Help me please!

[Dotdotdotdot19]

My husband has recently has a promotion and as such we are invited to a company gala event in June. Due to having my second baby 7 months ago and also not generally being one to go to these things I have literally no idea what sort of dress to wear, what make up is good and what essentials I would need as I only have mascara currently.

I am a size 16, 5'4 and cannot wear heels due to an old ankle injury. Please help me with what I could wear! And any other tips!

@Dotdotdotdot19 you’ve given no indication of company context, dress code, budget, style preferences!

So people won’t know whether to recommend Zara, Zimmermann or The Row …

Sorry, I'll do that. Company context is an annual awards thing. Dress code I will find out from my husband and budget is probably about £70 to £100.

In this regard I don't have style preferences. I'm an overgrown goth who can look amazing in a band t shirt, jeans and boots so I guess a muted colour palette is something to look for if that's any use?

How formal is the event?

Perhaps a flattering maxi dress or jump suit in a great material? These would look good with flat shoes or boots. I know jumpsuits are controversial but they are having a moment and I love them. Whether they are for you doesn’t depend on your size as much as your shape. You could have fun with accessories.

A pot of blush and a lipstick would enhance the impact of your mascara. Or sod that if you don’t like the idea.

Thanks, it's a black tie event and also apparently there is a cocktail evening the evening before. I've gone for two dresses one knee length black and the other floor length navy so feel OK with them. Now for some iron boned shapewear and I should be OK. I did look at jumpsuits but I have a c section overhang so they aren't quite as flattering for me.

Thanks for the make up tips, I'll have to go and get colour assessed for make up as I suspect my teenage look isn't quite right!

For black tie, women can wear long or ‘tea length’. With a shorter dress the question is how formal will it look?

I do think some make up will enhance a formal look so I hope you have fun with it. You need to feel comfortable with your look to have a good time.

Oh I was going to wear the knee length one to the cocktail thing the day before? The navy one for the black tie should work as its floor length and I reasoned that I then wouldn't have to wear tights as in my head formal means no bare legs. ( can you guess I'm a complete novice to this?)

Makeup wise I'm just aware that my pre children look needs updating and given that I've got older and have suitcases under my eyes I might not want to go for the smoky eye look! Otherwise I suspect I'd look like a Tim Burton character without the cheekbones!

I think bare kegs under a long dress will be fine! I hope you have fun at the make up counter. If in doubt, trust yourself. But concealer properly applied can do wonders. Get the woman at the counter to show you how. You might enjoy experimenting with eye make up!