Anniversary party dress help! Haven't been 'out' in years!!

[Elephantonascooter]

I need to ask for help and have no idea where else to turn.
Our friends have invited us to their anniversary party. The dress code is smart. Sound simple enough, however I had DS 16 months ago, definitely haven't been out to a party since long before I was pregnant with him. Probably about 4 years since I've been out. Just don't really enjoy the 'out out' style.
Anyway, I am really really struggling with how to dress myself for this event. I don't know if it's lack of confidence or just not knowing my body shape, maybe both.
So please please can someone help me on what kind of thing I should be looking at.
I'm 5ft 10ish, maybe taller. A busty size 16, bit of a mum tum. Long legs.
Dh is similar height so open to heels but not massive heels.
I know I need a dress, I just have absolutely no idea where to even start. Can't remember the last time I wore something other than leggings except for work. God I sound dull!
Even suggestions of shops welcome. Oh and I'm 24 if that helps!

Oh and I have a budget of around 50 pounds

Look at Next online for ideas - they host brands such as Lipsy & Quiz for example.

River Island are good for party dresses, again there's a good selection online.

Also try the Simply Be site which is for size 12 & over.

Most of the above should have dresses in your price range that are suitable for your age & shape.

As I have a tummy I look for dresses with some ruching across the stomach. I like to hide the tops of my arms. Then I look at enhancing my good points eg boobs & legs.

The current fashion is midi length but mini & maxi lengths are still fashionable too so it's whatever suits.

River Island have some lovely heels including sandals too.
You'll also need a bag & some jewellery!!
Could look in Accessorize?

Sleeves or sleeveless? What sort of colour? Plain or patterned?

I'm a different size and shape to you so I don't know whet would suit you, but I just got a lovely one online from PrettyKitty. It's quite long and was under £40.

A large bust usually looks good with a V neck blouse and I find it more flattering as the eye goes down the V rather than straight across the bust side to side. What is your overall shape? Hourglass, V, apple?

Unless its very formal, you could also wear a nice skirt and blouse or pantsuit.

Can you wear red? whistles

Simply be is a great idea, thank you! Overall shape is hourglass, my extra tum tends to sit quite low. In the past I've gone for a fitted dress with massive pants to hold everything in place!!
I'll also focus on V neck and wear a nice necklace to draw attention up rather than accross like you say.
I'll also look at pretty kitty, I've never heard of them before.
Thanks so much everyone! It's so difficult, I had no idea where to start but now I do have an idea what to look for and none of the ideas scare me where as some suggestions from friends have!

OP- I too am hourglass and a size 16. I personally prefer a 3/4 sleeve to hide my upper arms, and means the sleeve finishes at the elbow which is the thin part and looks elegant and slimming.

• I'd wear spanks or those suck in pants to smooth the overall look out

• A pencil skirt finishing at the knee is flattering on a hour glass- again, finishing at a thinner part of the leg. (finishing higher up the thigh, or on the calf isnt as flattering). If you could find a dress with a pencil skirt base, that would work. Otherwise, a nice blouse and pencil skirt combo, maybe with a wide belt to show off your waist.

• I have wide feet, so I avoid anything too pointed at the toe. peep-toe heels/kitten heels are flattering for an hourglass and in my case, stop my shoes looking as long as those Ronald Mcdonald gigantic shoes

Also think about your colouring (hair, eyes, skin etc). I suit red and green, as have dark, chestnut hair but get washed out by pastels. what is your colouring like and what colours suit you?

in my case, stop my shoes looking as long as those Ronald Mcdonald gigantic shoes

Haha I have the exact same issue!

Autumnal colours seem to suit me. I have mousy brown hair which I have recently grown out into a bob, fair skin and big black bags under my eyes thanks to toddler DS!!