Going to a ball in 24 days! Major help required.

[Whatabloodyidiot1]

So my DH calls today, apparently his company have taken a table at a charity ball in London, at the end of the month. That gives me exactly 24 days notice to get 'ball ready' now as my days consist of child rearing/dog walking/cooking etc the ball gown section of my wardrobe is looking decidedly sparse......
Actually I'm panicking to fuck, I need your help, the dress code is 'be daring and glam'?!
I don't want to spend a fortune on something I'll only wear once either.
I'm thinking of hiring an escort for DH so I can get out of this.
Help me wise ball going mumsnetters!

funnily enough, I just saw this today. It is from Phase Eight sand worn by Bake Off Candice at the Pride of Britain awards but please don't let those facts put you off it!! I am considering it for a ball we have coming up!

What size are you, and what colours do you like/ hate? I would say for the daring bit either the colour/ colourway or the cut needs to be a little off beat.

Hi, I'm 5ft 4, size ten, pretty standard really! No big norks or bum etc to take into consideration! Although I woukd prefer to be able to wear big knickers!
I'm a red head too so there won't be acres of golden flesh on show.
I don't suit pastel shades but other than that I'm up for anything.

If you'd rather spend less you could check out Lindy Bop prom and formal category. Usually under £40

I'm in a similar boat and have been trawling eBay. There's so much stuff on there only worn once, absolutely tonnes of Coast Phase Eight etc. I've pushed the boat out and gone for designer (for same price as a new Coast/Phase Eight dress).

This would fit the bill if you feel safer in black

Navy sequins but would be tricky to shorten

[[http://www.tkmaxx.com/dresses/black-cut-out-gown/invt/53028007 If you have a good waist]

frontless is pretty daring...

Wonderful colour for a red head and matches the dress code too

Also a good red head colour

Very...daring...

More coverage but very elegant

More revealing and interestingly is shown on a red head model

Have a look at Elsie's Attic and Chi Chi London. They have some lovely things and not too expensive. I would say something backless might be nice to be a bit daring but that's only any good if you can get away without a bra

Thanks for all the ideas! I've been having a trawl, like the idea of a green dress and found a long velvet one on asos but it's out of stock! Typical.

Could you link to the out of stock dress, just to give an idea?

I like this green velvet one but it's not long. Not that you have to have long unless it's White Tie

As well as the dress, make sure you have all the other bases covered - haircut, blow dry / up do appointment, beautiful manicure, gorgeous jewellery / bag etc. The final touches make a big difference!

Well, I have got a dress from boohoo for an occasion, as I didn't want to spend much. It's looks really glam, though probably wouldn't bear close inspection! It's a maxi dress with sequins and cleavage, can't see it on the site, but lots of choice for bargain prices.

Mine is midnight blue, btw. Order different sizes if yuh do order as they can be variable, though normally reasonably generous

Geoff makes very importent points.

long but neither green nor velvet. I suspect it'd really suit though.

metallic again shorter and they've handily used a red haired model

backless green velvet

I've had a look on boohoo, the dresses look great on the models but I suspect they aren't particularly well made given the price?
Little mistress have some ok stuff, j think I'm going to just start ordering stuff to see what suits, I can't get out anywhere for a day shopping!
Ill also find a pic of the OOS green dress I liked.

I have seen this dress - I don't know if you would like it but it is a bit different - www.rarelondon.com/silver-sequin-embellished-maxi-dress.html?awc=5664_1478101297_5f1e8f02e3c7cd3524b9c2e6ed397b8c&utm_source=AWin&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=AffiliateWindow

Someone linked to a beautiful bottle green dress a few days ago. I can't for the life of me remember what thread....