Cocktail dress

[doofdoofdneighbour]

As a volunteer I've been shortlisted for a local award, which was very unexpected and is very exciting! I'm a bit nervous because it's been a VERY long time since I dressed up for anything, and the dress code is cocktail dresses and lounge suits.

I'm 5'3, 8.5ish stone (54kg), size 10 but busty (32F). Since my C-sections, I would rather not have anything that clings across my tummy, as I've never quite got my old shape back.

I suit emerald and jewel colours. I have crap feet - fine to look at, as much as feet ever are - but a Morton's Neuroma, meaning I have one very comfortable pair of flat, gold sandals that I will be wearing, so ideally need to find something that goes with these. I've attached a picture of a similar shoe.

Budget up to £150, but I would also be interested in hiring options too.

Any help hugely appreciated!

Coast has some nice options which I think could work, depending on what sort of style you like-

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-petite-plunge-neck-twill-midi-dress-with-lace-trims_bcc06332?colour=teal

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-petite-tiered-hem-ruffle-maxi-dress_bcc00286?colour=forest

I also think this would be gorgeous with a bigger bust https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-petite-cross-neck-fit-flare-midi-dress-in-ombre_bcc07321?colour=blue

Wallis have some nice options too- https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-petite-sequin-puff-sleeve-twist-midi-dress_byy09324?colour=emerald

https://www.wallis.co.uk/product/wallis-petite-pleated-wrap-midaxi-dress_byy09323?colour=emerald

Gold will go with basically anything so your shoes will be fine.

Two more that I think are beautiful-

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-bandeau-jacquard-midi-dress_bcc06522?colour=purple&size=10&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Oq456ihhgMV_JEnAh3_0Aa1EAEYASAEEgJmFvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-petite-twill-bardot-fit-flare-midi-dress_bcc07144?colour=green&size=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Oq456ihhgMV_JEnAh3_0Aa1EAEYASABEgJilPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ooh, you superstar! They are exactly what I was looking for but for some reason I couldn't find!

Now to check out Coast's return policy if I overorder!

Argh! I'm back. I ordered about 900 dresses from Coast. I loved the teal one, but it is much too low-cut for this sort of event and the blue one just didn't quite suit my body shape, as I think my shoulders are quite narrow.

Everything I seem to try is either much too low-cut or tight across the stomach and makes me look pregnant! It's really not the sort of event where I want to show too much boob. I've attached some photos. Can you help?

(Sorry for dog photobomb)

The white and blue is lovely, modest, classier than the others and modern, but looks a bit too big on the bust. Could you take it to seamstress?

Yes, that's exactly what's wrong with it. I could take it to a seamstress but I have no idea how much that would cost. Any idea?

I’ve only ever had trousers taken up and I’m sure it was around £12, maybe less, but I remember thinking how reasonable it was. You could always call up and enquire.

If you haven’t already, you could try a strapless bra under it and put some safety pins in to make it a closer fit.