"Ball" at work. Does that mean dress like Cinderella?

[bzz7]

I recently moved back to the UK for the first time since childhood. At this point, I'm used to getting everything a little wrong and don't usually let things stress me out. But today I received an invitation to an annual "ball" at my work.

I have only heard that word in relation to Cinderella and dresses that cost as much as rent. There isn't anything else on the invitation about the dress code and the people in my office are all men who are abstaining from social interaction (it's that kind of workplace).

Can anyone tell me if the word "ball" is the dress-code? Does it really mean a long, pouffy, sparkly sort of dress is required? People at work usually dress pretty casually (jeans, etc), so it seems strange that they'd participate in a beauty-queen-style event.

I'm quite plump and really don't want the answer to be "yes" because finding a dress with sleeves that's flattering and won't clean out my back account is not something I relish. Thanks very much for any advice.

Hassled - this was my favourite from that Ladybird book. I used to say that my wedding dress would be exactly the same

You need to wear a BALLGOWN to a ball.

google "plus size ballgowns" there's loads around, particularly from the USA but you can still order from there if you have time.

This - for example- is absolutely divine and looks very forgiving

www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/239746380139701954/

No you don't. Other have already said what's acceptable.

This is rather nice, great sleeves

I’ve gone to “black tie” events (which I would say was classed same as a ball) in dresses from yumi curves, so fabulous (via eBay) debut and monsoon.. at the events there’s always a massive range of women’s dresses from floor length to knee length but knee length seems more common these days. The men have it easy...!

That kimono dress is lovely, @MrsLettuce

A couple of other affordable suggestions:
www.very.co.uk/little-mistress-curve-beaded-back-maxi-dress-grey/1600192112.prd

www.very.co.uk/paper-dolls-curve-crochet-lace-dress/1600192109.prd

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/little-mistress-embroidered-maxi-dress/gt957/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Navy,size:

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-jewel-trim-one-shoulder-dress/ar222/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7205#colour:Chartreuse,size:

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63430+44241061_-1

OP "the people in my office are all men who are abstaining from social interaction (it's that kind of workplace)"

Um so who is going?

I don't do skirts or dresses so I wore a tux jacket, trousers and a corset type top to the last ball I attended (hopefully the lat ever)

Good option and you can use all items later!

All of these would have been acceptable at the last ball I went too (which was coincidentally last week)
http://m.asos.com/chi-chi-london-plus/chi-chi-london-plus-high-low-midi-skater-dress-with-lace-neckline/prd/8969306?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=20&gridsize=2&pge=3&pgesize=72&totalstyles=3866_

http://m.asos.com/paper-dolls-plus/paper-dolls-plus-all-over-lace-bardot-dress/prd/7828839?clr=navy&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=21&gridsize=2&pge=3&pgesize=72&totalstyles=3866_

http://m.asos.com/maya-plus/maya-plus-long-sleeved-maxi-dress-with-delicate-sequin-and-tulle-skirt/prd/8616486?clr=taupeblush&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=8&gridsize=2&pge=2&pgesize=72&totalstyles=3855_

http://m.asos.com/paper-dolls-plus/paper-dolls-plus-off-shoulder-crochet-maxi-dress-with-frill-sleeve/prd/8736460?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=6&gridsize=2&pge=4&pgesize=72&totalstyles=3855_

http://m.asos.com/tfnc-plus/tfnc-plus-wrap-over-sequin-maxi-dress/prd/8763988?clr=navy&SearchQuery=&cid=9577&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=14&gridsize=2&pge=4&pgesize=72&totalstyles=3855_

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Curve-Lottie-Dress.htmll_

https://www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Curve-Aurelie-Dress.htmll_

https://m.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/black-textured-overlay-maxi-dress-72245122_

https://m.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/live-unlimited-black-floral-overlay-dress-73028755_

https://m.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/black-maxi-dress-with-floral-kimono-73679466_

https://m.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/scarlett-and-jo-red-tuxedo-bodycon-dress-73064766_

https://m.evans.co.uk/en/evuk/product/scarlett-and-jo-tuxedo-maxi-dress-72631133_

Phase Eight is good. They have a plus size range now too, called Studio Eight.
I find Monsoon quality has gone right downhill unfortunately.

Really like the dress Mrs Lettuce linked to. Heels, nice bag and earrings and you’re sorted. Whatever you do, don’t go for something floor length as suggested by another poster !

Try Curvissa Simply Be or Marisota. All do naice frocks to go out in. For 40s and 50s frocks, try LadyVLondon.

I found chi chi London great for this kind of thing. I am similar size op.