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Original poster

Dress for summer ball challenge

26 replies

WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 22:28

I have a black tie summer ball to go to in two weeks and not a clue what to wear. I just haven't seen anything I like. Anyone up for helping me find something?

I'm 50 and would quite like something that makes me feel elegant and sophisticated rather than old and frumpy! (She says, optimistically...)

Guidelines as follows:

  • size 8-10
  • would rather have colour than black - I suit cool colours, pinks/blues...
  • block colour rather than patterned
  • would rather avoid showing my legs so a longish dress/jumpsuit/trousers
  • quite like halter neck type shape though not essential
  • perhaps something summery and floaty though also not essential
  • budget up to £200 ish

Would be hugely grateful for any suggestions.

OP posts:
UsernameRedacted · 23/06/2024 22:33

Phase Eight jumpsuit

Bignanna · 23/06/2024 22:43

UsernameRedacted · 23/06/2024 22:33

She’s looking for a ball gown!

ajanifear · 23/06/2024 22:50

Karen Millen blue satin

ajanifear · 23/06/2024 22:51

Bignanna · 23/06/2024 22:43

She’s looking for a ball gown!

Show quote history

OP mentions perhaps wanting a jumpsuit!

Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 22:51

UsernameRedacted · 23/06/2024 22:33

Thank you, I like the shape of this, not completely sure I could pull of purple though...

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 22:53

Bignanna · 23/06/2024 22:43

She’s looking for a ball gown!

Show quote history

Well, it is billed as a 'ball' but I'm not really up for a big flouncy ball gown - was looking for something a little more understated...

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 22:58

ajanifear · 23/06/2024 22:50

Thank you, I really like the colour and shape at the front of this. Not sure about the elasticated back bit though.

This is my problem, I think I'm being too fussy about the details...

OP posts:
ajanifear · 23/06/2024 23:02

I can’t tell if it’s elasticised at the back or just pleated!

You might need to try a couple of things on, because I find formal wear in particular photographs poorly for only shopping for some reason. It always seems to sit slightly differently in real life

Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 23:03

Thanks, Springwatch. Don't think I could pull off the first one these days and I fear the second one, which looks lovely on the model, might make me look a little matronly!

Sorry to be so picky!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 23:06

ajanifear · 23/06/2024 23:02

I can’t tell if it’s elasticised at the back or just pleated!

You might need to try a couple of things on, because I find formal wear in particular photographs poorly for only shopping for some reason. It always seems to sit slightly differently in real life

I think you're right, I probably need to order a selection and try some things. It's a shame it's so difficult to actually go and try things on in a shop these days unless in London - there seems to be so much less choice than online.

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 23:12

minipie · 23/06/2024 23:02

this is a bit over budget but very elegant

this one is stunning

Both lovely, thank you, didn't think of Reiss.

Love the blue one - wonder what it would look like on me...

Green one also lovely but would show the less than beautiful veins on my legs.

OP posts:
ajanifear · 23/06/2024 23:14

I saw that Reiss one and also thought it looked like it could be very striking and elegant on the right figure. (It would just look like a sack on me)

Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 23/06/2024 23:19

ajanifear · 23/06/2024 23:14

I saw that Reiss one and also thought it looked like it could be very striking and elegant on the right figure. (It would just look like a sack on me)

This is my concern! Would definitely need to try it on...

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIfWhatIf · 24/06/2024 12:57

minipie · 23/06/2024 23:31

Thank you. These are lovely dresses but I'm not sure about green on me...

Thanks for all the suggestions. Now need to go and order one or two things to try...

OP posts:
Bignanna · 24/06/2024 13:57

minipie · 23/06/2024 23:04

And this

Very plain and unflattering imo!

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 24/06/2024 14:36

Bignanna · 24/06/2024 13:57

Very plain and unflattering imo!

Show quote history

I think it's gorgeous! I love the clean lines of it and the way it hangs. You'd have to be the right shape to carry it off but I think it's really fab and definitely flattering (on the right figure)