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.

[keely79]

I don't think the LK Bennett one would look frumpy - sparkles should help with that I would think and the lower back to show a bit of skin (helpfully the bit that ages the best!)

Glad to help to give you some options. Hope you have a fab time.

[MovingSouth]

Hello Lovelies. Wanted to say thank you for all the help. I ended up with this one

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/product/Mikael-Aghal/Embellished-tulle-gown/697767

Which needed taking in on the shoulders and is overall a bit big (I went for a 16 and turns out these dresses are quite generous on the hips which is my usual area of being a size bigger than the rest of me), but looks glamorous esp due to the low back.

Surprisingly I found a few that were good, including this one from HoF which is staying in the closet for the next time I need a dress.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=225554042

Thanks again for all the help!

[TooExtraImmatureCheddar]

If it wasn't too late, I would be giving you the advice Hazel the coincidentally-arriving make up artist gives to Taggie in Rivals - go for the dark red one, it won't show up the red wine that is bound to get poured over you. Also, you must call all young men "young bloods".

[MovingSouth]

Best piece of advice would have been - choose a dress that looks good w wellies!

[Gruach]

Glad you found something nice. Did you have a good time?

[EmpressofBlandings]

So very, very glad you didn't wear a jumpsuit. Hunt balls are at least 40 years behind any current fashion stuff.

[tootsietoo]

Love that dress MovingSouth, v chic!

I think hunt ball dress depends a lot on location. Oxfordshire/Glos - v. chic and expensive with jewels. NW - must be accessorised with fake tan, lots of skin on show. Depths of Lincolnshire - eighties throwback.

I hope you had fun.