Cheap but expensive looking Christmas party dress

[Newusernameaug]

I have an award dinner and Christmas party night to go on which are with work, I’d love something wow but that looks expensive but is cheap, ideally less than £50.

Im 5’6, size 10-12 and curvy, preferably short sleeve or no sleeves as I get very hot easily. I need things fitted or shaped others I look like a brick!

Any suggestions would be welcome please, I’ve looked and can’t find anything that’s cheap and gorgeous!

I was thinking a deep red or green velvet dress but no luck there, not too keen on black but happy if it’s an amazing dress.

If seen this in the shops www.peacocks.co.uk/4304319-blue-plain.html

And it doesn't look.cheap

www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/womens-graduation-dresses/quiz-dark-green-velvet-ruched-sleeve-midi-wrap-dress/p/854134438?_cclid=Bing_0cf191bee6e7151abf13f2d0c83917a6&extcam=UK_PPC_PLA_Generics_Bing_DV_c&msclkid=0cf191bee6e7151abf13f2d0c83917a6

Sorry but that’s bloody awful

If you know brands that fit you, I'd look on Vinted for something second-hand. A dress like that is likely to have only been worn a few times.

There's some good stuff on Vinted at the mo agree. Lots of options for well under £50

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/bodycon-dresses/jenerique/v-neck-bat-sleeve-midi-dress-in-emerald-green

www.next.co.uk/gl846s4/R07746#R07746

www.next.co.uk/style/ls212495/p47419#p47419

Last one especially comes in different colours, looks classy and you could dress up with something like this

I've hired dresses for events in the past. HURR looks good.

Yes, very nice and Christmassy.

I have this and it's gorgeous. Not the right colour but fits some of the other criteria?

hellbunny.com/dresses/occasion/evening-dresses.html

Link for hellbunny

A woman at our table wore this to a big awards night last Friday (it ended in fireworks outside so she added a fur coat) and it was beautiful on. The drunker she got the more she told everyone what a bargain it was so perhaps don’t do that 🤣.

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-front-knot-plunge-v-wire-velvet-maxi-dress-in-midnight-blue/prd/203510094

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-fallen-shoulder-pleat-structured-velvet-midi-dress-in-bottle-green/prd/204017258

More sexy: www.asos.com/style-cheat/style-cheat-bardot-ruched-velvet-mini-dress-in-emerald-green/prd/203527318

This

Just ordered it! It's gorgeous!

Enjoy!

I love the first two green dressed and the jumpsuit thing is gorgeous too!

I have this and the material is very thick. It doesn't look cheap at all. Very flattering too.

https://femmeluxe.co.uk/emerald-one-shoulder-ruched-slinky-midi-dress-savannah?foc=2607&fook=43c08e0b3e28ef38012c13e11945f34a&fos=gplauk&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgribBhDkARIsAASA5bt8a9zKKAx7zlExYg0LunRVrOJxdhUTyxqIQ1NTC-CuNbHkfqYdVBYaAv6UEALwwwcB#207=310

Don't buy a dress, hire one! Check out www.eco-wardrobe.co.uk - its a social enterprise so the small amount of profit from your hire does good - and its better for the environment :) Also you don't have to dry clean it!

There is an Asda knock-off of the Nancy Mac jumpsuit that Gillian Anderson wears in Sex Education - looks fabulous if you can find one.

Agree with second hand

Another option is looking in clearance sections
on websites eg John Lewis clearance often reduces things right down, Phase Eight likewise. TK Maxx and BrandAlley worth a look (but Brandalley charges for delivery)

www.ever-pretty.co.uk/products/elegant-double-v-neck-velvet-party-dress-ep00861?_pos=7&_fid=45110b590&_ss=c&variant=42022934479035

I've bought this for my bridesmaids but they are lovely quality and fit and

TKMaxx often have great formal dresses. I got one there for £35 and have worn it to several fancy black tie events where it got lots of compliments.

Thanks everyone - lots of suggestions and things to look at.
love the green jumpsuit, not something I’d considered!
just downloading Vinted now to check it out :)