Black tie do- haven't worn a dress in 20 years...

[BrigitsBigKnickers]

Age 54 Size 18- large waist- over weight and lumpy...( sound like a real catch don't I! )

NEVER and I mean NEVER wear skirts or dresses. Huge hobbit feet so can not find let alone wear heels that would fit.

Have to go to a black tie dinner next week with DH and have absolutely no idea what to wear. Have a bit of a sensory thing so can't wear sparkly/ sequinned or glittery fabrics.

I have absolutely no sense of style or eye for stuff that will suit or I will feel comfortable in for a few hours. Don't want to spend a fortune on something that will never be worn again.
HELP!!!!!

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/praslin-navy-draped-maxi-dress-p

What about something like this then you can just accessorise to dress it up? Maybe some silver bangles, clutch and really small heels?

@GiveHerHellFromUs that's beautiful!!! It looks comfortable, easily dressed up and won't cost a bomb.
I can't top it! There's some lovely occasion stuff in Simply Be, but the textures might be all wrong. I can't touch velour or velvet, so I empathise with you. Have a great night and enjoy.

How tall are you OP? What’s the budget? Do you want a long or shorter dress?
Is something like this too sparkly?
www.phase-eight.com/product/hermosa-beaded-maxi-dress-230552029.html#navAjax=true&cgid=occasion&sz=60&start=0&prefn1=size&prefv1=18&prefn2=brand&prefv2=Studio%208&pid=230552029&pos=42

Don't wear a dress if you don't want - have a look at trouser suits - lots of lovely evening ones about.

I would recommend phase 8 too. I am older than you and am also thick waisted and find their fitted dresses very flattering.

For shoes I can’t wear heels anymore. I have some flat, embellished pumps from Gabor that look like I have made an effort. Have a look. At their current range.

www.gaborshoes.co.uk/womens-c1/shoes-c2/flat-shoes-c108

Thanks
Don't really want to spend more than £100 so the £325 budget is a bit much- quite like that dress though
5'5" tall.

Don't want something too long but long enough to cover top half of my legs. Needs to cover top of my hams arms.
Will have a look at simply be.
Any more ideas?

www.very.co.uk/quiz-curve-quiz-curve-black-cap-sleeve-lace-wrap-maxi-dress/1600406835.prd
Are the arms too short on this?

how about something like this jumpsuit?

www.phase-eight.com/product/julietta-maxi-dress-207746600.html#navAjax=true&sz=60&start=0&srule=price-low-to-high&cgid=maxi&pid=207746600&pos=6

This covers the arms:
www.phase-eight.com/product/cianna-lace-maxi-dress-204781355.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&sz=60&start=60&srule=price-low-to-high&cgid=maxi&pid=204781355&pos=67

Sorry, I look like I’m obsessed with Phase 8 - I’m not honestly, I just found that sale though!

Quiz Clothing Size 18 available £40.

Have a look at Joanna Hope or Nightingales in J D Williams. Or Evans. Both have sales on at the moment.
Incidentally you’re the third plus size lady who I’ve given the same advice to in 24 hours - I’m not on commission, honestly!

Thanks- have just spent a very unproductive 2 hours trying on about 20 different dresses that all looked hideous. ( River island, Next, Matalan etc) am going to have to go for a longer style to cover up the legs and no strappy dresses.

Am thinking of layering up a bit - might look for a party trouser suit. Don't think DH will be impressed. I think had feels it's a cocktail dress or they won't let me in. Afraid I won't be going if that is the case!

Think I might go down the internet route and just send back what I don't want- some nice choices above thanks for your help- will keep looking.

Try a tuxedo trouser suit. Super cool and smart and comfortable, they're all over the place. I don't feel comfortable in dresses either.

Ok so a slightly more successful shopping trip today.

Discovered this shop called Roman which is my new favourite shop. Saw loads of stuff that I really liked! I actually bought 2 dresses that don't look too dreadful and feel quite nice on and only £45 each!( I do like a bargain!)

https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/snake-print-shutter-pleat-dress-14065378

https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/glitter-lace-fit-and-flare-dress-14010978

And also a little black shrug with a sort of red sheen through it which goes really nicely with either dress to cover up the ham arms

Black sheer tights to cover up the lumpy legs and a pair of black flat court shoes and I don't look totally hideous.

Thanks for all your help! You gave me the confidence to go out of my comfort zone.

Well done - particularly like the red lace.

Love the red lace too 👍🏼

Have you tried Simply Be clothes? Lots of stuff for the curvier lady in your price range.

I love the red lace dress. I hope you have a fab time.