What the hell do I wear to a masked ball?

[ElizabethinherGermanGarden]

Invited to a wedding evening with a masked ball theme, invitation says formal dress and the hotel is quite a nice one.

I'm size 14, 5'5". My body is basically a rectangle with biggish boobs so need a bra (backless is a no). I don't have the waist I'd like but would love to make it look as if I have.

I do have a fabulous pair of shoes that I've never worn before (classic louboutin round toe pumps, black patent) but I normally live in jeans and haven't been out in the evening to something fancy for years.

Budget up to £200 maximum - I'd prefer lower if possible.

Please can someone help me shop? I'm hopeless!

www.asos.com/maya/maya-cold-should-embellished-maxi-dress-in-green/prd/22966633?colourwayid=60440416&SearchQuery=ball+gown

Something like this could work, with a nice mask

Rent something fabulous, maybe with a built-in corset? You'll look amazing, and let's be realistic, how often is it likely anyone will attend balls. You can rent something that would cost thousands for the same price as a dress from M&S.

What sort of style do you like. I have loads of lovely dresses that are just hanging in wardrobe. I could send pics and if any good.. send it on. Most only worn once

@user1485851222

What sort of style do you like. I have loads of lovely dresses that are just hanging in wardrobe. I could send pics and if any good.. send it on. Most only worn once

Things like this are why I bloody love Mumsnet. What a kind thing to offer.

Sorry @ElizabethinherGermanGarden have had response, dresses were lovely, but took a while to arrive, how is your dress hunt going?

I went to a masquerade ball years ago and wore a full length, empire line dress. John Lewis have a sale on and some lovely dresses.You could wear a basque or corset underneath to give you shape.

I'd start wearing your new heels around so you don't end up with blisters on the night too.

I would stake out your local charity shops for a full length ball gown and order a mask off the internet

Ooh, more responses!
@user1485851222 that is incredibly kind of you, thank you, but I am sorted out now. I managed to find a really nice dress in the Reiss outlet that looks like nothing on the hanger and makes me look as if I've just lost three stone as if by magic!

It's plain black georgette (or similar - matte, crepey material, anyway), ankle length with a slightly uneven hemline to show off the scary shoes and a deep v neck with cross-over straps at the back and a sort of deep welt on a dropped waist. I think it must be from about three years ago because it was so reduced. I had to invest in a terrifying sticky bra that I think may need to be reinforced with gaffer tape, but it's a small price to pay.

Fabulous! And your mask?!

It's made of lace/string and isn't too uncomfortable. I just need to do hair up now. I am tempted by teenage prom hair but think I will go beehiveish.

Have a look Bravissimo they have dresses and a sale on at the moment

I’ve got to go to a black tie event soon and been trawling mumsnet boards today - came across these sites and the dresses look lovely (and recommended by other mumsnetters):

1. www.saintbustier.com/shop/categories/dresses-that-fit-big-busts.html

1. divacatwalk.com/collections/a-line-dresses?page=2

1. www.bombshellhq.com/collections/occasion-dresses/products/edge-of-the-shoulder-midi-bombshell-dress-in-leopard-print?variant=28807562854480

[quote SirenSays]What about something like this?
I'd be wary of those shoes if you haven't worn them in, I imagine you'll be on your feet for hours.

www.coastfashion.com/cold-shoulder-scattered-embellished-maxi-dress/ACC98991.html[/quote]
Love that.
OP., I would pick one of the darker colours, so it could be worn again at a winter formal black or white tie event. I’m thinking of Hunt Balls which are often held from November through to March. Have fun.🙂

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden

Ooh, more responses! *@user1485851222* that is incredibly kind of you, thank you, but I am sorted out now. I managed to find a really nice dress in the Reiss outlet that looks like nothing on the hanger and makes me look as if I've just lost three stone as if by magic!

It's plain black georgette (or similar - matte, crepey material, anyway), ankle length with a slightly uneven hemline to show off the scary shoes and a deep v neck with cross-over straps at the back and a sort of deep welt on a dropped waist. I think it must be from about three years ago because it was so reduced. I had to invest in a terrifying sticky bra that I think may need to be reinforced with gaffer tape, but it's a small price to pay.

Photos please of your outfit, sounds fabulous. Good choice of colour, can be worn again for a formal ball in the winter months.🙂

You wear formal evening wear and a mask. Venetian style, usually.

@LemonRoses

You wear formal evening wear and a mask. Venetian style, usually.

I've gone formal but quite understated - I don't know the bride and groom so I really don't want to be the mad woman who turned up so OTT it was embarrassing! I'm keeping my fingers crossed I've got it right!

Too much, maybe? Wouldn't it be wonderful, though? (If I was a completely different person maybe)

Not excessive at all OP. I think the white is too bridal for a wedding though. Perhaps add a cardigan and navy clutch bag?

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden

Too much, maybe? Wouldn't it be wonderful, though? (If I was a completely different person maybe)

Many many moons ago I wore something in a similar style as the cream dress, a proper ball gown but in rich purple with a green & gold & ostrich feathers Venetian mask & green shoes. It was at a Hunt Ball & anything goes at those events. So sad that I haven’t got a photo, it was well before camera phones & I was too broke to pay for an official event photo.☹️ Have fun.🙂

@LemonRoses

Not excessive at all OP. I think the white is too bridal for a wedding though. Perhaps add a cardigan and navy clutch bag?

🤣