Trouser based outfit for black tie event

[flyright]

Has anyone got any suggestions where I can buy something smart for a black tie event in the City? It's a joint 21st and 60th, mother and daughter , so I don't want to look frumpy for the young ones but I'm fat and don't do dresses

I'm 5,7, and an 18. Proper M&S 18.

Can't show my arms.

Would love to pull off a tux but suspect too fat. Maybe some sort of floaty jacket over wide trousers? But where does one shop for nice things in big sizes?

Budget wise maybe around £200? I'd like to find something that would do for similar smart occasions

Any ideas you knowledgeable style and beautiers?

Forgot to say - I'm in London.
And maybe I'm being a bit tight on the budget

I know you said you don't do dresses but would you consider something like this?

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-curve-kimono-pleated-maxi-dress/prd/8991404?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=2&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=402

They have lots of other lovely dresses and some nice jumpsuits too! I fear that wide trousers and a floaty jacket may make you look a lot bigger than you actually are.

I’ve just gotten a navy satin-y suit from next. I’m heavier than you but I’m hoping that, with red heels, it’ll look awesome. The trousers are wide leg and the jacket isn’t made to close.

I bought these for a black tie event last month. Long, elegant and they have pockets!

I wore them with a black velvet top and thought the contrasting textures worked really well. I felt smart but also comfortable.

Although they only seem to go up to a size 16, they have an elasticated waist which I thought was generously sized in my size 14 so you may get away with a 16.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/james-lakeland-wide-leg-bow-waist-trousers/d838238.pd#277214753

Sparkle, I see what you're saying but I haven't worn a skirt or dress for 25 years and just wouldn't feel myself. Also sorry about Arne in that dress. It's a nice thing but not for me.

Thanks for the idea though. Tippy love the idea of pockets. And maybe some velvet jacket. But where from?

Will look into the Next idea.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'me coming!

I have some black sil trousers and a dsrk silvery sewuinned mid thigh length tunic from French Connection. Circa 2010 but might be worth a look.

Simply B has some nice things, I'm pretty much your size and have just got a navy and cream floaty top from there to wear with high waisted black skinny jeans and a grey jacket for a wedding.

Debenhams have quite a choice of wide leg trousers, I'd choose them first and then the top

Maybe try Monsoon. I had a black tie event last week and tried on a couple of Black Jumpsuits that I loved. ( I am pretty much the same same M&S size as you). I would have gone with one of them only they had a vastly reduced dress on the sale rack that I bought instead.

Thanks everyone. Will investigate. Bit scared of jumpsuit idea though

If you live in London why not try a personal shopper service at somewhere like John Lewis? You give them the occasion, your budget and what you like/ hate ahead of the day and they come up with great ideas. No pressure to buy. I've used it for events like this and was pleasantly surprised at how they chose stuff I'd never think of.

I did think about that but was worried they wouldn't have enough to fit me. [embarrassed]. Good thought though. Maybe I'll email them and ask but I was thinking more of a larger sizes shop if one exists

Phase Eight jumpsuit

flyright of course they would! And I'm sure they will help you find styles that suit your shape and will be awesome

If you can afford to go a bit over that budget then I would try Eileen Fisher ( there is one off Long Acre in Covent Gdn). Also Oska - that have a shop in Richmond but not sure where else in London.

.... and also have a look at Me and Em. It’s online but the sizing is very generous and they do some great jumpsuits.

Thanks very much Car and Marvin. I think Eileen Fisher might suit although things look more casual than I need maybe?

But will go and have a look. And also try John Lewis personal shopper. Better than House of Fraser?

flyright I would think both would be excellent. A huge range of choice at both stores. Which ever is easier for you I would go with that

I work very near Oxford Street so can do either easily - I'll email both and see who's most optimistic about finding stuff in my size. Thanks!

m.asos.com/asos/asos-soft-jacquard-blazer-trouser-co-ord/grp/18542?clr=navy&SearchQuery=&cid=13632&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=1&gridsize=2&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=283

Or
m.asos.com/asos/asos-pearl-button-blazer/prd/8952770?clr=navy&SearchQuery=&cid=13632&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=14&gridsize=2&pge=3&pgesize=72&totalstyles=283

Scroll to last pic. Wear undone ?

Lucy both of those are entirely my cup of tea! Thank you! They're brilliant.

I'm not sure if ASOS' idea of an 18 is my idea and if they look as nice when there more substance involved but I've 2 months to make that work .

They do the first one in Asos curve so goes up a bit more aswell.

Try Artigiano, they go up to larger sizes and use quality materials. The website photos are crap, send for a brochure and you get much better pictures. I second HofF , I am a 20-22 and often get smart things from there. Trouble with Asos is that fabrics are often a bit "thin" and the sort of thing you get away with in early 20's but not for the more mature!

Forgot to say Navabi online and Gerry Weber online...both really good.