Help me get dressed up.

[maslinpan]

I have a big event coming up in July, all evening with dinner and dancing, not massively formal but I would like to get dressed up. There's a Venetian masked ball theme and I will be getting a mask so I need a great dress to go with that. I'm a 16, broad hips and shoulders, quite short waisted and 38 DD. I can look quite boxy as my hourglass figure is a distant memory, but I am 5ft 8. I cover up my upper arms as they are not my best feature, and at this point I have no clue where to start.
A jumpsuit would make my bum look massive, so that's out. Colour wise I am grey haired and blue eyed, dark turquoise is good on me. Are there any fashion geniuses out there?

What's your budget and are you wanting to go full-on long, or more cocktail dress type?

https://www.whistles.com/product/sequin-midi-dress-36967.html#cgid=Occasion_Dresses_Clothing_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=sequin-midi-dress-36967&pos=40

How about this? Super glam but covers upper arms. Would be good with your colouring I think.

As long as I can eat and dance in it comfortably, I have an open mind about length. The Whistles one is spectacular but that looks like quite a narrow cut, I have swimmers shoulders and big hips so I need something a bit more forgiving.

Budget around 100 but I might lash out more for something amazing I could wear many times.

Shape wise this sort of style is likely to be the most flattering

hopeandivy.co.uk/collections/new-season/products/the-priti

Weather is would go with a Venetian Face Mask in another matter.

But if you could find something in this style in eg black, you could add knockout gold heels, accessories and a face mask

Whether!!!

Might this work?

£118 in sale.
https://www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-satin-crepe-wrap-midi-dress/dark-jade/p109220198?size=16

Actually, scrub that. Not helpful in the shoulder dept!

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.swirl-print-satin-midi-dress-white.1175494001.html

How about this?

The Cos dress has a great print but I do need a waistline, usually a higher one is more flattering on me.

BTW, are you planning on buying a mask, or renting/borrowing?

If buying, there are some nice ones under £20 here:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/venetian_mask_women?ref=pagination&explicit=1&locationQuery=2635167&min=&max=20&price_bucket=1&order=price_desc

Yes, I have started looking at masks already, there are some brilliant ones out there. I am quite tempted by a plague doctor one but I think it would get irritating very quickly. It would be nice to not go straight for the beautiful option...

https://www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-isla-spot-mesh-maxi-dress-dark-blue/p109741809

This?

Plus points:

~ would suit your eye/hair colouring

~ empire line so no tightness round stomach and hips

~ deep v-neck, front and back, draws eye away from 'swimmer's shoulders' and very flattering to a generous cleavage

~ layered cap sleeves and silver detail will disguise upper arms

Downside is that it's ruddy polyester...

Yes, I get what you're saying about less obvious masks.

If you do go with the plague doctor type, please post a pic!

This might still be too 'pretty', but is mainly black and still has a beak nose. So a bit more alternative. And looks more comfortable to wear.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/women/clothes/costumes-and-special-outfits/2287976303-masquerade-ball-mask
(Brand new, with tags)

If you’re tempted by a plague doctor mask this would look incredible!

That mask is really great, I love the demented raven feel of it! Thanks, I suspect I may be spending quite a lot of time on Vinted today...

..."demented raven"

😆

Stunning gown.