crumpled. It doesn't even hang well on the model...

What about this red Joseph dress? (I don't know how tall you are, it could come up knee length if you're petite, does it have to be knee length?)

You say you wear midnight: MaxMara

You definitely wouldn't do an LBD? Joseph (Also comes in pink).

This is a bit over budget but comes in both red & cream:Goat

Not sure about the darts under the bust though, potentially could look odd.

Too Worky?

This?

If you like the Westwood, how about getting the larger size and taking it to a seamstress / tailor to get it fitted?

It will add maybe an extra £30 ish quid depending on the amount of work but you'll end up with a dress that fits perfectly.

I have to do this with most of my dresses (as am a midget with big boobs) and a perfect fit really makes a big difference to how classy a dress looks.

If the location/occasion is not very glam and you go dressed up to the nines in a red dress and the ex wife wears perfect-fit jeans, a white shirt, expensive jewellery and a pair of great high heeled shoes/boots you might look/feel a bit overdone.

Conversely if she overdresses and you go understated and classy you may find you have the sartorial upper hand…just a thought.

The whole outfit styling on this or this or even this might give you some ideas.

Thanks Koala but I'm a 10.

Thank you too Twinkle and Waltermittymissus but those dresses aren't quite right for me..

sugar - not confident enough I'd love it and if I alter it I can't return it and it's a lot of money..

Fauxfox that had crossed my mind but don't want to be underdressed either and I think most women will be reasonably dressy.. But I don't want to look like I've tried too hard. Actually your photos have made me think. LOVE the Cavalli top even though it's black and obviously I couldn't afford it.. but I do have a gorgeous pair of high-waisted wide leg cream trousers from Zara than I've never worn.. I'll maybe try styling them....anyone seen any amazing fitted tops possibly strapless??