Dress for ball -help please!

[Gatzo]

Going to a ball (black dress code).
Really struggling to find a dress!
Ideally long and elegant (so many plunge, too much lace or detail, or too tight looking). Really want elegance!
Don't have a huge budget unfortunately.
Easy enough to dress, size 8-10, 5 8 but flat chest, not so happy with stomach post children or waist (shapewear can sort that though). Pale and blonde.
Help please (especially as ex-h and new partner will be there. Pathetic to add this but I want to feel and look good on the night!).

I usually go for Lipsy, but check their website and all retailers as stock varies between them.
I have a fab red one, wore it to a work Christmas do years ago and it’s still talked about.

Also if you are blessed with good shoulders go for halter neck

maybe something like this OP?

Unfortunately it needs to be black.
Looking at the Roman originals site and then Lipsy.
Shoulders fine, mostly skinny but with good muscle tone.
Thank you

What kind of budget?

Something like this? www.next.co.uk/style/esr20819#r20819

Why does it need to be black? Black tie doesn’t mean black. People will surely wear all colours.

John Lewis lets you set filters to search for black colour, black tie, wedding guest, full length etc.

What's your budget?

Have a look at the John Lewis black tie section of their dresses. So many to look at with 20% off. Monsoon have some good dresses and budget friendly too.

Ha! Great minds etc....

Rixo?

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-plunge-draped-dress/black/p4221456

Ideally £100, 200 max. (As can't imagine I'll wear one again).
I've been told the theme (colours) are black and red -which I just couldn't wear!
I like the next one linked but self-conscious. Split might feel too much on fitted dress.
I did look at JL and Monsoon but couldn't find anything (assumed party season stock would all be in now!)

Thank you, I saw that JL one and was tempted but I live in black maxi dresses and flats in the summer and it seemed too much like the ones I wear then (work, drinks, etc.)

Have you tried quiz (in Debenhams) they had some beautiful ones this week and reasonably priced. Mine would have fit the bill except the flat chested bit (bravissimo specialise in the opposite!) otherwise try amazon ... most of DD's are from there (she's a soloist)

TKMaxx is pretty good, here's their black evening dresses

www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/clothing/dresses/c/01020200?q=&sort=publishedDate-desc&facets=stockLevelStatus:inStock:colorGroup:Black:category:01020202-Evening%20Dresses&page=0

oh ok, i see. perhaps this link one here?

Do you have an outlet village near you? If not then perhaps eBay or try charity shops as they often ball gowns

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61252+283322_-1

I’ve just brought one from oasis- they sell on John Lewis and their offerings are surprisingly nice!

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_54510+240471050_-1

Coast are usually good for that kind of outfit.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63411+F11966D2B_-1

Asos have some gorgeous stuff in your price range I've bought a couple of outfits for black tie events from here

OP I don't wear reed either, but a red evening dress is something else. If you like the Next one, it comes in red too

You might want to buy some boob tape too, to make sure it all stays in place.