Help help! What do I wear to a black tie event?

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Because I have to go to one and I have managed to get to the grand old age of 40 without such things appearing on my horizon.

I'm kinda naturally nerdy and alternative, and I don't know how to dress properly.

Seems a lot of guides suggest floor length dress, which I think may be overkill for the event, or just for me in general. It's an awards do, but for a voluntary/hobby type thing. My DP will be getting an award though, and looks all nice and smart when he dresses up, so I'd like to look reasonable next to him.

Would like to cover my arms, and I kind of carry my weight around my spare tyre area so something that skims kindly over that would probably be good.

I normally like black. Lovely black things. And nothing with frilly extra fussiness IYSWIM. I'd like to look as elegant as possible really.

I'm a size 18 in standard type shops. I lost 8 stone in a year to get to this point and I'm not sure what to wear at all now. Not sure if that translates to a real 18 in posh frock shops. Budget up to £200 I guess.

Please help me. I am utterly clueless.

I would go to John Lewis or somewhere similar which has lots of different ranges and book an appointment with one of their personal stylists and chat through what you want and your budget. A friend of mine was in a similar position and said that the stylist was very good and brought her stuff from companies that she would never have looked at had she been on her own.

Don't wear long if you don't feel comfortable in it. I personally would be comfortable at that sort of event in a midi/knee length cocktail dress with nice accessories (shoes/jewellery/bag) which again a personal stylist could help you with.

Have a look at monsoon - Ive always found them good for occasion dresses at quite reasonable price. Or asos.