Dress for Dinner & dance with DH’s work

[Mudonstairs]

Please accept this challenge wise style and beauty gurus! I’ve obviously left it very late to be looking but I have had a lot going on with my son and been so busy, but DH and I will be going to his work dinner and dance next Saturday. It’s at a posh hotel in a cold part of the UK. All dresses I like are not posh looking enough but I really am not a posh sort of person so am struggling.

I am 5ft 5. Size 8. In my late thirties. Brown hair and eyes, olive complexion. I am a pear shape and small/empty breasts so low cut or v necks don’t suit me as they tend to gape or not sit right and accentuate my pear shaped silhouette too much. I prefer dresses that are not too short as I am chunky of thigh and buttock! I would prefer not a maxi dress as I find they are always too long and I’m not going to have the time nor the money to have it taken up (side question - can anyone explain why maxi dresses always have a 5ft11 woman modelling it on the website when the average woman is not this height?! Just puts me off buying maxi dresses completely).

I don’t wear heels as I can’t walk in them so if you could post the link of a dress and a shoe suggestion that I won’t break my neck in you get bonus points! I like shirt dresses but again they are never dressy looking enough. I would like to look dressed well but also not in an attention grabbing kind of way. Understated and classy is the look I want but can’t seem to find. I would like to wear a normal bra so no dress that needs any multiway contraption type bra or any chicken fillet style sticky ‘solution’ please, and dresses that show a lot of skin aren’t my style anyway, hate cutout or spaghetti straps or back on show. Just a ‘normal’ dress if that makes any sense. Would prefer sleeves of some kind. As you can see none of that sounds particularly dressy does it but that’s what I like 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also prefer to shop in Next, ASOS, M&S, River Island, New Look as they are easy to get a return/refund from my local stores or lockers near me. Not necessarily loving what is available in those shops but the returns process usually stresses me out with online shopping so I like to be able to just return in store. Budget is less than £100, cheaper the better without it looking cheap.

I basically need help with the whole outfit as well so jewellery and jackets or cover up suggestions are also welcome x

Thanks. I would find the shoulder bit annoying I think.

I do really like that first coast dress.

This would stress me out too much. My family life is incredibly stressful now due to my son’s health. I am so worried about leaving him with my mum babysitting. I know he is in good hands but his newly diagnosed health condition needs constant monitoring. I am close to saying I can’t go to the event altogether. I can’t handle anything else adding more stress to the occasion.

www.next.co.uk/style/ls400726/b44329#b44329

It would work well with silver or navy heels!
Dora Barely There Classic Kitten Heel Sandal Wide E Fit | JD Williams
Rainbow Club Joni Navy Moiré Slingback Kitten Heels
(both low for comfort + easy walking!)

You have got it right there. I am in such a stressed and anxious state in general because of life at the moment. I don’t want anything else to add even a bit of uncertainty or stress. I am just holding on trying to live a normal life even though everything seems such a struggle right now. Thank you for understanding 😊

I have 0 suggestions, but you go out, have fun and rock whatever outfit you choose!

Ah … I’m sorry there’s such a sober reason for your lack of bandwidth for clothes shopping. I hope you find a dress you like - and that you feel able to go out for the evening without too much worry.

At my dh work they invite the workers to a Christmas meal and drinks after meal paid for drinks not

He doesn't go though never has

Bless you OP, you're only a size 8 but you have so many bits of your body that you talk down! You sound so stressed. Please hold your head high and feel confident! I would normally go to & Other Stories in times like this too but I also really like the Sienna green dress.

How about this one OP? Very festive colour:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su516470/at5778#at5778

That’s a lovely dress. Sold out in my size though.

I have an update 😁 all these beautiful satin suggestions reminded me that I had a beautiful satin Ghost dress I had bought a few years ago and forgot about. I have dug it out and it fits perfectly. I am going to start a new thread for advice on shoes and accessories. I will try to link it now https://www.johnlewis.com/ghost-madison-satin-maxi-dress/dark-blue/p5719716?size=XS&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1x2oAG7sr50LEN_z4S0MhrN_&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Ou5BhCrARIsAPoTxrAEYKCfhlj10UGYIm_XigjL8txZJ4rNc3hjkujVkDympRMGC0ugyhkaAtAzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The one I have got is a lovely bottle green.

The dress you have sounds perfect OP. Enjoy your night out - sounds like you both deserve some fun

Hobbs have some gorgeous party dresses at the moment!

I saw this in M&S at the weekend and thought it had possibilities:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/polka-dot-round-neck-midaxi-column-dress/p/clp60706395#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r4c3
I don't know why it's been labelled as a polka-dot column dress.. I think the wide sleeves may help balance heavier hips. Add jewellery, hair up, some ballet flats with an ankle strap like these (not necessarily these):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DREAM-PAIRS-Ballerina-Elastic-Sandals/dp/B077GV86Y5
and I think you might have the understated look you're after.