Ok, I'm going to the ball. Sorta. I spent £3 on a dress ... what next?

[NotQuiteCockney]

It's some sort of work do. DH is going in suit and tie, so it's not black tie or anything like that.

The dress is knee-length. Pics here. Does it look ok? I've shrunk a lot over the last few years, and never wore anything this revealing before.

I have no idea what to wear with it.

I probably will wear contacts, for at least part of the night. Areas of concern:

1. I have no bras that go with this. I don't really have much in the way of boobs, and the bodice is fairly thick. Can I just skip a bra? (I tried my one halter neck thing, and it doesn't work.) Oh, wait, I have a strapless bra, and that looks ok, maybe a tiny peek shows at the neckline, as it's white and v plain ... do I have to go get a black strapless bra?

1. Do I wear a necklace to fill in the neckline? Pendant? String of pearls?

1. I don't really wear makeup. Should I be trying? My left eye leaks a lot (ugh) so this is a problem ...

1. I might consider wearing heels. I'm a lot thinner than the last time I wore them, maybe they bug me less? Can I manage with flats?

1. What sort of tights? I'm tempted by fishnets, as I love them now ...

1. I am tempted by the idea of some sort of body glitter or something for my shoulders? I'm not used to having them on display. I don't have spots, at least.

My feet do seem to be a tiny tiny bit smaller, with weight loss.

Our local high street sometimes has some, at least, there's one store that always has funky flats in the window, and whenever I go in and ask 'do you have that in a 9', they say no, and try to sell me something else. Today they'll get their chance!

Go for it.

Hobbs is good for size 9s - also try Clarks.

I would wear boots with that dress actually, but I'm not an entirely conventional dresser - I can see it with knee-high medium-heeled ones and interesting tights eg with a lace or spot pattern. It's a great dress so you will look fab anyway.

For your eyes, you could get a nice eyeshadow (maybe subtly sparkly - urban decay ones are great - or try a special hypoallrgenic one eg almay) and black mascara, then experiment with putting them on upper lids only, and not actually touching the eye. Do this before the event and wear it for a day to see if it causes a problem.

Nice necklace and a nice subtly body shimmer - not so much actual glitter but shimmery dusting powder stuff would look lively.

Look lively?!! I sound like a 95-year-old army general - I meant lovely

1. I would get a stick on bra

1. A choker style would be best i think

1. Definitely make up, eyeliner on the top lid only and waterproof mascara, lipstick

1. Heels, they dont have to be teetering

1. Sheer tights not fishnets

1. Only a small amount, personally i wouldn't but it can look nice

Oh no don't agree at all MKX! Waist is beautifully slim and the kicking-out effect below makes a really nice shape. In pic three it just needs to be pulled down at the back where it's wrinkled up.

Disagree with mkx as well about the dress

I have some 70s ish choker style ones, that belonged to my mum, will try them with the dress.

The dress does look reasonably slim on me, I think. I mean, my shoulders look broad, but they are broad.

Ok, off to try the local high street for bras etc.

I got this from a lingerie store

la senza and the likes do similar

Yeah, I'll go check our local lingerie store.

The dress is pretty flattering on, actually. I'm happy with it, as is DH.

Right, must go, as have to go get DS2 at 1.

Kerry you're mad. It's gorgeous. NQC don't listen, the woman hasn't got eyes in her head! I am not as slim as you and I would love a dress like that as I know it would flatter my shape.

Personally I would go for no necklace with a halterneck... Ever! Way too busy. Go for some nice earrings.

Black opaque tights with black shoes and definitely do make up. I like the dress, I think the flare at the bottom does a good job of balancing out the shoulders effect of any halterneck.

I'm happy with it, don't worry! Ok, must shop!

NQC this seller on ebay does invisible sticky-on bra things.

I need it for Friday. I'll try La Senza this afternoon maybe.

Local shops a wash out. Local lingerie shop has closed. Well, I did buy suede-looking ankle boots, with a sort of drapey style, but I don't think they work for this dress. (They were £20, and are sweet.)

They were 8s and fit, so I may try some 8s in town this afternoon, if I can convince DS2 of the merits of shopping.

Oh, they're a bit like this. Only more drapey. I think they're only really for wearing with trousers, as they'll maybe give me stumpy legs with a dress?

no to boots with dress, sorry

Are those kinds of boots any good with skirts at all?

Ok, got shoes, they are from M+S, an 8, but they felt ok this afternoon, and i was wearing wooly socks and had done a fair bit of walking, so should be fine.

Will find pic.

Oh, and I got a bra, a strapless whatever one in black, and it looks good - can't see it at all under the dress. If I get fed up with it, I'll take it off, but it felt ok. M+S again.