Evening dress for different sized body

[Arborist]

I have a formal work event coming up. I need a frock that’s around £100-£200 as I’m unlikely to wear it more than a couple of times afterwards.

The trouble is that I am a 16 up top and a 12 around my waist and hips. Nothing fits. It’s either too baggy around the waist/hips but is nicely modest or fits around the waist but then I end up showing my bra and and all and sundry to the world which is not the look I’m going for, especially in a work setting.

Any ideas? I have a few weeks to go so I have time to order online.

Talk to a local dressmaker and see what they recommend for east alteration ? What styles would they suggest that you buy in a 16 and they tweak to take away the tent effect ?

Is it possible to get a top and a skirt that look like a dress when put together?

I was going to suggest separates too, something like this?

https://www.thereformation.com/products/moya-linen-two-piece/1314481SUN.html?

I could try a dress maker, but that will add an extra cost unless I buy a cheap dress. I’ve thought about separates but haven’t found one I like yet. I’m a bit despondent, can you tell?!

Do you need a 'party' dress/outfit for an evening event (something full length/sparkly etc), a cocktail dress (so not full length but still party-ish), a wedding guest type dress (bit of cross over with cocktail), or formal business wear?

I think you have to be realistic.

If you want to look good at the event you will almost certainly have to buy either two separate pieces, or a dress which will need altering.

What sort of event is it - normal smart; or very dressy cocktail or black tie?

What is your usual / preferred style?

It’s a black tie dinner with an awards ceremony. My company has a table and we have been nominated. In the unlikely event that we win, I will have to go on stage with the team.

I was thinking long frock but I’m also short so off the peg maxi dresses swamp me. I’m not sure about a trouser suit.

Tha js for your replies, it’s helping me to focus. Everything is pointing towards the dressmaker.

Black tie can mean separates - trousers based if that suits you better

Have a look at Scarlett and Jo, cater for larger boobs, but generally stretchy waists so won’t necessarily look too big. You might need to have the length altered if you are short in a maxi.

Something like this could work - with whatever style top you feel comfortable in
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/izabel-london-sequin-high-waist-semi-sheer-midi-skirt_p-067b743b-3af0-4434-a2cf-b0da3d2901d6?colour=Black

Are you near a John Lewis? You could see if their free personal shopper service can help you find a suitable outfit .

Have you tried wrap dresses? This one looks like it would be v flattering and you can tie it to fit https://www.curvewow.com/products/curvewow-short-sleeve-pleated-wrap-dress-red?variant=44540107981026

These vintage styles can really suit a fuller bust too, and as PP said you can always get alterations if you need them https://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/products/lily-meadow-floral-black-off-shoulder-dress

I love the Coast dress and a good price too! My nearest John Lewis is about an hour away. Some good ideas here, thank you.

<Tries not to feel disappointed with @Arborist‘s entirely free choice of frock>

Stretchy velvet is my saviour! I have a gorgeous long sleeved blue dress from Wallis that would be perfect.

I don’t understand. What do you mean by “free”?

Less than £20 from SHEIN. Honestly the selection of black tie combos on here is phenomenal, and the quality is really good especially if your only going to wear once

I should have said the top on the left with the skirt on the right

I'm very short and busty but petite apart from my boobs. I have embraced the fact that dresses/jumpsuits will never fit off the peg. Anything I buy goes straight from the shop/delivery box to the wonderful tailor at our dry cleaners. If she can't alter it to fit it gets returned. It adds £10 or £20 or so to the total cost of the item but it's worth it for a perfect fit.

Most dry cleaners offer this service and it's an absolute game changer. I wish I'd realised this years ago.

Leely has some dresses which can be made to a custom size, so long as you have enough time for them to make and ship it. There's a wrap velvet burnout one that's beautiful. I have a large bust and smaller hips and waist and it was great for me.

Otherwise, anything that not sleeveless and is weak around so can be pulled in should work for you.

Something belted might work. Buy the size 16 but the belt would pull your waist in to a smaller size. If you're not keen on this one, have a look at other belted dresses.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su550564/f09151#f09151

Thanks all - am off to the shops today to see what I can find.

Carolina Herrera used to show a certain type of look a lot back in the day, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful evening looks ever. Could it solve your problems?
It was a full, long skirt in a fabulous fabric, worn with a classic white shirt tucked in. I tried to post a pic, but failed. But Google “Carolina Herrera skirt and shirt” to find a gazillion gorgeous pics.
I think your figure could look utterly ravishing in this.

You mean like this: India Hicks on the right.

Yes, but a much longer, fuller skirt in a fabulous bright colour. Or in a really luxe fabric. I think it’s the contrast with the plainer white shirt which makes it stand out for me.