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

[Anansisu]

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.

Also I'm sure the previous poster meant well, so no disrespect, but isn't it peak mn for someone to say "I'm a size 16" with no indication of your age or coolness level and someone goes "you will have to look at Miriam Margoyles for style tips"

Just wear a jacket

Im tall with enormous breasts and backside so may not be a direct comparison but here are some brands and dresses I really like.

Should also say that a 16 is really mainstream so pretty much everywhere is an option!

https://nrbyclothing.com/collections/dresses/products/freya-velvet-dress-forest

https://www.thereformation.com/products/winslow-dress-es/1304489CHN.html?dwvar_1304489CHN_color=CHN
(they do petite too)

Nancy Mac, Rixo, Sandro all nice too. I like Coco Conran but may be a bit frumpy for your taste?

I’m a potato and have bought a Rixo dress for an event. Hate my arms so got a long sleeve maxi number. There sizing seems good

Good to know thank you, long sleeved maxi or midi is what I need I think. Have ordered a couple of things to try on so I'll update if anyone is interested.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rotate-birger-christensen-dawn-sequined-gown-pink-p00804413?rrec=true

This looks pretty good but would probably need some help to shorten it.

It's nice, but I think their similar one in silver is nicer.

It's a matter of preference, though.

https://www.mytheresa.com/gb/en/women/rotate-birger-christensen-sequined-maxi-dress-silver-p00885570

Their purple one looks good too.

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/rotate-birger-christensen/clothing/midi-dresses/dawnty-open-back-sequined-recycled-tulle-midi-dress/1647597319970254

I love this. A 14 would definitely fit if you can find one.

oops

https://www.reiss.com/style/su083328/338176#338176

That is lovely but I'd need something over it to cover my arms I think.

Al

https://scampanddude.com/products/black-sequin-short-puff-sleeve-v-neck-t-shirt-dress?variant=42782427414707&currency=GBP&utmmedium=producttsync&utmsource=google&utmmcontent=sagorganic&utmmcampaign=sagorganic&gaddsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm4nhnkgwMViptQBh3WTAumEAQYASABEgLRRPDDBwE

You could hire a dress op

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/sequin-jem-dress?variant=40035967664205&currency=GBP&gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuOOB-kgwMVBaeDBx1IpAC8EAQYCyABEgI2EvDD_BwE

I’ve got a friend who’s a size 18 and 5ft2 and has extra weight on her stomach but she does Pilates so looks toned.

Her good points are her legs. So she can wear knee length or just above. She’s got an evening dress from a local boutique and Phase 8 evening dresses for her events. Plus Spanx.

I’d probably do a personal shopper unless you order a few dresses. But ensure your makeup and hair are well done. As you’ll feel better (I would!).

I love the Scamp and Dude black sequin dress.

@Anansisu you are a size 16 there really is no need to be swamped in the kind of clothes that Dawn French wears!

This one is SO good

I don't think shortening anything will be as much of a massive job as you think - someone who does it for a living will be able to shorten something like that one without too much pain I think.

@Anansisu

Would this one in Ralph Lauren Petite work for you?

By the way, which colours do you think go best with your colouring?

https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/metallic-knit-off-the-shoulder-gown-654346.html?dwvar654346_colorname=Brown%20Birch%2FGold%20Foil&cgid=women-lauren-petite#srule=price-high-low&start=1&sz=30&cgid=women-lauren-petite

Sounds weird but lm short and round and maternity dresses are brill as they don’t cling to any belly bulges. Black wraparound with amazing bold jewellery . Honestly people criticise black but it’s very flattering and sophisticated.

Further to my previous post …something like this…Maybe longer ? I have it and it’s lovely ! ( ps l’m not pregnant ..just plump 😁 )

As it's the BAFTAs, does this mean that you are likely to go up on to the stage or be photographed on the red carpet?

No to stage, yes to red carpet but nobody will care/ want to talk to me (thank goodness). Likely to be in background of some pictures if you want to look out for a rotund galleon sailing by!

On the shortening, I am sure a seamstress could do it no bother but I'd be nervous doing it myself with anything with sequins. I think I'd need to unpick them where I want the hem and I am scared they'd unravel. I am pretty handy with adjusting clothes but it's the fabric that makes the difference on some of these.

The green sparkly one arrived last night and is actually a contender - it's just above ankles on me and is pretty nice. Needs some shapewear and a big hairdo and maybe a nice bracelet. Have also ordered the black Rixo.