Dumpy goes to Monte Carlo

[TheFowlAndThePussycat]

Please help S&B, I'm new here and out of my depth!

DH & I have been invited by the company he works for to a swanky industry do in Monte Carlo. So far so fabulous, this is a first for us - never done anything like this before - very excited.

However.... what the hell am I going to wear? The dress code is full length evening/cocktail dress. I don't even know what that means - to me a cocktail dress is short, does the '/' mean either full-length or cocktail or is there such a thing as a full-length cocktail dress?

I'm 5'6 and a size 18, I tend to wear knee-length dresses, longer makes me look even shorter than I am and distinctly dumpy. (Ok, I am dumpy, but there's no need for me to emphasise that!)

Given the location and the industry (high tech) there are bound to be some very expensive frocks there, unfortunately we don't have £££££s.

I think my best outcome is to not stick out by either wearing something 'striking' or cheap looking! I'm looking for blends-in rather than turns-heads

It's not much to ask is it? Can anyone help? Please?....

have you tried ebay? It's definitely formal wear

How long will you be gone for? If it's a short trip consider hiring a designer dress.

what shape are you? there are a few dresses on asos curve that could pass as cocktail dresses like this here

Thanks for the replies.

I actually bought that exact dress yesterday peas!

I would be happiest in something like that, but I'm worried that it wouldn't be formal/special enough.

We'll probably be gone a couple of nights, possibly only one. What sort of places hire designer dresses? Do they make designer dresses in my size? Sounds interesting.

Oh and on a good day I would describe my figure as hourglass.

Bump?

You can hire from Girl Meets Dress, I've never used it and not sure what size it goes up to. The Outnet sometimes has lovely things massively reduced, although generally still quite expensive.

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/product/Notte-by-Marchesa/Pleated-silk-satin-and-crepe-dress/451227

I was in TK Maxx to day and they had formal dresses that were glamorous and inexpensive. I would go try on -- take it with me and only remove tags if you decide o wear it that evening.

Also if it says full length I would wear full length.

Or see if you can call an assistant and ask for clarification of the dress code.

I think this Coast one is quite 'blend in'

www.coast-stores.com/kimley-dress/all-dresses/coast/fcp-product/1359880

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.coast-stores.com/mona-maxi-dress/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/20120www.coast-stores.com/mona-maxi-dress/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/20120" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.coast-stores.com/mona-maxi-dress/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/20120www.coast-stores.com/mona-maxi-dress/maxi-dresses/coast/fcp-product/20120

I think the invitation means that either a long or short dress is ok so long as it's formal/classy.

www.coast-stores.com/mikaela-dress/sale-dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143440820

Ok I may have undersold what I can afford, I could stretch to £150 - but I am assuming that there will be plenty of women there in designer frocks that cost thousands.

It is a good idea to call & clarify, I will do that in the morning.

Is this a bit fussy? Not sure about the bow at the back.

Oh that's nice.

I like this one too its got a sort of 1940s vibe - but might be a bit mumsy on me...

I love that one! The one from HOF I mean, the Eliza.

Thanks for the help everyone, I've got a few options there.