Help! Old, fat lady going to a hunt ball

[MovingSouth]

Hi all

As the title says, I need to find something to wear next weekend at a hunt ball. I have a great DVF dress from about 10 years ago but it's very cut away at the arms and arms are super flabby at the moment. It is jade green.

I am 5'8", 49, 14 top, 16-18 hips - very out of shape compared to usual due to stress, long travel for work, bunch of stuff not worth talking about. Dress is a 14 but has a v flared skirt so just about fits but looks crap. I want to go and not be super self-conscious about what I am wearing.

Apparently hunt balls are v colourful affairs so might stay away from black. I am fine w embellishment within limits. Not super sensitive about budget but given I am larger than usual would rather not spend some astronomical sum.

WOuld really appreciate any help. Looked at phase 8, outnet, couple of other places and not been inspired. WIll have to be ordered on line as no time to go shopping.

OP, 49 isn't old and your height and dress size is not fat!

But anyway, how about a wide legged jumpsuit? You can get some very nice ones which I think are formal enough for a ball, but then I never pay all that much attention to dress codes anyway - within reason obviously. I would have a look in Whistles, Hobbs, Reiss and House of Fraser.

There's some lovely things online, try the "pretty eccentric" website for lace overlay / embellished dresses, their boutique is in Brighton and really lovely although some of the styles a seem to be only available up to a 14. If you don't mind a bit of a fifties vibe there's some nice dresses at "collectif" and on the John Lewis website you can search for "fit and flare" dresses - some nice ones by kaleidoscope? Chi chi London is another web site with lots of flared skirt / prom type options, there's a lot on there but there are a few with 3/4 sleeves if that's a style you like. And yes you don't sound old or fat!! Hope you have a lovely time xx

Have you looked - properly - at Matches, Net-a-Porter, Browns, who will all have something left in their sales? Or at Outnet?

Wrong colours?

Size 16 (US 12) still available. How long would you need the sleeves to be?

Please don't wear a fucking jumpsuit to a hunt ball

Which hunt? Black tie or white tie?

(Sorry, missed Outnet in your OP!)

Make a statement, go artfully splattered in fake blood as a zombie fox. Dare you.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Kaliko+Lace+top+maxi+dress/229605358,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Chi+Chi+London+Floral+Embroidered+Maxi+Dress/226903668,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Chi+Chi+London+Embellished+Embroidered+Maxi+Dress/237875179,default,pd.html

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Gina+Bacconi+Long+corded+disc+lace+wrap+dress/236449234,default,pd.html

www.justlastseason.co.uk/belted-lace-maxi/010036493.html?cgid=JLS_DressesMaxiDresses&dwvar_010036493_color=0240

www.justlastseason.co.uk/amethyst-chiffon-beaded-gown/010037855.html?cgid=JLS_DressesDresseswithSleeves&dwvar_010037855_color=0330

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Chesca+Matt+Crepe+Chiffon+Flounce+Trim+Dress/232326573,default,pd.html

One more... www.asos.com/asos/asos-cowl-back-crepe-maxi-dress/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4790881&clr=Navy&SearchQuery=dress+with+sleeves&pgesize=8&pge=0&totalstyles=8&gridsize=3&gridrow=2&gridcolumn=2

Is it white tie (i.e. long) or could you do cocktail?

How about this from Hobbs:

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0215-5710-3697L00&productvarid=0215-5710-3697L00-PLUM-12&refpage=dresses

Or this?

www.johnlewis.com/l-k-bennett-quinny-maxi-dress-gold/p2253279

Can you just wear a lace shrug to match your green dress? Spend the money on a hairdo and accesories/ undergarments and you will feel the part.

Having said that some of Diddly's dresses are lovely!

the Quorn Hunt last weekend

Please don't wear a fucking jumpsuit to a hunt ball

I've seen them at formal events and they look quite cool - honest! Understated and chic. Some of the dresses you see at these things just look so uncomfortable! All shiny and tight-fitting - not for me. Some people look great in them obviously and enjoy wearing them but I don't really like them myself.

I really like the Hobbs one Keely79 suggested, though depends on how you feel about short sleeves.

Go as a fox

You absolutely can't wear a jumpsuit to a hunt ball. But I'm guessing the op already knows that.

"You absolutely can't wear a jumpsuit to a hunt ball"

Meh fair enough, if you say so.

"Apparently hunt balls are v colourful affairs so might stay away from black"

OP, I'm just wondering where you heard this. I've just been doing some googling (what? It's nap time chez Priggsbottom and this is more interesting than tv, and I can't afford to shop for myself atm so am living vicariously). Anyway, a few sites say most ladies at hunt balls stick to black and white gowns). Not that I think you should have to, but then it seems I am not to be trusted with sticking to dress codes (sigh).

www.what2wearwhere.com/2013/10/the-hunt-ball/

www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?115908-Hunt-Ball-Attire

Someone please correct me / these sites if they're nonsense. Am genuinely interested to know.

Just noticed both those sites are American so maybe they have different 'rules'.

I've never seen anyone at a hunt ball in a white dress. You'd look like a bride. Or big fat gypsy weddings.

White tie - floor length, straps, not too booby.

Black tie - at LEAST knee length (not above), cocktail type dresses ok.

Wow! I work my socks off all day in the office and look what I come home to thank you! Toomuch you are hilarious, but I am not that brave. I am also not brave enough for white.

Ladyprigsbottom (great nick!) I notice that but think it is diff in US as my friend who is a member of this hunt and a couple of threads I found in 'horse and hound' (if my 18 year old self could read this she'd probably be stabbing herself right now) said colour is the thing. I think US may do it differently.

Gruac I love that DVF one I might have to try that. And diddleydokey wow! Thank you for all that work. I like the Gina baconni red one and the asos one, some of the others are not really 'me' like the one with the open back (must wear a bra!).

Keely I like the LK Bennett one, do we worry it might seem a bit frumpy, almost apologetic? Don't know til I try I guess..I really like the Hobbs one, funny what you've found as I'd looked at both their websites and hadn't seen either dress! I thought I'd also properly looked at John Lewis. Guess I must be part timing it!

Raising steam I think that's a fair challenge. I might try the green one on tomorrow and see if it's really not going to work or if I am being a bit cowardly.

Thank you all, I feel so much better, lots of options - thanks!

Hi - what's your budget?

this could be elegant

Stunning red

Sleeves

Navy lace

Thanks Christine - I like the black and silver one although it's not very 'me' - might be nice to do something different for a change! I worry that navy lace one would be frumpy unless you are tall and willowy!

Thanks for the help!

No problem!

And definitely avoid a jumpsuit - only a tall and willowy (and young!) person could pull that off at a hunt ball...