Budding stylists, please style me for awards ceremony!

[Indulgingmum]

I have to attend an awards ceremony with my Daughter at our local University. She is receiving a prize for academic excellence. It says on the invite Sunday Smart dress code. I haven't a clue what to wear. I'm a size 18 apple shape and have a budget of £60 for outfit. Will pay extra for the shoes. Please help. All suggestions welcome. X

Unhelpful, but I misread your title and found this on googling:

No chance you are actually a Buddhist?

PMSL. My daughter is 14. She is embaressed that I even breathe! I think if I wore that it would finish her off lol.

Belly Bump

Same size and shape as me then!
I've found Phase Eight quite good for smarter events, usually a wrap type dress. TK Maxx can have some good bargains, you just need to be lucky.
If you're happier in trousers, I found lovely stretch brocade ones in Monsoon, had to size down. But they were £50, so you'd need to already own a suitable top/ jacket to stay within your budget. Are you able to get to a decent shopping centre or does it have to be online?
Congratulations to your daughter, you must be very proud!

Thanks delphiniumBlue, yea gonna go into Belfast on Monday and see what I can find. There is a phase eight there so I will go and Try on a few things. I think I'd predate a dress or skirt and top.

Some Phase Eight dresses in the sale at House of Fraser at the moment

thanks cathyandclaire, i can see some really lovely ones on there. x

Love this, slimming elegant and on budget.

Eliza j dresses are very well made

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+Cap+sleeve+sequin+waist+gown/205682655,default,pd.html

I wore one for my recent wedding

Nice with navy jacket ,shoes etc

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl

This would be perfect

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+cuff+sleeve+dress+with+pleated+skirt/198933832,default,pd.html

This is fabulous too and only £32

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+sleeve+ruched+waist+dress/193588747,default,pd.html

They have it in an 18 I didn't. Heck the other sizes

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Eliza+J+3/4+sleeve+ruched+waist+dress/193958578,default,pd.html

Same style in black,slightly dearer it has your size

Very pretty

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl#www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&prefn2=Size&prefv2=18&prefn3=Style&prefv3=Fit%20%26%20Flare%20Dress&fix&spcl&ajaxsearchrefinement&brandTab=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&sz=300&spcl#www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dresses/S301,default,sc.html?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Eliza%20J&prefn2=Size&prefv2=18&prefn3=Style&prefv3=Fit%20%26%20Flare%20Dress&fix&spcl&ajaxsearchrefinement&brandTab=0

Your size in it as well

Racy red .would accessorise lovely

www.coast-stores.com/p/jimena-textured-dress/1448958?locale=en

Anything like this. Several colours

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Trollied+Dolly+Royally+Retro+Dress/227785762,default,pd.html

Looks elegant

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Jolie+Moi+Two+Tone+Lace+50s+Dress/223342156,default,pd.html