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Please help me find a knockout dress! Evening do!

25 replies

Pinkicecream · 23/06/2021 11:23

Hi! I have been invited to a wedding evening party, first invitation to meet my new man's friends. I want to wear something really gorgeous, a bit glitzy and glam, as it's the first proper celebration we have been to together (I'm joining him there due to restrictions on daytime numbers). It will be late Aug.

I am in my 30s, size 12-14 after losing quite a bit of weight after illness (more to go so am hoping to be closer to a 12), 5'6".

I am an hourglass shape in terms of measurements but have a bit of an awkward figure to dress: big bum and thighs which look good in a fitted dress but make anything short look too short, and anything too full look lampshadey, defined waist but jiggly tummy, broad shoulders so don't wear sleeveless dresses (strappy or sleeves are much better) and my arms aren't brilliant despite doing weights. I have a big bust in terms of size but not much cleavage in most tops, so very low cut doesn't really work. Overall I think I have an impression of stockiness rather than having any specific bits to show off.

I love the wide, square necklines and puffed sleeves around at the minute, which seem to balance out my shoulders, milkmaid styles and like a pencil skirt. I am pale and blonde, and look good in red, blues/ greens, jewel colours, not really pastel or pale colours and am hoping to wear a pair of really nice black and gold sandals I splashed out on.

Budget is preferably around £100 but could go up to £200 for something special. Have trawled the Outnet by budget and not found much!

Please help me with any ideas!

OP posts:
Cleverpolly3 · 23/06/2021 11:41

I might be barking up the wrong tree but I like this. It’s puffed sleeves (slightly) the right length and a lovely jewellery colour.
This website also has a wedding guest edit and there are some nice dresses in there

www.nancymac.co.uk/products/sable-dress-in-peacock-silk-velvet-1

Vohgue · 23/06/2021 11:47

green milkmaid

MadamBatty · 23/06/2021 11:53

Some lovely dresses on that site

FeatheredHope · 23/06/2021 12:02

I was going to massively recommend Bombshell HQ.

StarCourt · 23/06/2021 12:11

Love Bombshell

Pinkicecream · 23/06/2021 12:55

Thanks everyone for these lovely suggestions! Some great colours especially.

Not to criticise as its really good food for thought but whilst I would adore styles like those on bombshell HQ on someone else, that look isn't really me, to be honest.

The Nancy Mac is beautiful and probably a good shape on me, especially the curved waist seam at the back, and i would definitely wear the Closet style, just I am maybe looking for something a bit glitzier... I should have said but I don't really go in for many accessories, beyond shoes and bag... I think it's part of feeling like they add bulk and fuss to me overall which I don't need!

OP posts:
Cleverpolly3 · 23/06/2021 13:03

I think that dress is really glamorous. With your snazzy shoes and a good hairdo / bag / make up it will look fab Smile

Jumpingintosummer · 23/06/2021 13:48

Lots of good sakes on.

Please help me find a knockout dress! Evening do!
Pinkicecream · 23/06/2021 14:47

Thanks for the further suggestions. Again, really nice ideas.

I'm just having a look at Harrods.

I think my problem is that I don't quite know what I want, yet quite a lot doesn't suit me if that makes sense! I'm not quite yet at a weight where I would feel good in something younger and sexier such as from Self Portrait or Rotate, but anything much more mature would make me feel a bit matronly.

I have a gorgeous 1930s vintage dress that is slightly tight still. I'm wondering if I can diet hard and get into that., and look
For a shiny black bag.
It's more elegant though and I was sort of hoping for a bit sexy!o

Isn't it typical. I saw so many gorgeous dresses when window shopping online during lockdown but nothing that fully hits the spot now I've got somewhere to go!

OP posts:
CushionsandCandles · 23/06/2021 19:22

If you want to be bang on trend you can hire a Vampire's Wife dress for around £100.

www.hurrcollective.com/designers/the-vampire-s-wife

peanutbutterandbananas · 23/06/2021 21:55

I recently wore this and recommend it:
www.coastfashion.com/jewel-trim-midi-bodycon/ACC96601-2.html?color=157
Coast has lots of lovely options and some money off at the mo!

QuentinBunbury · 23/06/2021 22:06

I would normally say Coast but had a look and not that much I'd get away with as an hourglass
I do like this one though
www.coastfashion.com/cluster-embellished-midi-dress/ACC98464.html

EwwSprouts · 23/06/2021 22:13

Glitzy & square neck.
www.monsoon.co.uk/ariana-sequin-fishtail-maxi-dress-gold-14878712.html

Vohgue · 24/06/2021 00:24

Ganni? Outside budget though

www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/ganni-floral-cotton-poplin-midi-dress-1490851.html?catref=category

Maybe not glitzy enough either

spooktrain · 30/06/2021 18:06

would a personal shopper be a possibility? it sounds like you are getting used to a new body shape so maybe a few pointers could be useful, plus getting to try lots of things on

Margotshypotheticaldog · 30/06/2021 22:41

I have absolutely nowhere to go but that Nancy mac dress is divine 😍😍😍
Don't think I'd get away with it at work!

Pinkicecream · 01/07/2021 23:19

Thanks everyone, more lovely ideas. I think a personal shopper might be a good idea. I'd have no idea how to get the right one though! The vampires wife dresses are a real possibility though, wonder what the fit is like...

OP posts:
Ellllle · 12/07/2021 08:46

Have you found anything OP? Curious as I need similar. Vampire's wife is beautiful but don't suit curvy.

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