Dinner/Drinks/Dancing - outfit ideas!

[Bunny2021]

I’ve been invited to a very exclusive private member’s club in a couple of weeks for dinner/drinks/dancing. It has a pretty strict dress code (no trainers etc). It’s one of those places that everyone makes an effort.

I’m still carrying a bit of baby weight and feeling a bit blah about everything I own - most of which I don’t fit into.

I’m 5’4”, very pale (the sick Victorian kind not the interesting kind) and probably a 12-14 at the moment.

It doesn’t help that our friends fiancé is going and she’s very cool, fantastic European style, slim and has an unlimited budget.

What would you wear?

(realistically I don’t want to spend crazy amounts as I’m on stat mat pay but open to ideas!).

What is you budget? Not too much for one person is too much for another!
What colour is your hair and eyes?

I'm not personally a fan but Nancy Mac?

www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/velvet-dresses

@cameocat - ideally as cheap as possible 😂 I’m also open to looking at more expensive items for inspiration!

I have blue eyes, brown/blonde balayage.

@KimikosNightmare - thanks. I’ve seen this brand suggested a lot on here but it’s just not really my style.

I know nothing about fashion but when I was in a similar situation I bought a plain black knee length dress from Wallis. They seem to be cut a bit more generously around the middle and I've been able to use it for quite a few things afterwards. It's a bit boring but with some jewellery and heels it's been very useful.

[quote Bunny2021]@KimikosNightmare - thanks. I’ve seen this brand suggested a lot on here but it’s just not really my style.[/quote]
Same here. I've never heard of it before but it gets endless mentions on here. I'll have another think.

Might be more than you're looking to spend but Hobbs' occasion wear might have some things?

www.hobbs.com/occasion/clothing/dresses/?imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=58&isSecondPage=false

This for example?
www.hobbs.com/product/carly-floral-fit-and-flare-dress/0122-5675-9022L00-NAVY-MULTI.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0122-5675-9022L00-NAVY-MULTI&pos=8

Or Zara? There's several on there which might meet the requirements.

www.zara.com/uk/en/woman-dresses-midi-l1081.html?v1=2026605&page=3

Sounds like the ideal time to hire something that would be way above your budget (and therefore not worth buying if you’re likely to change sizes any time soon).

I don’t know any clothes hire places though. Others will.

I don't think the event you're going to merits a dress hire. I had a look at a couple of sites and the hire costs for one wear are more than buying a dress from Zara !

I think you're over thinking it a little. Setting aside the glamorous fiancée as long as you're wearing a dress (and it's not a Toast Bloomsbury group , weave your own lentils style) you'll be fine.

MadeinBelfast gave good advice- a black dress will see you through.

Try googling "plain black dress". There are 100s of options.

www.debenhams.com/product/coast-spot-mesh-fit-and-flare-dress_acc01520?colour=black

www.debenhams.com/category/womens-dresses-black

www.debenhams.com/product/wallis-petite-black-ponte-mesh-sleeve-dress_ayy11560?colour=black

This isn't black but I like this Zara one- it's dressy, quirky and cheap.

Just came across this, granted could be a bit fitted but worth considering?

www.meandem.com/shiny-satin-bias-cut-halterneck-dress-midnight-navy