Please help me find an evening dress ☺️

[bananafish]

I am going to a white tie event next month, but I will be working, not for pleasure.

I will be spending the evening mingling but also dealing with vvvips; (think along the lines of statesmen and presidents) and will need to look elegant, poised and polished.

I’ve had a look but I suspect I’m not accessing the right sites. A lot of what I have seen is a bit mother of the bride or glittery or floral.

My preference would be a Caroline Herrera type ensemble - oversized black skirt and a crisp white top but it might be a little underwhelming.

I’ve linked a few pictures of things that might work. I like the white dress but it’s too bridal and god forbid I spill my wine or something (a distinct possibility).

I’m 5’8, size 18, (I know, I know, but last year I was pushing a size 24 so I’m getting there). Typical hourglass, boobs, bum, hips but small waist and flat tummy. I really hate my bum even though it’s in fashion now, I grew up when it was sooo not the in thing and it has stuck with me. I’m dark haired, darkish skin, I can carry off jewel type colours but I suspect I would be better off in discreet colours for this - I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♀️

Any advice, please? Or suggestions were I could search would be very gratefully received.

Oh, yes, I get a clothing budget from work so around £500, happy to add a couple of hundred, personally, for something amazing that I can wear again in some capacity.

Thanks!

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-crepe-tuxedo-gown-matador-red/p5231940
www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-jaisa-velvet-maxi-dress/dark-green/p4783552
www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/crepe-off-the-shoulder-gown-3615737979801.html?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=alwayson&utm_term=googleshopping&utm_content=crid494574959235_campaign12178260143_adgroup117812606355_tidpla-297612067635&gclid=EAIaIQobC
hMI7cfP-oDN8wIVj4BQBh049A2AEAQYAiABEgJqmDBwE

Ah, I love that tuxedo dress and it’s a bargain, too - it goes on the list, thanks

Yes its my favourite

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/dresses/gowns/belted-gathered-georgette-gown/25185454456468647

US 14 = UK 18

If you fancied separates, maybe these?

www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/women/jenny-packham-embellished-flared-trousers-item-16640890.aspx

Strictly speaking, for white tie you can't wear evening trousers and you should wear gloves.

Bombshell is great for an hourglass figure

The red outfit you posted in your OP is great but it doesn't sound the most flattering for your figure. If you're working does that mean that a bold colour would be helpful so your colleagues can find you easily?

I’ve been wearing evening trousers for black tie events for years and only the poshest of events would expect gloves.

The first black one you posted great. The red awful, you are right about the white.

Have you thought about renting a fabulous dress?

I like that dress lillibettina but I think my arms need to be covered? I may be overthinking this.

Some of the other dresses on that site seem possible - thanks for the link!

CMOTDibbler - that dress is lush and I would totally wear it for myself, but I think it’s a bit on the sexy side for this occasion.

Palavah. It’s Caroline Herrera, I love it but 1) it’s too expensive 2) I’m worried about giving out postbox vibes.

Although, yes, colleagues would certainly be able to spot me.

The black one I linked is still my favourite so far.

I have some gorgeous, black, pearl encrusted sky high heels, that are surprisingly comfortable which would lift the plain-ness of it and maybe a big necklace or dangly earrings?

@AmandaHoldensLips

Have you thought about renting a fabulous dress?

That’s a thought - do you have any recommendations for places to look, p,ease?

If it's the Lord Mayor's Banquet then arms and shoulders have to be covered.

Carrie Symonds rent3d her wedeing dress from My Wardrobe

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/lauren-by-ralph-lauren/leonetta-evening-dress-658459#colcode=65845903

I love the red and it sounds like it would be really gorgeous on your colouring and body shape.

I think the black would be better suited to someone who is straight up and down - if you’ve got a larger bum, I imagine it to sort of hang off it in an unflattering way.

The white is nice but not for this occasion - it’s more boho wedding vibes.