Help please - I need a ball gown.

[snorkle]

Calling Mrs Badger & anyone else with a feel for these things...

I generally avoid dresses whenever possible and the last time I bought one was over 10 yrs ago. Now I have to go to a Hollywood themed ball & need something glamorous. Really hate shopping & haven't much clue where to even start looking. Is it mad to buy something like this online without trying it on? Any suggestions for what sort of thing to wear, colours & where to get it? All advice welcome.

hollywood theme eh-what does that mean?

does it just mean a red carpet type dress or do you have to dress like a particular star ?

coast is a good place to start what's the budget

size/shape?
budget?
colours that suit you?

staple recommendations for eveningwear are Monsoon, Coast and, esp if on a budget, Littlewoods.

You could buy from somewhere like debenhams, this dress is nice if you'd feel more comfortable trying on first.

I would feel ok about buying online, and bear in kind that oyou could have it altered.

I think accessories are the key to glamour and to fitting the theme. SO I would get a beautiful simple, elegant frock.

What are your colours? Are you fair, dark, what colour hair, what shape are you?

OK...

Hollywood themed - I'm not really sure what it means to be honest, but I'm NOT dressing like a particular star !

Budget - Not too excessive - I'm only planning to wear it once (though I do have a posh wedding to go to in the autumn, so if it would do for that too it would be a bonus).

Colours that suit me.. I'm a winter and apparently suit turquoisy blues well. Have brown hair (going grey) and brown eyes.

Size & Shape. About 5' 10"; used to be a 12, probably nearer a 14 nowadays.

What are your good bits - can you do strapless? Good arms, or do you need sleeves? Much of a waist?

Thanks slur, that dress looks OK - I admit to shuddering slightly at the thought of wearing it though. I'm going to have to go & try these on I think - dammit.

Oh yes, and norks - big, small, non-existent?

Jackieno - Laughing slightly at the idea of a good waist - about 15 yrs too late for that!! Definately not strapless! Could get away with bare arms, but I'm nervous with too low necklines (front or back).

norks have expanded with the waist! 34C or D nowadays.

blue and good for hiding waist

ooh what abvout this?

this is pretty

you could always get a little shrug or wrap to cover your arms.

Monsoon definitely worth a visit - they have lots of lovely ones atm. Also, as MrsBadger mentioned, Coast.

Snorkle... I too am going to a hollywood themed function.... is yours later in April by any chance?

how do you feel about patterns?

That Coast one is beautiful, Slur - but £££.

themoon, no mine's in May. WHat will you wear to yours? Slur thanks some of those look lovely. I think I'll go with full length. Patterns - depends on the pattern I guess. Last dress came from Monsoon, so I'll visit there & also Debenhams (I think Coast is in our local Debenhams). Is Littlewoods only an online place Mrs Badger?

look at your local bridal shops at there bridesmaid dresses. they sometimes have something and a good tailor if you need one

I haven't a clue what to wear for mine Snorkle. Not a clue

Like you, I'm not a dress person. What are you doing about shoes? Dress requires posh shoes with high heels.

Snorkle - I needed a ball gown and popped into my local hospice shop. They had an aladins cave downstairs hiden away - about 4-5 rails of worn once or twice eve dresses.

I got a dress for $4.50 and have worn it twice. The thing is most eve dresses second hand are in good condition - only thing to look out for is the odd rip or wine stains.

"This caught my eye a while back...stores.ebay.co.uk/QPID-Showgirl"

And each gown is a variation on a theme, they clearly state how to measure yourself for the gown and the prices are extremely good I think!

Yes I was worrying about shoes too. Does it HAVE to be high heels? My feet are outrageously wide and normal shoes simply don't fit usually. Also if I wear heels of any hight dh feels short. Can I use that as an excuse to wear something flatter?

£59

£49 patterned

black £39

little bit cheaper still £££ for one off though Its black but you could get colour with accessories.

shrugs and shoes and necklace, in turquoise for example.

ebay turquoise

into floral?

Snorkle how about pretty glit*tery sandal things.

or wide fitting?