Looking for an evening dress

[lemonstolemonade]

I need help.... pre kids clothes do not fit and I need something that takes me out of mum of 2.

For a charity ball, doesn't have to be long (have checked), but men in tuxedo, so need to be similarly smart. 5ft 5, size 8. Auburn and pale, so black washes me out.

Bonus if in the sale. Up to £300.

By the way, not that I think age should be determinative, but I am 40

Just a first idea, until we see what you like...
https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls422244/e63481#e63481

This is nice!
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su447452/ae6620#ae6620

Green.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls441517/e19657#e19657

Ooh, definitely no to the first - small of shoulder, so really hard to get a V to sit on the bust well.

I like this one, but questioning whether has the same issue.

I've been invited by friend, who is wearing a long dress. Not a work event

Don't mind the green, but I have one similar and ruled it out as potentially not formal enough

https://www.marksandspencer.com/satin-ruched-detail-maxi-dress/p/clp60705107?color=GREEN&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_pst&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7EQf2Sv0V3fVPkhVJag_BMQEkh8CrG1-EpJrkjdVl49qQJCJRAky4MaAmCJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-fae-satin-cape-maxi-dress-teal/p112666067?size=10&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7EcLRsRFfQ6tp91ARq--K4b5ot7z6Y_cYu2C3mM1HBp-qHFy_GceiYaAgwfEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.thereformation.com/products/delphina-knit-dress/1312738OGV.html?lang=en_GB&fbvar=nonbrandedgoogle&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7HuVibx7QH6Phx6Goum187IXgjsnchTlUlvT-0NeF5mji5Q7RzMlUUaAqVAEALw_wcB

Like the reformation one!

www.johnlewis.com/monsoon-monica-maxi-dress-green/p112709924

@Catlover1705

Like that one, but thinking it might be a bit safe

I wore this recently and got lots of compliments www.johnlewis.com/never-fully-dressed-sequin-dress-teal/p112788386. It's v comfy as well

I've got my eye on this one for a similar event

I got this and it’s so flattering on. I am blo de size ten and got a size ten. Worn to a wedding, and a formal works black tie ceremony. Had some lovely compliments

www.phase-eight.com/product/sabrianna-print-midi-dress-222422000.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=21857443321&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21857443321&utm_content=176388341984&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADumyC8Lq7XU6AFgK1v4ybbpaoH6v&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx_Sxhq_NigMVwpxQBh0vAzOPEAQYASABEgKfAfD_BwE

I love this one. I know you said not black, but the solid black is far enough from your face/arms so it shouldn't wash you out:

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/emalise-sequin-pleat-maxi-dress-222491492.html#navAjax=true&is=true&srule=Storefront-price-low-to-high&cgid=black-tie&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=size&prefv1=08&pid=222491492&pos=44

ASOS have some decent options

Probably not what you want to hear but if there are some charity shops nearby take a quick look. They pull out that type of stock often around Christmas/New Year as people often have black tie events. I know two of my local charity shops often have label on new dresses for very reasonable prices. And many of them are stunning.

TK max if it is nearby may also be worth a look.

Of all those, I love the Reformation one.

The others are all a bit safe and the sort of stuff I wouldn't really want to wear at 60 (if I was slim enough for any of them).

I LOVE the teal reformation one .. if I was a size 8/10 still I would be leaping all over that one !

Thanks so much. I think I may bite the bullet and try the reformation one!

Hi @lemonstolemonade , evening dress for ladies is by definition floor length (or at least ankle length), so your post is confusing. Are you after a cocktail dress instead? I know you said you've checked, but maybe venues will refuse entry if you are not dressed appropriately so hopefully you've not been given duff info

More velvet at &otherstories
here

The Reformation one is stunning particularly with your figure.

I have recently purchased a fabulous high end dress from a pre loved shop, a quarter of the price. Definitely worth a look

I like the Reformation dress and the cape one from John Lewis. They both look simple but elegant.