Black tie frock

[RockCrushesLizard]

I need some help!

I have a fancy dinner dance event coming up, and don't have a clue where to start for a dress.

I've been looking in places like Hobbs and John Lewis, but am finding that most of the dresses are a bit too wedding-y, or not formal enough.
It seems like I am so out of step with what people wear.

I'm 5"2, size 10-12 (I can generally fit a ten, but I prefer more fitted dresses in a larger size), fairly hourglass shaped, short legs.

I have a few criteria that are making it trickier:

Not black
Not floor length
Must cover bra straps

Where are you stylish people buying formal wear?

Have a look through the Net-a-Porter party dress edit and then go to the websites of any brands that appeal and suit your budget. (Several are High St prices, and the websites will probably have sales - as does N-a-P itself.)

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/clothing/dresses/party-dresses?cm_sp=topnav--party-dresses-topnav-all-global-web--28-10-24

Or try:

The Outnet for discounts on luxury brands.

Or you could hire:

www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/ www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/]]

I was swithering between these 2 Sister Jane dresses. I tried the red on in Harvey Nick's this afternoon and as suspected I don't like no sleeves/ cap sleeves so the green it will be. They didn't have the green in stock.

Sister Jane 1
Sister Jane 2

Hiring is a great idea- the cost of a really nice dress is so high, and if I get 2-3 wears, that would be it, thank you!