Aargh! Posh dinner - help needed!

[Lovecat]

My husband's company is throwing a Christmas do for the board and they've invited partners for the first time ever. We're staying over in a very classy hotel, going for lunchtime drinks and then they've hired a private dining room in the Sky Gardens or the evening dinner.

DH helpfully informs me that all the other wives/girlfriends are blonde and "tiny", and are wearing evening dresses. I'm 55, a size 16/18 apple shape, 5'4 with a face shape that was once a heart but is currently fat and round, and am beginning to get noticeable white strands in very dark brown hair that hasn't been cut since last summer. I don’t do grooming, rarely wear makeup and I'm absolutely dreading this.

Went out to Monsoon and bought a posh frock but am having massive doubts about it.

I have booked for a haircut but after 2 years of not thinking about it (and said weight gain) I have no idea what will suit me anymore.

Pic of frock attached. Stupidly wore a rather unsupportive bra in the changingroom, so I'm hoping it won't look quite as "bewbs!" as it does here. I will be wearing heels, so again won't look quite so stumpy.

Is it awful? Should I take it back? I do love the sleeves, fabric and general jujj of it, but am terrified I'm going to look overdressed/frumpy. I normally wear separates because I have a stupidly high waist and can cheat it with longer tops etc. so this is a departure. I'm fine for the daytime drinks bit, it's the posh evening dinner that's bothering me.

Advice gratefully received!

Decent bra and heels you'll look fabulous.

You look stunning 😍

Love the dress - great fit and cut on you
I would Bob your hair to chin length with some slight almost choppy waves and a side parting
Smoky eye - go to the make up counter
You’ll look 💥

That dress is beautiful and was made for you.

I think something that would nip you in at the waist a bit more would be much more flattering. I think that dress makes you look very apple shaped due to where it is sitting and the flow of the fabric.

This is monsoon too- did you see it in store?
www.monsoon.co.uk/geeta-animal-print-midi-dress-grey-24280828.html

Dress looks fab on you!

You look gorgeous. The dress is so nice.

I hope you have a lovely time. Remember everybody will be worrying about themselves

You look amazing, that dress is perfect.

I think you look fabulous actually.

That's a beautiful dress and so, so flattering! No need to go mad with your hair, just a trim maybe? You'll look bloody amazing and will put everyone else to shame!

I think you look fab

Beautiful dress on you. If you feel comfortable in it, new underwear, new hair colour, new haircut, heels and the job’s a gud un.
Have a lovely time

You look fab already. Heels and maybe some jewellery you will look even more fab. Hope you have a great time

I love it OP ! Think you look fantastic - good bra and some heels 👠

You look amazing and will stand out for all the right reasons.

You look great. I couldn't get away with that neckline as I'm an apple without the boobs!! Wear it with confidence. Are you a red lipstick person? I always feel that helps me feel great.

I love the shape of the dress and your hair however I think the paisley design looks too casual and I dont like the cleavage given the event

Also the blonde twigs will get older too. Don't feel bad because they are younger/twigs!!

I love that dress too. I think it’s exactly the right thing for you.

I think you look really amazing. Not knowing anything more about the event I think that looks like the right level of formal too. I hope you feel fantastic.

Are there any women going who aren't plus ones and maybe could your husband put you in touch if you want to compare notes with someone going. Surely there is at least one woman on their board?!

It looks great on you.

Agree with the red lipstick, a trim and a great blow dry and a huge pair of statement earrings and a clutch bag. Maybe a big bangle too.

Love love love the dress.

Don't be so harsh on yourself you look amazing!

Lovecat, this dress is beautiful!

Considering you are questioning your choice now, and wondering if you should return it, have you asked yourself if you think you will feel comfortable when you wear it at the event? Is this a dress that will make you feel confident while you socialise with your DH's work colleagues? If you feel you will be happy in this dress then you have your answer! Go with your gut instinct.

However, I don't think it was very helpful of your DH to mention the haircolour and body shape of the other partners, whether it was intentional or not (we'll give him the benefit of the doubt!!) But it seems to have added extra pressure? What does he think of your dress?

Also, I think if you took a few inches off your hair, to just below your chin, then some nice loose wavy curls, and have your make-up done by an MUA or beautician for the day, go all out and make the most of it!

Have a ball! Sounds like a really nice occasion

Stunning dress. Looks fab on you.

Yes, of course every other woman apart from you is blonde and tiny. As if. You look lovely in that dress. Not sure about the boobage though. Buy some fab shoes, bag, accessories, get your hair done and after that go and get your make-up done professionally. Really go to town and then go and show those tiny blondes how it's done!

BTW How does hubby know they ALL tiny blondes?

Please let us know how you go on. Have a lovely time!