Occasion dress help

[rileybelle]

I have been invited to a black tie event next month, drinks reception followed by dinner and dancing, for a friends birthday. I am a short (5' 2'') peri menopausal (44) asian woman, size 10-12 with a belly!

I've been feeling very down about my appearance recently so would love some dress recommendations that I would feel comfortable wearing but also boost my confidence a little. Budget up to £200. Don't mind short as I run/spin quite a lot so my legs are about the only bit of me I don't feel awful about! Thank you.

What’s your ideal style vibe? How old are you? (I know that shouldn’t and doesn’t matter but I’m trying to get to know guy a bit more. Do you have a favourite colour or one that really appeals for this dress? Will you need / want to wear a bra?

If you can wear a short dress you definitely should! It will look so summery and fresh and celebratory.

Three examples - but browse all the dresses on the relevant site if any of these appeal:

https://aligne.co/collections/dresses/products/fern-bow-satin-mini-party-dress-pink Only two other similar dresses, in red, and green.

https://sisterjane.com/collections/dresses/products/raven-spot-mini-dress?edit=one Wonderful party frocks.

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-sofia-passion/ All pure silk.

(And remember that your underpinnings will make a difference to how any dress fits. Also buy the size for your biggest measurement and have altered to fit, if necessary.)

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-twill-bardot-bow-waist-column-black-dress_bcc09726?colour=black

www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-embellished-bow-detail-tiered-maxi-dress_bcc08525?colour=black

www.coastfashion.com/product/warehouse-premium-embellished-ruffle-tier-sequin-midi-dress_bww07579?colour=black

I’m a very similar figure and height, OP. Also Asian! I think the key is buying things which fit as well as possible, and when short that means items that fit properly across your proportions properly like arm length and the height of the waist. And while I too favour short dresses, I don’t think short is right for black tie.

The Karen Millen petite range is good. And there is a sale at the moment with some lovely dress choices here: https://www.karenmillen.com/womens/petite?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY-woi1A9oIPSRTwITSykjNC7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrOG63of1jAMV2JJQBh3n-RskEAMYASAAEgKTR_D_BwE

But it’s Spring, @Silvertulips! Black tie doesn’t mean you have to wear a heavy black frock for a party.

Also the beauty of a short dress is that it obviates the need to restrict oneself to petite ranges.

What colours suit you @rileybelle ?

Thank you so much for the replies and wonderful suggestions. Apologies for not checking back sooner.

In terms of colours, red or green suit me quite well. I also really like the look of this dress

https://www.neverfullydressed.com/products/pink-safari-thea-maxi-dress-petite

Not 100% convinced though. I'm not keen on going for black.

I'm a bit worried about a non-petite maxi dress as I'm not good at walking/dancing in heels and I tend to trip over hems - I love ME+EM dresses but they look like they'd be way too long for me. I think the right short dress might also be possible, like this one

https://www.meandem.com/midnight-hibiscus-print-ruched-mini-dress-pink-multi

Surely that particular Me and Em dress doesn’t meet the dress code, @rileybelle? Isn’t it far too casual and everyday?

In general I think you’d be surprised at the range of dresses you can easily wear, in terms of length. The thing to do is try them before you dismiss the idea.

This Me and Em is more black tie worthy:

https://www.meandem.com/lurex-swing-mini-dress-peach-gold

But I appreciate it’s well above your budget. It’s not really a ‘summer black tie’ sort of brand.

@PrimevalStomp I was worried about that too. I love the dress but I think you're right it's a bit too casual isn't it.

I really like the one you linked I'm just a bit worried about showing off my arms, my upper arms especially.

Strange language showing off my arms? Are you, as they say ‘very online’? You’re a grown adult who wears a size 12/14? I’d make a guess your arms are entirely appropriate to your body. It really is disconcerting / depressing that you perceive so many difficulties relating to your own body - height, arms, middle … No one else is noticing or caring - they just see you!