dress/smart trousers and glittery top for v. formal dinner

[nuttymango]

DH and I have been invited by his parents to a very formal dinner (they have described it like a formal evening on a cruise). We've never been to a formal dinner and I have no idea what to wear.

I'm tall but am very, very overweight. Normally i live in shorts and t-shirts as my job is a casual outdoor job.

Can you wonderful people on style and beauty sort me out please? I need to spend less than £100 including shoes!

What colours suit you?

Which bits of you do you like to show off / hide?

Which shops are near you?

What size are you?

I'm a size 22 (Next) or 24/26 in M & Co.
I need to hide my upper arms, my legs aren't great either. I'm an apple shape. I always wear black or navy, I think purple suits me but not bright. I've got the type red head complexion and light red/brown hair.

We only have Peacocks, M & Co and ASDA near us. I'd have to buy online.

I did wonder about this but it doesn't cover my upper arms.
www.next.co.uk/gl770s1#l45947?i=24

asos?

Simply Be have a range of Coast clothes that go to a size 26 and they have a sale on.

Over budget but do you like this sort of style?

I'm a fat apple shape & I bought the black version of this a while ago. They do it in several colours, there's also one with a lace overlay and one with an embellished neckline. They're nice, the knot disguises the belly a bit and it has arm coverage.

This might give you a good waist

This green could be lovely with your colouring

Good arm coverage but knee length

I'm the same size and have treated myself to several jumpsuits from ASOS curve range, I feel really great in them (both black) and they can get dressed up with a statement necklace and great shoes. Good price too!

Interesting print and well in budget

Black and metallic

Longer length

Lots of suggestions, thanks.
I wasn't keen on the John Lewis blue chiffon number, I'm a plain and boring person and don't like to draw attention to myself, I think that would. Ditto the ASOS pale coloured dress and the bright green - though I do like the bright green one.
I think I'm too fat for the Debenhams blue one, it's very clingy.

The last time we went for a meal with the in-laws, MIL looked at me like she thought I was something that had crawled out from under a stone; I wore a maxi dress as it was the only one I had. It's in the bin now.

How about any of these?

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/embellished-shoulder-top/cc066/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Black,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/blackblue-sequin-shell-top/jp470/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Black/Blue,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/simply-be-lace-bomber-jacket/gy808/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Navy,size: (just the jacket)

Oh, I do like that John Lewis dress - the interesting print. Thanks.
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to wear it though.

Or these?
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/simply-be-lace-bomber-jacket/gy808/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Navy,size:

but what top should I wear with them?

Oh, wrong link,

these:
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/alice-you-border-print-wide-leg-trousers/bs818/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=3467#colour:Navy/Coral,size:24

Hmm, not sure they are smart enough, perhaps the first top might be.

Do you have trousers and excellent shoes already?

No, only walking sandals and casual trousers/shorts. I never, ever dress up.

Can I ask a non S&B question - do you want to go to this dinner?

If it's a wonderful celebration, or you're really excited at the thought of dressing up and having a night out, that's one thing, but your posts don't show any real enthusiasm for it and you might enjoy spending the £100 another way?

No, I absolutely do not want to go but it's PILs 80th and I've got to go.

Ok, so it's a family thing so there's a bit more wiggle room - everyone knows you don't dress formally and you're hardly going to be thrown out!

I would probably go for some simple things you can wear again, and accessorise with a statement necklace (you can get them really cheaply online)

Smart jeans a nice top and some heels/smartish shoes would go well if it's a family do

Seeing as you really, really can't get out of it, there are some dresses that be suitable on the Little Mistress site. www.little-mistress.com. There are some bargains on the outlet section. They also sell them in Evans and house of Fraser.