Black Tie on a budget

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I’m looking for a size 20 (with a big tummy - size 22 trousers) dress for a black tie event. My budget is £50 for both the dress and shoes.

I’ve had a look on a few of the first websites that google shows up, but didn’t find anything I liked, mostly because they’re too tight around my stomach. I even thought maybe a maternity dress might hide it better, but couldn’t find anything in my budget.

So I thought I’d ask here in case anyone has a recommendation!

The event is next week so I don’t have time to lose a significant amount of weight.

Thanks!

Next week!!

I saw pp suggest this site but not sure anything would arrive in time
www.ever-pretty.co.uk/pages/search-results-page?q=black+tie&page=1&rb_filter_option_6f6cb72d544962fa333e2e34ce64f719=22

I’d browse in charity shops, eBay and Tk maxx. Do you know anyone you can borrow a dress or shoes from?

Plain wrap dress & glam up with accessories?
www.evans.co.uk/plus-size-dress-wrap-plain-212302black?gclid=CjwKCAjwy7CKBhBMEiwA0Eb7arPFvQqdjoVO-7ed4Ivm3Herh7ml_MWD8Lkt9olyy40AiqEa2nLPixoChF0QAvD_BwE

Yes, very little notice, and I thought the dress I already have might be ok, but I’ve put on so much weight this past two years that I look like a sausage in it… not quite the look I was going for!

Thanks for the recommendation, pretty dresses, but you’re right, it won’t get here on time as it says 10-15 working days.

Pushing the budget a bit
www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/s/?text=Dresses&nofollowind=true

Ahh ignore, I’ll try link again

It went out of stock, that’s why it defaulted to another page.

How about this?
www.secretsales.com/5eb4a5c11fde8-mela-london-curve-sequin-detailed-maxi-dress-black/

@Twilightstarbright I’ll have a look at charity shops this weekend if I can’t find anything online. I don’t think I know anyone my size, but I guess I could ask.

@Whentheydontmeanwhattheysay I saw this dress earlier, and I do like that style as it’s loose around my tummy, but wasn’t sure it was smart enough (I don’t really attend black tie events, so always unsure about what works)

@Whentheydontmeanwhattheysay oh I like the secret sales one!

www.asos.com/liquorish-plus/liquorish-curve-wrap-midi-dress-in-black/prd/23379245?colourwayid=60476363&SearchQuery=plus+size+wrap+dress

I think eBay is your friend or consider renting one which would get you something nice quality. However, ASOS will have something for sure and you can obviously order different sizes to try - they’re fast too. This one might be good. I would borrow shoes and a bag if you can.

Black tie is the easiest look to do on a budget. The charity shops always have gowns and shoes and bags etc. Definitely dresses. And then you could borrow shoes & bag from friends/family? Try to get a look in local charity shops asap. Good luck 🤞🏻

Thanks for the ASOS link @Divebar2021, I hadn’t even thought about eBay!

I think I’ll go check out the charity shops ASAP, and if there’s nothing there, there’s a couple dresses I like the look of on this thread.

@LifeInAHamsterWheel you’re right, I never look at the formal gowns in charity shops, but I do remember seeing at least one rail of them in each shop, so fingers crossed something nice (in my size) is available!

I love charity shops and look regularly but mine are not very good with plus size ( I’m a 16) so have a plan B just in case. I’ve bought evening wear off eBay ( Coast for example ) and paid about £15. Look at Buy it now though given the timescale.