Would you please help me find a dress for a ball?

[AnotheBloodyChinHair]

I haven't been to a ball since way before having children (my eldest is now 13!!). I need to buy a dress but I have no idea what one wears to one of these things these days. I'd hate to look overdressed.

Stats: I am 47 (don't look it, if that means anything), only 5.2" and 1 st overweight although I hide it pretty well as I have a flat stomach (all my weight in on my thighs).

The dress must reach my knees as that's my worst feature and I would feel more comfortable with short/elbow sleeves, although sleeveless is not a show stopper. Nothing clingy around the bum as I have saddle bags.

I really would prefer something low key, not flowery, sparkly or sating like. I would also like to avoid lace. Pale colours don't suit me and neither does red. Black, cobalt, navy, some pinks, greens and plums are good.

Budget, no more than £150 as I never go anywhere and I know the chances of wearing it again are pretty slim.

Would someone help me please? I am desperate!!

OP the best dress I have found so far is the Pepperberry ball gown. I've never had a dress like it & I've had about 8 ball gowns. It drapes perfectly, you can lift it with jewellery and I know the neckline looks awful but I promise it works.

It's £120.

biba

Eliza J this brand has a few good options so have a browse

Hi, thank you for the suggestions. Biba is not a good brand for me, that dress would swamp me I'm afraid. The Eliza J one is too much.
I like this one but unfortunately it would be too long on me.
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/phase-eight-tianna-dress/d775570.pd

Dress hire? If you are in London or a big city, there are places in naice areas that offer good selections well, there used to be a few years ago. It probably won't cost you less than buying a cheapish outfit, but if you aren't going to wear it a second time, it would let you have something much more expensive than you might want to afford for one wear.

Tkmaxx. I got a great floor length wrap dress. V reasonable.

ASOS do a whole range of 'prom' style dresses in their petite range

What dress size are you? This is pretty but limited sizes:

www.asos.com/true-decadence-petite/true-decadence-petite-wrap-front-lace-top-midi-prom/prd/7481113?iid=7481113&clr=Navy&SearchQuery=petite%20prom%20dresses&pgesize=144&pge=0&totalstyles=144&gridsize=3&gridrow=30&gridcolumn=3

Chi Chi London also do a petite range, some look quite short but haven't looked through the whole range:

www.chichiclothing.com/chi-chi-london-petite/