Help needed to find a posh dress. Please.

[4forksake]

Looking for help finding a nice evening dress for a posh event when I'm a jeans & t shirt kind of girl. On top of that, medication has made me put more with on than I can shift before the event. It's a black tie event with people I don't know but who all know each other, so I've no idea what others will be wearing. I'm 5ft 7, large size 14 with a stomach & not many redeemable features to show off (no nice legs or arms). Have looked into getting some shapewear to maybe help out a bit.

So can anyone suggest any dresses, shops, miracles I should look at for inspiration? Event is at the start of July so I've got a few weeks to find something. Really not feeling this whole posh do frock so at the moment I'm tempted not to go but DH really wants to go & I know we need to go to get to know the people who'll be attending.

Due to illness I'm finding it difficult to get to shops at the moment so it'd be a bonus if I could buy online, however, I might be able to go into a few shops. Have Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser & Fenwicks near by & can't decide whether to try the personal shoppers in one of these stores, although I've never tried this before so not sure how helpful it's be.

Tia for any help.

What's your budget? Bombshell HQ do some lovely dresses which are cut to be flattering, disguise tummy, etc.

My go to shop for things like this is Monsoon, can I just point out that size 14 on five seven isn't that far, you're probably much slimmer than I am at the same height but can still find things that I feel good in. Own yourself

Oops sorry, budget! Probably £200 ish. Will look at the bombshell website, haven't heard of them. As for monsoon, I think I'm probably nearer a size 16 in their sizing but will have a look, thanks.

Sign up for Bombshell's newsletter - they often do flash sales and had 20% off everything for the royal wedding recently. I'm not sure they'll have something in your budget, but worth a look. Sizing is true to their size guide.

Thanks wow. I wouldn't mind spending more if I was at a comfortable weight but hoping to lose some once my meds are stable so don't want to spend excessive amounts to not wear it again.

That's understandable. If you find something you really like, you can always have it taken in at a later date don't forget.

Coast is always my go to for a posh frock. It can be hit and miss but I always find something.

There’s so many Coast occasion dresses on eBay.

Pop into HoF and try something on so you get an idea what size you are then go on eBay and see if there’s anything you like.

Do you live near a large Debenhams? Could you make an appointment with one of their personal shoppers and try on lots of things?

Have a look at Ghost London their posh clothes are cut on a bias and hang beautifully. They knock pounds (and pounds!) off you instantly.

First things first get a tape measure out - ask partner to help - and take proper measurements. Then you can work out your shape and then it will help narrow down choices. Also think of your colouring - I look ill for example in yellow and pastels and with a 11 inch difference between waist and hips I’m a pear so wear either fit and flare / a line cut rather than column. Last time I wore a full length evening frock I rocked a great maiden form pair of pants that started at bottom of bra to lower thigh underneath with a triple boast strapless bra from Emma Clark.