I'm fat and need a formal outfit. Help me please!

[DoomPoodle]

I have to go to a "do" in a month. I've just discovered it's required to dress in a formal style.
I am not a formal person. I am very short. Very overweight (but am losing it slowly) and have no idea what I can wear.
I couldn't possibly wear a dress or skirt. My lower legs are hideous due to the weight, I am very conscious and embarassed by them, and I can't even stand up in heels.
I usually dress in jeans, trainers and plain loose tops. I hate anything flowery. It's just not me.
It's really imortant for me to go, so I can't duck out of it and it's an all day/evening event.
And to add to the misery, I'm very poor so can't afford to buy much at all.
Any advice?

I would not buy a jumpsuit - I tried some on for a wedding last year and looked like Andy Pandy!
Go for trousers and a top combination.
eBay is good for clothes but you obviously cannot sent them back if they are wrong so go into some shops and try stuff on for size and style before you start looking.

Otherwise if it’s too much of a stress don’t go!
But I want to go! I'm not trying to get out of it, I'm looking forward to the event, it's just the dress code that's giving me a headache.

Can you go to a student session at a local hairdressing school.
Nothing like that near me. No city or large town that I could get to either.
(There's a place that does hair and make up packages locally, however someone else who is going to the event has just had their session cancelled for the day as the hair stylist is leaving the week before and they haven't been able to get a replacement. They're only offering make up, and that is the one thing I am capable of doing myself!)

I would agree with a trouser and smart top. As for shoes, I would wear comfortable ones, do not worry about high heels. I always think Shoezone is a good option for cheap shoes, it's wear I got my wedding shoes from!

'wear'?? Where I got my wedding shoes from. Too much thinking about clothes!

Oh and I am 5'6 and size 26/28, so I feel your pain. It's not so simple to just pop into a shop and find the perfect outfit.

Wide leg trousers and this top?
www.bonmarche.co.uk/tops-and-tunics/floral-print-pintuck-detail-jersey-top-040811.html

Look at groupon for a local hair deal?

ebay - look at mother of the bride, you can get some real bargains, and then you can resell them after.

Some of the online retailers, JD Williams allow you to pay over time.

How about plain black trousers, a black top and something like this jacket?

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/nightingales-print-kimono/zg987/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7201#colour:Print,size:

Or this one

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/mela-london-curve-lace-kimono/ab712/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6279#colour:Navy,size:

Or plain black trousers and top with a really nice scarf in a brighter colour?

This top?

www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/petite-navy-lace-top-with-soft-fluted-sleeve/ae328/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7201#colour:Navy,size:

Do you live near and sari shops?

www.utsavfashion.com/product/printed-cotton-straight-suit-in-royal-blue-kae755

This £20, plus £15.95 to make it to measure

Or what do you think about the very bad pic I've posted. It has been in a vacuum bag in the bottom of the wardrobe for 2 years but is a long jacket, there are trousers to match, I made them to attend an Indian wedding, I'm 5ft 0 and 22/24.

It looks much better on, the jacket comes down to my ankles, it is split at the front up ot the buttons and at both sides up to wips. The trousers are pull on and it is really comfy

hips not wips

I think I'd be too paranoid in any sort of long dress, that it might blow up. Some of the event is outside and it's a breezy coastal location so even without worrying about my legs, I'd be worried about flashing my underwear in the wind!
(And no-one needs to see that)

I've never tried palazzo pants. I'm going to find some to try in a shop over the weekend.

If you like Indian dresses then you might want to check this out. They look very elegant on plus size.

www.hayacreations.com/collections/salwar-kameez