last minute party invite - what to wear??

[tryhard]

DH & I never, ever go out somewhere where I need a frock but we've been invited to a big birthday bash at the weekend (posh hotel) & I don't have a dress (or anything remotely dressy) in my wardrobe, not one. I've recently lost a bit of weight so would like something fairly fitted but I can't spend a fortune - we don't have the money & it's very unlikely I'll need this outfit again in the foreseeable future. Where can I look for something suitable?!

What size and what budget? Do you have any shoes or a bag that you could use?

TBH I'd probably be trying to borrow something from a friend, if I could.

eBay

I'm all for second hand but not ebay on short notice and with limited budget. No. I'd not want to risk a late arrival / bad fit / bad description problem.

I'm scouring eBay now!...size 12 & I'm pretty tall (5ft9) & hate my legs (varicose veins galore after 2 kids!!) Budget anything up to £100 in the hopes that I could sell it on afterwards! Yeah I've got a nice bag, only plain heels but they'll do.

Are you near a John Lewis ?

I'd go for H&M/ Primark for a bit of a dressy look and use accessories to make it more dressed up. Who cares if it's not a great fit/ doesn't wash well if it's cheap and you won't wear it again?!

I'd go for a good pencil skirt that you can wear again plus a nice top (sleeveless if your arms can take it; if you can stretch to silk even better, and you can wear the top again with jeans). Add your heels and bag and some cheap glam jewels and you're sorted.

My go-to party outfit is a pleather pencil skirt (I got a Peacock's one off Ebay - dirt cheap but doesn't look it and is really comfy), worn with a loose black silk T-shirt, heels, big bangle and nice clutch. Bit elegant but doesn't make me feel dressed up like a dish of fish, as my mother would say...