Need help! Evening wear for the old and fat ...

[igivein]

I'm completely out of my comfort zone here. I'm 60, 5'6 and a size 22. In July I'm going to DC's 6th form leaver's ball (it's a black tie dinner for students and parents).
I spend my life in jeans and trainers and have no clue where to start finding an outfit.
I came across Scarlet & Jo who seem to have some nice dresses, but I can't help thinking I'd look like I'd be upholstered 😞
I wondered if I could get away with something like this?
https://chescadirect.co.uk/products/ivory-cobalt-pheasant-print-abstract-devoree-shrug-2
and if so, where to look for it - there's quite a few that would be suitable on Chesca's website, but the three separate parts would be over £500, which is a lot more than I want to spend on something that probably won't get many outings. Ideally I'd like to not go over about £175.
Please help me style gurus ...

Some lovely crepe black wide trousers, a well-cut sequinned black shell-type top. pointed flats - possibly brightly coloured satin - with matching clutch and statement earrings. Amazing fresh hair do and a splash of bright lippy. Indulgent perfume. Voila!!

I know it's all subjective but that Chesca website has stuff that would make me cry if I were forced to wear it. I'm 65 and I'll never be old enough to wear it.

On a budget of not exceeding £175 I'd look at Joannie's OTT 1960s and 1970s style maxi dresses. Or my own favourite OTT site, Klements. Their dresses are so over sized that although I'm a 14 , size S or even SX fits.

Cos might have something in the Cos atelier section but their website is down.

Thanks @allthevitamins , but I was really hoping for some website recommendations to browse.

Thanks @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle I know what you mean about the Chesca website 😁but it was the only place I could find with the long wrap-type ‘cover everything up’ tops/jackets.
I’ll have a look at the sites you mention- thanks again for your help.

Phase Eight have some nice things, would you consider a jumpsuit?

https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-green-pleated-maxi-dress/dt231/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1010&optionColour=Bright+Green&pdpClick=true

How about this, but only in a 20 at the moment

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4570064249-chesca-jacket-and-trousers-size-22?referrer=catalog

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4555246143-navy-chesca-mob-dress?referrer=catalog

I second Phase Eight.

Scamp and Dude have sequined tops, as suggested above.

What about good old Monsoon. They go up to 24 and they do have some dresses that might fit the bill.

A selection from John Lewis

You might also look for Chesca, Arianna Papell, Gina Bacconi on Vinted as these types of dress are often bought and worn once

It's a hard to tell without knowing your proportions. What are you most self concious about..are arms ok or would you prefer to cover them. I personally would go for something that is a little bit cooler than the one you suggested. I would echo the Cos suggestion as they come up large and although you are size 22 they may well do the trick depending on cut and material and they always have something a bit interesting about them like a nice collar or fold. This is nice although you would need to try it on to check boobs situation as it falls straight down. The back tie is lovely.

If arms are troublesome this one is good if you like the pattern?

Or this if you don't mind black. Good forgiving fabric and the high shoulders might be good.

I find Curvissa can be a useful site.

Sahara has lovely colourful and stylish stuff which might suit... drapey and pretty. I second trying eBay as I've picked up some gorgeous stuff there; plenty of people seem to buy and wear for a special occasion then sell!

John Lewis have a personal shopper service. I wonder if you could get separates that worn together work for a formal event but you can wear individually more often?

Please don't wear the Chesca wrap thing ( no offence). I am not experienced in plus sizes. but all the other suggestions would be better, especially the Cos dresses. You can't often go wrong with Cos.

I think the Chesca creation would be very warm, sweaty to wear and you would be pulling at it and drawing attention to yourself it also looks very peasanty and dated.

Laura Addlington 5’8’ and about a size 24 is on instagram and sometimes wears nice flattering things. She tried some dresses from Phase8 I think yesterday apparently the Bluewater shop keep size 24 in stock. So you could maybe have a look online. Fatface goes up to a 24 and may have something suitable.

I am a similar size to you book a hair appointment get a new lipstick and enjoy the event.