Oh dear god. Going to a 'ball'. Please advise

[chrissnow]

It's DH's summer ball in June (I know this is very advance, but I suspect I will need to save up pennies to buy dress!!). It's black tie. Very posh hotel we're staying in. Directors etc will all be there. I want to look fabulous. Prefer not to wear a black dress as I suspect every woman and her dog will be in one!!! I need to compete with the very rich wives whilst not being at all rich (think champagne lifestyle - lemonade budget)
Anyone out there to help? What details of my size/colouring do you need?

I really like that Debenhams one for £50 but its only in a size 16

MrsBadger, thats gorgeous but also out of stock

I can always gaffa tape the norks up if needs be!!!!
Do I have to go long? I know it's black tie, but last year's pics show quite a few shorter styles (some of which should I fear gone for long though!! - I know I have no right to be a beeatch!)

I agree TK Maxx can be fab for ball dresses, but IME you might have to go in a few times cos their stock changes so often. Also if you have any dress agencies near by, you might get a bargain second hand dress. My last ball dress came from a charity shop for £10!

Got to go and decorate house now!!! DH home from work. Will check in later for more inspiration.
Come on - make me gorgeous and fabulous please!!!!

Go easy with the fake tan, it can cheapen a look if not done correctly. It is a very fine line!

oh except don't feel you should go long

really, especially if you're not used to it

Bravissimo (in SuperCurvery so will fit your boobs) great have a ball dress at the moment. It is bronze with black organza over the top. I think it is 50 pounds.

Luminescent moisturiser will make your skin glow, it's what all the models and stars use for photo shoots and on the red carpet.

Try booking an appointment at a department store make up counter to get ideas for a glamourous evening look.

Hmmm, short/long dilemma is always a problem. Short means you will prob be able to wear it again more easily, however black tie does traditionally mean long, and depending on type of work and how snobby, senior members of dhs firm may be sniffy about people 'breaking the rules'. That said, if DH doesn't mind, then neither should you! I have experience of forces functions, where you will be asked to leave if outfit is inappropriate.....the shame

Mrs B that green dress was fab -
CN - any more thoughts, when is the ball?

Thanks - sorry been away for ages!!
Will go long (shoes are high so should be able to get away with it!!)
Any other colours that would suit? Just in case I can't find green?
littleboo - Ball not til June! But I can't stand leaving things last minute, cus then I end up just buying something because I don't have time to look. Then I don't feel comfortable with my choice.
Any recommendations from anyone for this luminescent mousturiser (please not silly money!! - I've read good things about Revlon skinlights?)
And . . How do you tell if something is bias cut?

I think it means that it is cut on the curves... think fishtail skirt that is loosely coming in at the waist and reasonably fitted at the hips.

Ebay is great for bargain balldresses, as they're the kind of thing people have only worn once or twice. Downside obviously is that you can't try them on but I got a really nice one last year for around £30 that would have been £100+ new.

Bias cut means that the fabric is cut diagonally across the weave instead of following it-- it makes a dress more 'clingy'. Most figure-hugging long dresses (as opposed to ones with full skirts) are cut this way.

Does your town not have a dress agency (posh name for second hand shop)? try looking here

I've browsed them before, and second-hand evening dresses often crop up, as people don't actually ever wear them out. The agency could probably help if you need alterations too.

I would recommend Debenhams personal shopper service - you will try on more dresses in an hour than you could possibly do by yourself, all in private and you will probably find something tahtyou wouldn't have looked twice at on the hanger that looks wonderful. All the Designers do evening wear and at good prices. There is no obligation to but but it ealy is a stress free way to shop and find nice things...