Black tie event - plus size - HELP!

[vilamoura2003]

I have a black tie do with work and spend most of my time pootling around in wellies and jeans. I am on the curvier side (a size 16-18 and about 5ft 8in), and have absolutely no idea where to start with getting an outfit for the occasion.

Does anyone have any inspiration of where to shop for a dress for the occasion (that isn't too hugely priced as it would just be a waste as it won't get worn on many other occasions).

Any suggestions of styles for a big boobed, big bummed lady most appreciated (runs away cringing)

I am 5'6" and a size 16/18 too. I buy occasion wear from Phase Eight as I find the dresses flattering and comfortable. They are not particularly cheap though and their sale has just finished. What is your budget?

I don't want to spend much more than £100 - what makes a woman's outfit "black tie"?

It's easy for the men folk isn't it as they just get a particular type of suit.

Try SimplyBe lovely stuff in there and not too expensive.

You won't go wrong with long black and simple.

I have this dress and I felt elegant but comfortable in it.

I trawl the charity shops and have been successful in the past.

See, I was always brought up to believe that black tie was short, white tie long/ball-ish but it's all far more chilled now.
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/categorylist/inspire/blacktieevents

I have a similar body and the Aurelia would suit me best of the dresses on here.

You're not plus size! Bluesky's dress is lovely but wouldn't suit me at all - too short and too high at the front. Prefer the frontage on that Aurelia dress - much more flattering to boobs.

I have a black tie do next week and am going full length,heavily beaded. Size 16 here.

There are some nice dresses on ASOS Curve if you look at occasion dresses. I've had a couple from there which are lovely

Would this be any good?

www.johnlewis.com/store/john-lewis-frances-jersey-maxi-dress/p2803191?navAction=jump&colour=Cobalt

They've done it in 2 or 3 colours every season for a few years now, and there's a shorter version if it's more of a cocktail-length do. Good for the large of nork (bra won't show) and skims overall sorts of lumps and bumps. And is a classic enough style that you'll be able to wear it long into the future.

Ooh, that's nice Auntie Stella

A gorgeous long red dress for £89 came up on my facebook feed from simplybe, i am going to order it and I am the same size and height as you.

Ladies thank you so much - auntie Stella that is spot on 👍😍

Blueskyinmarch where did you get your dress from, that is lovely 😊

Bluesky that dress is absolutely gorgeous!

It was from Phase Eight. I bought it in the summer though and I don't know if they still have it in stock. I bought it in the concession in Debenhams.