Black tie/evening dress

[randominternetperson]

Hi
I've a couple of black tie functions and a Christmas party coming up and while browsing online for a dress have realised I'm 38 and the concept of being mutton dressed as lamb is a reality for me now (been pregnant/breastfeeding for the last few christmases so haven't had this epiphany earlier).
Where on earth can I get a lovely, sophisticated evening gown from? I've had a look at a few and they're either for the very young (or brave) with cut out bits or feel slightly older.
I'm out of practise...

Where can I go to get a lovely, sophisticated cocktail/evening gown that will get me through? No real budget in mind, happy to spend a bit if its quality (I.e can be trotted our year after year til I move into the next age bracket!)

I'm 5'5", big boobs (somewhere north of 32F/G and need a bra thanks to my lovely but ungrateful children), small-ish waist and some fairly hefty thighs. I'm still a size 10 thanks to vanity sizing.
Please help!

Ghost

Thanks, I've taken a look and the dresses are beautiful but I worry that they're flowy and satiny and I'd just look like a shiny sack of spuds in them thanks to appalling posture and big boobs; maybe I need a bit more structure/rigidity?

Phase 8 evening gowns are lovely. Im a similar shape and find them flattering.

Honestly, Ghost dresses are incredible on. Google ghost bridesmaids or something and you’ll see them on real women.

www.sexyher.co.uk - huge range, reasonable pricing (ignore connotations with name!)

I have a shape not far off yours and have had my best luck in Phase 8 and Bombshell HQ. I also tried on a Bravissimo velvet dress that I loved but they didn't have the colour I wanted, but definitely worth a look.

I find that a pair of beautiful but still walkable heels, plus good shapewear underneath, makes a big difference to my posture as well as confidence - I have an all in one from Figleaves where I can wear my own bra and it really helps remind me to stand tall!!

Also make sure you try everything on, take pics and walk around in the dressing room for a bit to see how it moves.

I had a huge thread earlier this year looking for a wedding guest dress - lots of very kind people suggested things like Vivienne Westwood, Ghost, and Toast, all of which I think must be like marmite depending on your body shape because when I tried them on they were exactly as you guessed - like a bunch of bowling balls in a satin bag. I also ordered some very expensive jumpsuits from Net A Porter and they were comedically bad once I tried them on. So make sure you try things and if they don't immediately make you feel incredible then move swiftly onwards.

Have a look at Monsoon OP. I'm a bit older than you but look younger than I am I think and hitting the right note can be tricky.

I've been lucky with Monsoon a couple of times. And as a PP said, some shapewear underneath can make a big difference!

What is your budget ?
Re bras..I went to Bravissimo in the summer and bought one . I cannot wear it . I am a 30 G with very little flesh centrally so the wires were bruising me.

If money is no object then perhaps Roland Mouret or Goat are good for classic styles.

Have look at Goat Intrigue , Venus , Irene dresses on FarFetch.

Bravissimo is great for big boobs. I have two full length dresses from them, I did have them altered because they were long but "really curvy" size fits me perfectly and I can wear a proper bra with them

Ps 80% of my dresses are from there, they fit!

Roland Mouret Katana, Marengo , Eclipse or Boynton.

Look at Missoni on FarFetch as well ..very comfortable to wear ..can roll up in a case and come out perfect at the other end . Keep you cool and warm whatever the conditions too .

What about something this kind of shape? Built up straps would let you wear your own bra plus shape wear underneath and it's more soft and drapey than tight and shiney!

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F143411915899

There are also a couple of things in Hobbs that might be suitable.

Wow some fantastic suggestions! Thanks all!
I do usually wear Hobbs, Phase Eight and whistles for work as I like the fit. I hadn't thought of them for evening dresses so will take a look. I love quite a lot on the FarFetch site (especially in the 5k plus bracket - they're probably a bit much for an insurance dinner and an awards night in the north of England though

Will be back after some serious online browsing tonight!

Anyone bought from wolf and badger - social media have picked up on my searches and this has popped up:

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/cliff-hanger-red-wine-velvet-dress/

With a large chest myself, I would not be comfortable wearing that . Beautiful colour though.
I do not usually shop online.
I was looking for a black tie dress a few weeks ago.
5 K is quite an impressive budget. I would look at Harvey Nichols website too .

Haha no, budget isn't 5k I just like looking at the most expensive thing I can find on a new website!
Budget is 300-350 ish

Ah !

Hobbs has a lovely tuxedo style dress that will fit the budget.

Fridah, is the name of the dress .
20 % off just now too .

That's lovely, but (and this probably is a weird thing of mine) I have short hair - think Frankie Bridge short.
I feel like I'd look odd in the dress - though there is a similar jumpsuit that may work better?
What do people think of this:

https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/1132951

While my boobs are big they're not too saggy, they're just not quite as pert as they once were - I can still go bra less (in fact, I did last night out for dinner in a backless and high necked body) I just spend the night checking that my nipples aren't pointing in different directions and a bra would help that bit