Mission impossible? One dress. Two events

[Tillyscoutsmum]

I have a graduation ball and a wedding to attend a week apart. Finances are tight so I'd ideally like to get a dress that will work for both occasions without being over/under dressed.

I'm 40. About a size 12 (but quite "booby"). Pretty much hourglass but with a wobbly/curvier than I'd like stomach area. I need to be able to wear a strapped bra and don't like showing my back too much.

Any ideas please?

What's your budget?

Hi Tethers. Was hoping you'd turn up

Errrrmm. £200 max. Less if possible

Ok, I'll have a look.

Let's start at the cheaper end h&m

What length hem/sleeve?

That grey dress is gorgeous - would look awful on my norks though, sadly.

Tilly - what colours/styles do you like?

another drapey one

I like the draping on that. I'm not sure about the neckline. Might make me look a bit matronly (36FF ).

Don't mind hemline. Legs are ok but wouldn't want to go arse skimmingly short. Probably short sleeves or sleeveless (but thick straps). It's mid July so thinking/hoping long sleeves will be too warm

Ooh Tethers Look what I just found, inspired by your H&M link.

look at pied a terre in House of fraser

structured

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Pied+a+Terre+Women+Dresses/BRAND_PIED%20A%20TERRE_301,default,sc.html

Ooh, spot on, Remus... h&M have some good stuff ATM. I want this for work, but all sold out in my size...

What size do you need? Will have a look next time I'm in Brum.

Not keen on the colour of the outnet drapey one. Nude/blush just makes me look... Meh.

Quite like this Not sure whether the draping might miss the crucial tum area though Will have to try on

i have one from there from last year - was good quality jersey, i will look for it
I like the cowl back one but obv not for you

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Pied+a+Terre+cowl+back+dress/213538690,default,pd.html

Yes. I like that one but the back is a no go. Also not sure about black for a wedding. I've worn it before with coloured/monochrome accessories, but the bride is a bit of an easily offended arse

gah - she needs to wise up

I like the navy one, Tilly.

Would you do full length? This is gorgeous.

Yes. Would do full length. I still have an Anglomania drape dress from yonks ago. Loved it. At the risk of being really awkward, I'm not massively keen on the colour. Bit "neutral" still.

Shame- it comes in cerise too, but only an xsmall left...

How about something like this?

Hmmmm. Not "ball-y" enough maybe? I like it for the wedding though.

I like this Over budget and only in a size 4 though (who the fuck is a size 4??!)

Thanks for all the help btw. Will head to HoF and Reiss and do some trying on

Love this

I'm toying with this skirt for a wedding, with a draped black silk top.

I like that. Would have to see how the print looks on me (plain tends to do me more favours) but definitely worth a go.

Can't see which skirt it is. A skirt could be a possibility though. I have a coast black drapey top.

What do you think of this I have no idea what 'clever' fabric is though