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Original poster

Oh god I have to go to a really dressy event and I'm a potato

113 replies

Anansisu · 12/01/2024 13:35

Does anyone have any suggestions for what a 5' tall size 16 woman could wear to a fancy evening awards thing? I am really struggling! Budget of up to £500 ish. Don't really do heels but could manage a bit of a heel I guess. Would prefer something a bit interesting/ edgy as am hoping the outfit can look good/ fashionable even if the wearer is a weeble.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
Jook · 15/01/2024 21:19

I love all the sparkly puff/bell sleeve styles posted here. Any of them would look fab OP.

3luckystars · 15/01/2024 21:37

The BAFTAS!!!!! Omg you are so lucky, whatever you wear I hope you really enjoy yourself!!!

IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle · 15/01/2024 21:59

DomPom47 · 15/01/2024 19:29

It's all subjective but that's by far the nicest dress posted by miles, much nicer than the generic sequins. The Jigsaw / Roksanda dress is great too but possibly not dressy up enough.

falalalalalalalallama · 15/01/2024 22:13

Sodndashitall · 12/01/2024 13:58

Go to a high end department store and ask to see a personal shopper. You may think they are all geared around skinny 20 year olds but of course they don't always have the cash lol.
I've found them really good in the past for practical suggestions on nice outfits and also you can try on loads of stuff nicely in a changing room without schlepping form place to place. Selfridges Harvey Nicks etc all used to have them (haven't checked in a while as have no nice events these days lol)

I'd say style wise maybe A line shift dress or something that doesn't need a waist and don't be scared for a bold print as that can be the focus rather than the shape underneath !

John Lewis do personal shopper appointments too.

HardcoreLadyType · 15/01/2024 22:24

Anansisu · 15/01/2024 10:18

That’s lovely. I love the v back.

MavisTheMonkey · 15/01/2024 22:44

Some lovely dresses on here, but not many taking into consideration the fact that OP is 5ft!!!
Check out Karen Millen petite

www.karenmillen.com/petite-crystal-embellished-cut-out-woven-maxi-dress/BKK13324.html

www.karenmillen.com/petite-applique-organdie-floral-graphic-woven-maxi-dress--/BKK14028.html

Oh god I have to go to a really dressy event and I'm a potato
Oh god I have to go to a really dressy event and I'm a potato
TiptoeTess · 15/01/2024 23:53

Scirocco · 15/01/2024 13:38

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/gathered-butterfly-sleeve-dress/

Not necessarily this specific dress, but something in a dark colour with a statement decoration in the middle can look good and draws attention to the centre (and away from the edges). Combined with good accessories and a low heel, would that work?

God, I LOVE this.
It’s probably too long for you OP… can I borrow it and wear it round Tescos?

SandraTeaspoon · 15/01/2024 23:57

alwaysanauntie · 14/01/2024 13:00

@Anansisu Check out Siobhan Murphy on Istagram Interiorcurve, she has great fun with clothing & style on both higher & lower budgets, if you want edgy she's your gal!

Yeah she definitely has a "look"

MouseMinge · 16/01/2024 00:22

I've been trying to remember a store in the North Laines in Brighton that Judi Dench shops at or shopped at. I'd never call her a potato but she is short and pretty much shapeless and looks glorious in what she wears. Anyway, I can't find it/remember what it was called. But. When looking for it I found Hampstead Bazaar where she shops. I don't know if it would be your sort of thing, but they have a lot of flowing velvets in rich colours. This one I'm linking here is very similar to something I saw Dawn French wearing at a party back in the 90s. She looked bloody lovely. They also have loose velvet evening coats and loose trousers to wear under any of the loose flowing dresses.

Hampstead Bazaar clothing

BLADDY DRESS VELVET

A maxi kaftan with cowl neck and sleeve cuffs. This dress features small slits at the sides and a curved hemline.

https://www.hampsteadbazaar.com/clothing/evening-wear/blady-velvet.html

ninetieseyebrows · 16/01/2024 00:29

SoIdentifying · 14/01/2024 11:35

Are you saying that you are an apple shape by saying potato? Do you have slender arms and legs?

Pomme or pomme de terre? Grin

PyongyangKipperbang · 16/01/2024 02:28

Absolutely full length, midi is not flattering especially in evening wear. BAFTAs means that full on long frocks are perfect.

I went to a posh do when I was 20/22 and 5'6" in a midi dress and I looked like I was wearing the changing cubicle curtain! Went to another in a spangly top v neck jump suit and looked so much better.

Empire line full length in velvet or a similarly heavy weight fabric would be good or something overlaid in lace. If you are booby then v or lower cowl neck.

Original poster
Anansisu · 16/01/2024 11:15

There are some brilliant ideas here thank you. I have always avoided maxi length really as I feel like a galleon but I think I should try a few on a see. I agree that generally I would think of maxi as more "dressed up".

I will definitely go to a department store and spend a while trying different lengths and things.

OP posts:
Original poster
Anansisu · 16/01/2024 11:18

https://www.harveynichols.com/rixo/celia-bow-embellished-velvet-maxi-dress-970554-blac-shimmer-embellishmen-154506/?source=shoppingads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzJOtBhALEiwAtwj8tmtdbmETpJEXAHSmvorACZXi7mhDyDwu5_gg2l-sy9JRdWVyAA1fBBoCzN0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=Skimlinks.com&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1&ranMID=39654&ranEAID=2116208&ransiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-lHxnVNplJjWVvzbaWVeT1Q

Very tempted to order this to try - this does look like I could shorten it fairly simply.

LD Celia 2 BOW LONG DRESS_970554_BLAC

Luxury department store, Harvey Nichols, offers designer fashion, beauty, food & wine both online and in-store including Knightsbridge, Leeds & Edinburgh.

https://www.harveynichols.com/rixo/celia-bow-embellished-velvet-maxi-dress-970554-blac-shimmer-embellishmen-154506?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzJOtBhALEiwAtwj8tmtdbmETpJEXAHSmvorACZXi7mhDyDwu5_gg2l-sy9JRdWVyAA1fBBoCzN0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&ranEAID=2116208&ranMID=39654&ransiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-lHxnVNplJjWVvzbaWVeT1Q&source=shoppingads

OP posts:
LadyEloise1 · 16/01/2024 11:30

That's a gorgeous dress @Anansisu

Scirocco · 16/01/2024 11:43

I love that! Kind of want one but I've nowhere to wear it to...

MouseMinge · 16/01/2024 13:49

That is a great dress. Definitely order it. The worse that can happen is you don't like it and send it back. The best, it might make you feel like a total queen of the whole event.

PonyPatter44 · 16/01/2024 14:08

DomPom47 · 15/01/2024 19:26

https://www.lilysilk.com/uk/lilysilk-x-natasha-draped-silk-midi-dress.html#color=1894 I got this in green and have recommended it so many times to others - material is lovely and fit is comfortable.

Oh god that is beautiful. I have nowhere to wear it, but I really want it!

3WildOnes · 16/01/2024 14:22

I love the Rixo dress! I would spend the rest of your money on having a really nice blow dry. Maybe makeup too.

howlismoving · 16/01/2024 14:43

The Rixo dress is beautiful! I'd also splurge on some good shape wear if it's in your budget, it can make such a big difference to how the dress sits.

allfurcoatnoknickers · 16/01/2024 14:49

@Scirocco Oh my goodness that is gorgeous! I want it so much. Serious glam coven leader vibes.

@AnnaMagnani Yeah, Vivienne Westwood dresses are insanely flattering but so small! I'm an 8-10 and a M in her jersey dresses. Can't even get a small over my bum.

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