Met Ball/Gala/Red Carpet outfit help for a fat forty something...

[CamelidCulture]

Hi

My sister's 50th birthday bash has a Met Ball/Red Carpet theme to it and she has asked us all to dress up for the occasion which is in a private room in a fancy hotel in London. My normal go-to for evening wear is a long black dress which I don't think will be glam enough but I'm a bit stuck for ideas.

Budget is up to about £300 (not including shoes) and I'm a size 16 - tummy and arms are my least favourite bits. Fair colouring so browns, burgundy and purple tend to make me look a bit washed out but willing to go for most other things!

Any ideas what might not look too bridesmaid/prom dress on a middle-aged woman with a tum?

Bombshell?

https://www.bombshellhq.com/collections/evening-gowns

Ooh maybe...

Any other ideas? I wouldn't mind hiring something fab either as I won't get much wear out of it - I'm more likely to be in Tesco's in a t shirt and jeans but some of my sisters friends are quite London-fashiony and I'd like to look AMAZING in a "well of course I had this little number in my wardrobe.." way

There are also loads on here. Haven't ordered from there myself but they seem to be well-reviewed and can also be custom made.

https://www.jjshouse.co.uk/Cheap-Evening-Dresses-c17/A-Line_p592i593/Sheath-Column_p592i595/General_p597i6202/

This fits your criteria!

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/bethany-maxi-dress-230323351.html#navAjax=true&is=true&cgid=sale-plus-size&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=size&prefv1=16&pid=230323351&pos=39

Karen Millen have some beautiful dresses.

https://www.karenmillen.com/petite-embellished-kimono-sleeve-beaded-maxi-dress/BKK09306.html

https://www.karenmillen.com/fringe-and-beaded-cap-sleeve-maxi-dress/BKK11148.html

That looks a bit frumpy sorry to say, doesn’t scream glamorous

If you are comfortable in your existing black dress could you glam it up a bit with some statement jewellery or sparkly shoes and bag? or add a wrap to it.
https://www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/shrugs

https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-beaded-sleeveless-godet-detail-maxi-dress-green-granite/p109806642

Chi-Chi often have some gems, worth checking them out

Red might not be your colour but just an idea of what you can get if you rent. have a look at selfridges rental and filter your size.
https://selfridgesrental.com/items/valentine-ruffled-recycled-polyester-maxi-dress

Or this pink one
https://selfridgesrental.com/items/dawn-puffed-sleeve-woven-midi-dress-30226

Might be too much, but as you said Met Ball / gala I am going for those, but also might be a good idea for you to know what your sis will be wearing so it doesn’t look like you are trying to outdo her.

@SapatSea
Nancy Mac. What very beautiful dresses. Thanks for the site recommendation.