Going out dress - huge norks but very short!

[Nebbiolo]

Help me, please!

I never wear dresses because I think they make me look like Hinge and Bracket. I need a cocktail-y dress but am really struggling. I'm a size 10 skirt, possibly an 8, but at least a 12 top (G cup) and am only five foot tall. Pepperberry fit ok but are too long. I'd prefer something just above the knee, (slightly) fitted waist, possibly with a sleeve, preferably dark in colour. My legs, arms and décolleté (!) are quite presentable. And I'm 50.

I haven't worn a dress since I got married (early 90s) and I'm frightened of them! Please rescue me.

Have been looking around - what do people think? I'm quite happy to pay more but the petite ranges all seem to be around a particular price point.

Sensible, normal person length so probably too long
Ditto, but I like the no-sleeves-and-a-bit-of-cleavage
Would probably be just above my knee
Right length, a bit sensible
Quite like this one, not sure for a 50-year-old
Quite like this one too

In normal life, I'd like to be Chrissie Hynde or Charlotte Gainsbourg. Don't know what they'd wear to a smart no-jeans party though.

Thank you!

Fourth link doesn't work - second attempt.

Right length, a bit sensible

I've got a few nice dresses from Closet and the length has been fine one me - 5'1 and not small chested.

I got this dress from there and absolutely adore it, it's incredibly flattering over the tummy and sits just around the knee.

I love the second one you linked too, you could wear it for many occasions in future and dress it differently with statement/delicate jewellery or a bright/metallic clutch bag

the second one too

Thank you - that Closet dress is lovely. I really like the second one too but it wouldn't be possible to re-hem it and I'm not good enough at sewing to take the skirt up via the waist.

Out of the ones you linked to, I prefer the miss selfridge one.

Also:

Paper Dolls

bargain

Thank you - I love the first one but am a bit concerned about my massive boobs escaping from captivity in the second one - not sure how to hide the vast amount of structural engineering required to keep things civilised. Maybe I'll also need to find a strapless bra with enough underpinning and scaffolding...

Try St Bustier, really lovely stuff for the big of boob but it is quite pricey