Feeling crap but need an outfit for works Christmas do.

[riceonabicycle]

This is S&B not relationships but I've had a crap year and I'm feeling lousy about myself in every respect. I haven't been out in the evening in more than 6 months.

I've committed to going to our Christmas outing for a meal and drinks in a smart bar afterwards.

The thought of dressing up to go out fills me with fear and self loathing. I have no idea what to wear, I want to look smart, no jeans but not like I've made too much effort, full on cocktail dresses would be too much. I wear shift dresses and wrap dresses to work so a departure from that.

I'm 5ft tall, size 10-12, typical hour glass figure but feel flabby and very self conscious. I would want to cover up but an above the knee skirt or lower cut top is ok. The oft seen MN suggestion of skinny jeans and sparkly or floaty top just makes me look fat.
I'm late 30s, HoC Summer if that helps? Could spend up to £400.
I've got some shoes and separates that could go with other things or I could just buy a whole new outfit.

Help!

Sounds like you need something amazing to put a little spring back into your step

I’m not sure what you mean by covered up if you happy to show cleavage and leg but this it short and has an illusion panel at the top and also a little sleeve. You could team it with some opaque tights, ankle boots or heels depending on the look you wanted.

www.frenchconnection.com/product/Woman+Collections+Dresses/71EPL/Cosmic+Beam+Sequin+Dress.htm

Or is it too sparkly?

If you want something less sparkly what about this? It is a little over budget but I think the leather would help with any flab worries that you have as it is pretty structured.

www.reiss.com/p/embellished-leather-dress-womens-leaf-in-black/?category_id=1121

This one is no bling at all and a really nice shape.

www.karenmillen.com/velvet-floral-appliqué-dress/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/01469693

Thanks for replying.

I am tempted by a sequined dress though a plain one but you've started me off on two good trains of thought so thank you; sequins and French Connection, I hadn't thought to look there.

I do like the leather one but I'm feeling chubby and £450 is a lot of money to spend to look like a black pudding

The Karen Millen would make me look wenchy. Think this www.bing.com/videos/search?q=eurovision+song+contest+poland+2014&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=E8BF539D07BE0300C71DE8BF539D07BE0300C71D

Hi op if you like the leather try warehouse for a more affordable dress they have some lovely leather/ faux leather shift type dresses at the moment. Could dress it down to wear again afterwards with a chunky knit over the top.

m.fashion.warehouse.co.uk/search?p=R&srid=S13-UKLD03&lbc=warehouse&w=Leather%20dress&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.warehouse.co.uk%2f%2f%2fwarehouse%2ffcp-product%2f02388977&rk=1&uid=73356698&sid=2&ts=custom&rsc=6gqPbLRWdFiJUNNA&method=and&isort=score&view=grid&country=IE

m.fashion.warehouse.co.uk/search?p=R&srid=S13-UKLD03&lbc=warehouse&w=Leather%20dress&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.warehouse.co.uk%2f%2f%2fwarehouse%2ffcp-product%2f02388977&rk=1&uid=73356698&sid=2&ts=custom&rsc=6gqPbLRWdFiJUNNA&method=and&isort=score&view=grid&country=IE

Oh dear first time linking think I put the same link in twice but there is a nice studded leather shift on there too

maybe a bit dressy?
dress up or down
jumpsuit?

How about a jumpsuit?

Something like this from Phase Eight?

I bought one 4 or 5 years ago, and it's my go-to outfit and is easy to dress up with a nice jacket & high heels, and dress down with low heels & a leather biker jacket.

Snap hellsbells

Are you daring enough to wear something like THIS??
or this
This is nice
could be very flattering

Thank you everyone.

two I think probably no to a leather dress because I'd look like a black pudding or at least I'd feel like a sausage because I'm feeling chubby.

hellsbells yes the first one is too dressy but I do like the idea of having a cape attached in case someone put out the batsignal on my night out
The second one I would make it look mumsy.

Because I am very short it could be difficult to find a jumpsuit in my petite leg length and I've found that a look like a toddler in all in one anything.

hellsbells I'm daring enough to wear the black lacy dress but again because I'm so short the lace bit would be the wrong length and look like curtains.
The zigzag dress would be the wrong length for the same reasons.
I like the last one you posted by Needle and Thread, I agree it would be flattering. I like it but I don't love it.

Where do you usually like? What are your feelings on sleeve length?

How about a leather pencil skirt, heels and a silk top? Sometimes separates are easier than dresses.

Velvet if you can get away with a strapless bra.

Lace

Gorgeous

Love this

For work I usually shop in L K Bennett, Hobbs, Jigsaw sometimes Banana Republic, Jaeger, Reiss, White Stuff and Boden.
My work style is classic and formal.

For outside of work anywhere I can get jeans that are my leg length and fit, I have a much small waist than hips, I live in jeans. Outside of work tops from Gap, Banana Republic, Jigsaw, Fat Face and anywhere I see something I like really.

Before I started this thread I had seen and liked this

www.reiss.com/p/wrap-dress-womens-sydney-in-night-navy/?category_id=1121

but it's too much like something I would wear to work so I am thinking about buying it for work!

As it's been so long since I've been out I've forgotten how to dress up, some of my male colleagues will probably be in smart jeans, shirts and jumpers, others will wear suits, so I don't want to look like a wedding guest while they are smart-casual. But I do want to look nice.

My confidence is shattered so while I want people to notice me and think I look nice I also want to hide behind a post somewhere!

Remus I love the shape of the velvet dress.
I also like the second Mint Velvet dress.
The Alice Temperley one is gorgeous, you are right but I think it would be knee length on me.
The Whistles one would be below the knee which would make it the wrong length too.

Maybe I should fashion something from bin bags and be done with it?

Thank you for your patience, please keep suggesting if you come up with anything else.

smaller not small

No worries rice French connection has loads of great party wear. I think something slightly shorter - like that sequinned one I linked to - always looks less formal than a midi. Especially if you wore it with ankle boots rather than heels

That reiss dress you’ve linked is lovely but I’d agree with you that it is more workwear.

Haha I love your link re the Karen Millen dress!
What about this instead? Better shape?

www.karenmillen.com/embroidered-floral-dress/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/01455171

Kate I like that very much.

Any thoughts on this? Too plain, maybe?

www.karenmillen.com/tie-neck-detail-jacquard-dress/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/01475194

This is nice another work one

www.karenmillen.com/pintuck-detail-contrast-dress/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/01456640

Is this too plain? Too boxy?

www.reiss.com/p/jacquard-fit-and-flare-dress-womens-tinsel-in-berry/?category_id=1121

I love this on! Sexy but relaxed. And brilliant price. Loads of different colours too x

m.topshop.com/h5/product?productId=18724084

Love the first rice

Second is great but definitely workwear as id say possibly the third one is too? I think it is too meh for a night out unless you wore it without tights, killer heels and a statement necklace

I like this too - a little plainer with still some nice detail.

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/LORENNE-Lace-detail-dress-Black/p/122957-00-BLACK

I’m currently fulfilling all my shopping fantasies by browsing for you!

Could anyone fail to feel a bit fabulous in VW?

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/product/Vivienne-Westwood-Anglomania/Star-taffeta-and-satin-dress/533933

No clue what the sizes mean though sorry!

That dress is certainly fabulous bringme but probably a bit too glamorous for this evening out.

Kate that Ted Baker one is lovely, I think I need to get out and do some trying on.
I think you're right about the three I linked to above, I know what you mean about the third one, it's not something that I could wear to work, the bare shoulders would be a no-no but it is plain I guess.

Do feel free to keep looking, I need all the help I can get!

But, but.... It's Christmas! And a smart bar! And, with your budget you could afford to get it fitted to perfection... Just sayin' [santa]

I know bringme and you are absolutely right, I'm just feeling self conscious.

You can pull off Vivienne no problem! Imagine, a dress tailored just for you and such a bargain... Please just order it to try. For me! I have NO need for such fripperies in the tropics so I can live a Christmas do through you. It's an act of charity really...

That VW is lovely!
I'm in town today so will keep an eye out

Don't like that particular VW one, although I agree that a Viv dress would be perfect.