I need a dress

[Temporaryanonymity]

My step-sister has invited me to a party to celebrate an exciting life event. It's being held in a swanky bar. She is 15 years younger than me and VERY glam in a way I will never be. Possibly my dressiest outfit would be smart casual in their eyes.

But, I suspect it is v important to her that we make an effort. Plus, I'm 42, single and have a babysitter and maybe it would be fun to play with a different look.

I don't have a big budget, I'm a 14/16 with books and a problem tum. Excellent legs. Any ideas? I'm blonde, blue eyes if that helps with ghost like skin.

What does "not a big budget" mean? Do you already have shoes and a decent bag, and if so, what colour(s)?

I'd want to spend no more than £100. I have bronze strsppy leather heels which I love.

www.chichiclothing.com/products/Chi-Chi-Sheridan-Dress.html

This kind of thing maybe? I also have boobs and a problem tum and this shape is good for me. I have 2 chi chi dresses and love them both.

For that budget, with great legs, I would search for a mini dress in Zara

Or ... Would you consider a faux leather mini instead of a dress?

Hadn't thought about a leather mini. I always used to wear suede or leather minis in my early 20s.

I dont think the dress linked to below would do much for me at all.

Look up coast for and flare dresses

Those with ruffles round the tummy help hide the buldge!

There are plenty of new Ines for less than £50

Worth a look

FIT and flare

I'm not sure about and flare. In theory they should work but from the side I think I would look huge. I think anything too formal will make me look matronly/frumpy.

The party is in a bar; people usually dress up A LOT where we live in a very glam style. This isn't my usual look (I prefer the rock bar down the road) but do want to make the effort.

See I love fit and flare as it narrows my waist and hides my tummy. If you are busty have you looked in bravissimo? Some of their dresses are really flattering.

Phase Eight sale might be worth a look...this might suit you?
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-taylor-tie-front-dress-navy/p3190772

I don't think fit and flare dresses suit people with big boobs. I'd look for something in Mango or Zara. Something short, if you have great legs, and simple up top.

If you ignore the way they have styled this dress and imagine it dressed up, I think it would be very flattering and glamorous without being over the top

[[https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/brynn-print-cocoon-shirt-dress/15352

You sound a similar shape to me. Depends what you mean by glam really. Something like this that you could dress up with jewellery?

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod1070111000133678+075883011-1

Or these...
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod1070111000133678+075713100-1

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod107011100011200102231511-1

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod107011100011200102007433-1

This one is more obviously glam and a real bargain but at a 16, may be too big.
m.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-blazer-mini-dress-black/p3343032

how about something like
this

Or this

I'm a fan of patterns, appreciate might not be your bag!

If you get on well with your step sister, another idea would be to ask her to come and help you choose. You could say that you were looking for something different from your usual style. She might enjoy the challenge.

Last one from me
www.silkfred.com/boutiques/john-zack/clothing/forest-green-wrap-frill-dress