Sparkles for someone distinctly unsparkly

[Whenwillglorioussummercome]

I've got a work black tie event with the theme 'sparkle'.

I have put on quite a lot of weight recently (could be menopause, probably chips) and am currently size 16/18. I easily look pregnant as my stomach is bigger than my boobs. I'm 5'5". Many of my colleagues are young, beautiful things. I have never felt less sparkly.

Please offer me some ideas. I've drifted round John Lewis and Selfridges and seen nothing that called to me. Nothing clingy, empire line sees me asked when I'm due, doesn't have to have sleeves if I can add a cover up thing but no weird stuff happening at the top that means I can't add a cape/shawl/cardigan as I do NOT want my wings on show.

Thank you.

the website has lots of sequins and seems quite flattering.
https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/search?q=sequin%20dress

I'd probably go for a wrap style
https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/yours-london-curve-black-sequin-embellished-double-wrap-dress-p?queryid=2b212ab9a2146ff422c3e9c018b1c6a7&objectid=72737&position=8

or one of the sequin top, maxi dresses
https://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/luxe-curve-forest-green-sequin-hand-embellished-maxi-dress-product-code-p?queryid=2b212ab9a2146ff422c3e9c018b1c6a7&objectid=79515&position=4

I don’t think you have to take the dress code too literally; a diamanté hairclip or a sequinned evening bag would be sufficient.

What’s your budget - and preferred colour?

Yeah, I don’t think I need to be head to toe sparkles. I’m feeling very unsparkly in a wider sense though.

I wonder if it might not be more cost effective to hire something - it doesn’t sound as if you’ll want to wear your black tie outfit again very soon?

I'm not sure where a hire place near me is and when I'd get the time to visit it. But it's not a bad idea in principle, thanks! I've got black tie stuff from when I was a little slimmer so (obviously) my plan for the future is to eat fewer chips so I can wear those again if something similar happens. I've just started a job where these things happen twice a year, and I'm not about to keep buying new outfits for them!

Thank you. Those aren't really me but unhelpfully I can't really articulate why not. I do like a wrap top though.

What about something not sparkly that you can wear again, then buy this to go over the top. It can then also be worn as a jacket on nights out etc in the future

I’ve got a sparkly shawl that I was thinking of for that. Jackets look silly on me for some reason. I have the air of Dorothy in the Golden Girls (in a bad way, much as I love her approach to life).

You don’t have to visit the hire place …

This one is highly regarded at the moment and you can filter by size:

https://www.hurrcollective.com/collections/dresses

Thanks but I really have to try things on. I rarely even buy online so wouldn’t want to rack up rental fees. So many things look awful on me!

Sparkly shoes with a plain dress?

Even a sequin bolero would be better than a shawl imo.

Something like this ? There is a London shop Stine goya

The blouse would work with a long grey or black skirt.

Any of these any good, seem to have a range from just a bit sparkly to full on disco ball

goddiva.co.uk/collections/ball-gowns

Apologies if I'm way off the mark but would a sparkly jumpsuit fit the bill? The right one can hide a multitude of sins (especially around the tummy & arms).
https://www4.next.co.uk/style/ls316529/r23679#r23679
https://www4.next.co.uk/style/ls266829/p81751#p81751
https://www.roman.co.uk/sequin-wrap-bodice-jumpsuit-14300708
https://www4.next.co.uk/style/ls266829/p81750#p81750
https://www4.next.co.uk/style/ls346736/q32097#q32097
https://www4.next.co.uk/style/ls371268/k53131#k53131 (add sparkly jewellery / bag / shoes )

Yeah avoid Yours. I've ordered stuff from there and it's always disappointing. Very cheap looking irl.

Have Monsoon got anything?

scampanddude.com/products/drape-sleeve-midi-dress-black-with-gold-foil-moon-star-and-lightning-bolt?variant=42186920689843&gclid=CjwKCAjw9pGjBhB-EiwAa5jl3JipgMRRP3PnCJz2bX1iK7E7gPYxMeA0hnBjwubaCVDxZpNh0FW-YxoCvoIQAvD_BwE

This is kinda fun and in the sale

I sometimes have to go to events with my OH and the other wives are always very sparkly which isn't really me. I compromise with my ubiquitous black trousers and eveningy jacket and a sparkly top, usually a camisole sort of thing. It's a nod to the bling that everyone else is wearing without stepping out of my much more muted comfort zone!

Thanks for the ideas! I’ll have a good look. Jumpsuits don’t work on me as I’m too round in the middle: a true apple.

My shawl is more a cape, sort of 20s style. It’s a sparkly net type thing. Far better than it sounds!

Sharp black trousers , slinky black fine jersey type cardi , black vest top or sequinned vest top black or metallic.
Well applied eye makeup / cat flick eyeliner ,slick of lip gloss ,statement sparkly earrings /studs .
Understated but stylish.

https://www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-kimono-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-sequin-gold/prd/202721679?clr=gold&colourWayId=202721699&cid=14543

Sparkly but feels more in a vintage glamour-y way than bling.

A sleeved cape thing? They're lovely - it would be perfect.

Is budget an issue? If not then consider Bombshell HQ I’m 16/18 and find their dresses really flattering and I feel nice in them. Not sure if they’ve got anything sparkly in at the moment

Ooh yes they’ve got a whole sequin section!