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!

I know how you feel, OP. I'm 5'9 and was once a size 28 (now a 16 but still buy dresses from plus size ranges for the length and arm cover) and the quest for flattering formal wear is a veritable nightmare! For tall, curvy ladies I highly rate Scarlett & Jo. They have a range of more formal attire that will cover your arms and the staff are so unbelievably helpful if you contact them on FB.
I'd totally be buying some dresses if I had something to dress up for!

That first simply be top is lovely. That with black jeans and ballet pumps.

How about this? www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/coast-lomax-mono-crepe-dress/tj466/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=3467#colour:Black,size:

I would not wear jeans to something described as formal.

If it was a super formal work dinner no. But even in the nicest restaurants I've been in there have been people in jeans.

Have you looked at the Scarlett and Jo website? They have some nice dresses at very reasonable prices - and if you join the S&J club (free) then you'll get another 10% off.

Ok, what's your objective? To wow? Not get a disapproving look from MiL? Spend as little as possible?

I wouldn't wear jeans, even smart ones, to a meal where I've been told that there is a formal dress code.

A dress is the easiest way to look "put together"

Never seen scarlet and jo but they have nice things! I love this www.scarlettandjo.com/products/2-in-1-maxi-dress?variant=16709666756

OP, I think you'd look amazing in this jumpsuit with a big necklace and some heels. It's only £28, which gives you more lovey to play with for shoes. I'd go for something gold and sparkly.

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6307995&featureref1=we+recommend&CTAref=we+recommend+product+page_6

OR - another jumpsuit from Asos Curve but down to £14 in the sale. Again, more money for a bag and shoes that you love. As a pp said, Asos Curve jumpsuits are fab. Easy to wear, on-trend, plus you look "put together" instantly:

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6586876&featureref1=we+recommend&CTAref=we+recommend+product+page_7

With the right shoes & jewellery this would do nicely (it's cheap!) m.evans.co.uk/h5/product?productId=24811108#

Olennas my objectives are a) not to stand out from the crowd b) not to feel like the worst dressed person there and c) not have MIL being a cow.
They go on big cruises and MIL takes masses of posh frocks, I think she is expecting the do to be like that. She has told DH that she will give him £100 to make sure that I am decently dressed. He has told her to mind her own business!

What about something like this:
www.riverisland.com/women/tops/bardot--cold-shoulder-tops/ri-plus-green-bardot-top-690929
with tailored black trousers and a huge sparkly or coloured statement necklace like this:
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_37484+CLNW047261_-1

www.boohoo.com/plus-size+curve-dresses/plus-rose-all-over-sequin-maxi-dress/invt/pzz95318
This is gorgeous

I love that necklace, thanks. I've ordered it.

How about this:

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+330024050_-1

It's a bit nana (sorry). Fitted half sleeves don't do anyone any favours. Have you looked on Just Last Season?

Would you wear something like this skater dress? Very glam, dark colour, covers the arms but reveals the legs. it's lovely enough that the attention is drawn upwards not down though.

Your MIL sounds a right charmer.

I'd also advise getting a blow dry done the day of the event.

I think this top you linked to is perfect and you could wear it with a plain pair of wide legged black trousers, something like these. You may feel happier in trousers than a dress, if you're not used to wearing them.

You could then get some plain black ballet pumps and, if your trousers are long enough, no one is going to see them, so it doesn't really matter if they're not amazingly flash but hopefully you'll feel fairly comfortable.

Anything here take your fancy? sixteen47.com

I like the last black top you linked. You could wear it with that necklace and black trousers?

Go for the interesting print.

I know you don't want to stand out, but that's a common misconception. If people are looking at the print, they are looking at the print, not you. Their mental thoughts will be; "what a lovely print" etc. If you wear something very plain, you think you fade in; but people looking at you are then seeing you; if you see what I mean.

Go for the interesting print. Honestly, it'll look lovely.

Thanks everybody. I ordered the magisculpt trousers, the top with the fancy shoulders and some ballerina pumps.
I had to go a size smaller in the top and a size larger in the trousers, I hope they fit!

I feel your pain. My mil is a self obsessed witch who always made me feel like utter poo because I'm not glam like her.Nothing else counts for her and her family - education, being nice... Luckily she won't even speak to me these days. Own what you wear, look in the mirror before you leave home (only look at the good bits), remind yourself how much you rock and have a good night.
FWIW a cruise dinner type night out is my idea of utter naff try too hard hell. MIL would love it - we youngsters are too cool. I'm 52...

Am sure you will look fab- have a great evening!