Hen do/wedding outfits HELP!!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I have a hen do and subsequent wedding to go to in June. It's been 4 years since I last attended a wedding and that was MY OWN!!!! So 4 years, 2 children and very few recent social occasions later, I have no idea what to wear for either occasion or what might suit me. I live in jeans and tops day to day and I'll always try to get away with smart jeans and a top if I ever go out never these days, 6 month old DD sees to that.

So I would love a few suggestions from the wise folk of mumsnet! I'm 5ft, size 8/10, smallish bust, belly is a bit flabby from two babies and I'd prefer not to have my upper arms on show. Any thoughts? Oh I'm 36 and clueless if that makes any difference!

This is a nice dress for a wedding
www.oasis-stores.com/longer-length-v-neck-lace-skater/dresses/oasis/fcp-product/3770047930

What kind of venue is the hen do in?

What's your budget?

Maybe £50 for hen do, up to £100 for wedding. Would have to include shoes for that though - might have to be cheap shoes!

Hen do is standard fare. Activity in the afternoon, meal and city centre night out. I wouldn't even know what's fashionable these days so any help much appreciated!

Would you consider second hand? Ebay is a winner if you do. Also don't feel guilty if you spend a little on sown thing special as you can get quite a bit back on eBay if you sell it after wearing then cleaning. Items sell for lots more if you have the "catalogue" photos so be sure to copy them from the web when you get home. Brands that sell well and that are ideal for wedding in my opinion are phase eight, reiss, Lk Bennett, Karen Millen. Appreciate these are a bit out of budget but you can get these lovely dresses for less than your budget on eBay, can even get new without tags etc...

you sounds like you've got a lovely figure. this is nice, hides your arms and would skim down you:
www.oasis-stores.com/jasmin-bird-t-shirt-dress/dresses/oasis/fcp-product/5412100

also i think that maxi dresses are always classy and navy is a luxe colour:
www.oasis-stores.com/jasmin-bird-t-shirt-dress/dresses/oasis/fcp-product/5412100

karen millen is a winner if you can stretch to it. This is great:
www.karenmillen.com/graphic-stripe-shift-dress/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/103DV26440

Thanks di I hadn't thought of eBay. I'm reluctant though because I'm such a shorty that sizes are often a problem. So something returnable is a must really. Most likely I'll be buying online as clothes shopping with baby and toddler just ain't happening! Will check out those brands though.

Thanks for the suggestions chocolate I think the oasis dress will be too long but I've seen some others in a similar style that look lovely. Is the maxi dress from Oasis too? You've posted the same link twice. I've never even thought of wearing a maxi cause of my height! Won't I be swamped?

Duh! Sorry getting my dress link mixed up! chocolate that one is lovely. Not something I'd have picked out but might just try it!

squiz thanks for the suggestion, might see if they do a shorter version.

Sorry I've missed the link and now I can't find it again! Doh!

How about this one? It's in a petite length as well.
www.asos.com/Jarlo-Petite/Jarlo-Petite-Delilah-Grecian-Lace-Insert-Maxi-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4683330&cid=8350&Rf981=3680&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Navy&totalstyles=40&gridsize=3