Help! Long evening dress needed

[ScandiNoir]

My daughter has a newish boyfriend, he's a junior officer in the Royal Navy and she's just been invited to the Christmas Ball! It's pretty formal, she needs a long dress, and I'm hoping you lovely women can help her wow on the night!

She is 25, 12-14 and has pale complexion, dark/golden hair and is about 5ft6. Not keen on sleeveless, loves and suits a high neck but also happy to show some cleavage! Looks good in green, burnt orange, black but she is open to any ideas.
Thank you

What’s her budget?

My sister bought this recently for a posh work do. It’s really pretty in real life…

www.monsoon.co.uk/jane-floral-embellished-maxi-dress-teal-24281979.html

This was her other option which I really liked…

www.monsoon.co.uk/lolita-maxi-dress-with-lace-bodice-blue-84228461.html

www.sexyher.co.uk

Don't let the name put you off. Both my dds had prom dresses from here & couldn't fault the quality.

Has he been given any etiquette rules? IME there are some Officers parties where it’s ok to wear more cocktail type party dresses and other where it’s much more formal - not just length but she ought to expect to have her shoulders covered and prob not too much cleavage!
This is an example of the sort of outfit his female colleagues typically have to wear.

Some really useful advice here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/forces_sweethearts/1332250-Army-mess-ball-dress-help-needed

A couple of examples from sexyher.

She needs to find out whether she's required to have her shoulders covered as per the dress code - I do for a Senior Rates ball, I gather it's standard for the meal section of the night.

Thank you so much for the replies...I see she needs more detailed info!

He told her it should be long, not cocktail length and that was about it. I'll get her to find out more and update the thread, hopefully tomorrow. We'll have a look at the suggestions you've given and the other thread, thank you SweetBabyCheeses99.

I knew Mumsnet would be helpful!

Just to update, apparently the invitation says mid calf or longer, doesn't mention shoulders needing to be covered. Anyway, she will get something with a sleeve to be on the safe side. Thanks for the suggestions, we had forgotten about Monsoon and have ordered 7 dresses to try! There were lots of gorgeous ones. We loved the green/teal one @PurpleDaisies posted but it's not available in her size.

Someone asked about budget...preferably around £100 as I've offered to pay for it but up to £150 for a stunner!

Can you say where the ball is? My husband is a RN officer so there's a chance we may have been to an event at the same base and I might be able to give you a steer.

There were lots of gorgeous ones. We loved the green/teal one PurpleDaisies posted but it's not available in her size.

It might be worth trying a 12 if it’s not too expensive…Monsoon sizing is generous.

I’d also forgotten about it until my sister started sending me pictures. She’s got great taste!

Hope your daughter finds something lovely and has a great time at the ball.

Would something like this suit (from Lipsy in Next):
www.next.co.uk/style/ls226178/P61553#P61553?i=12

Maybe something like this:
www.next.co.uk/style/ls232984/P67378#P67378?i=12

Try the Everpretty shop on amazon. Beautiful dresses for under £100. I've just bought my wedding dress from there

Thanks everyone, will take a look at all these ideas.
@SorrelForbes it's at HMS Sultan in Gosport

If it's a Christmas ball at HMS Sultan, I'd definitely go full length. It'll probably be a seated buffet type thing (starter and dessert served at your seat and you go up to the servers for the main) so less formal than some functions. It'll be fine to have shoulders uncovered! Ask him to find out if there's a theme as many Christmas balls are themed (e.g Narnia, speakeasy, circus).

Of the dresses above, the 2nd Monsoon one and the 2nd SexyHer (black) one are the most suitable. Ghost evening dresses are ideal! www.ghost.co.uk/sylvia-dress-orchid-bloom-do77ca-l41

ScandiNoir Sorry, meant to say that there is a Ghost Outlet in Gunwharf Quays.

www.ghost.co.uk/alexia-dress-db44ca-j35

I just wanted to update you all and thank you so much for your help and all the info about length of dress and covering shoulders etc. My daughter got this dress in the end. She looked really lovely in it and it was entirely appropriate. Also as it was dark navy she matched her young man in his uniform very nicely!

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-crepe-puff-maxi-gown-navy/p5311618

That is a gorgeous dress! I’m sure she looked lovely!

Oh how lovely, thank you for the update. Sure she looked fab. Hope they had a lovely time