Tricky one - awards outfit that is wow but not too wow?!

[Badlypaintedrose]

My team is nominated for an award. It will be a big and glitzy ceremony and they stand a good chance of winning. I say ‘they’ because I was off sick for most of the project they’ve been nominated for. So I will be there, will be celebrating and cheerleading my team, but also really want them to be in the limelight as it’s their moment.

I only have about £200 as a budget and it’s an arts industry thing so everyone is quite cool. It’s not black tie, just dressy

I’m 46, apple shaped size 12. I would love a dress from toast or gudren sjoden but they make me look frumpy somehow. I need something fitted and that shows I e made a MASSIVE effort but also that can blend into the background a bit for photos!!

it’s a tricky one - any recommendations?

@notwavingbutdrowning1 ooh they are lovely - just the right side of understated whilst still being a bit edgy. Going to take a serious dive into that sale!

These are absolutely gorgeous! Unfortunately I don’t wear silk but I like how you can search by fabric on their website

They’re doing an extra 25 per cent off the sale at the moment - code is at the top of the home page, I think. Hope you find something you like.

I like the Kemi Telford black and white dresses more than the skirts. They also look versatile.
The woman who asked you about your African heritage seems quite odd. I doubt anyone else will.

Oh, when I was 20 I would have worn that and even carried it off! It’s lovely

This is beautiful

I agree. That is a phenomenal dress. Arty – and classy at the same time which some of the more panto-dame/Grayson-Perry-as-Clare dresses suggested aren't.

I agree. The woman who asked you about your African heritage is a tosser. I wouldn't ask an African woman in a William Morris print about her English heritage. How offensive and entirely immaterial would that be? We are all allowed to appreciate designs from all cultures. Anyone who gatekeeps fabric design has nothing better to worry about.

Ok, would love some opinions on these …

https://www.hush-uk.com/maya-air-flow-front-tie-maxi-dress-purple-brown-abstract-shapes/012459-4743.html
Perhaps a bit low key and maybe the tie will make me look like a pudding?

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/gauze-sleeve-jersey-dress-green
I think it’s elegant but the lack of definition might make me look pregnant

I got a red one. Knee length from a brand on next. Looked ace. Loads of compliments -lose enough to cover

Adriana papel. Take a look at her stuff a lot of it is a bit mother of the bride and American, but there's some really nice drapey stuff

Both too low key and safe.

Hush - funeral director’s lunch.

Jigsaw green - deeply depressing …

I like the green dress, OP, but I’ve seen it in store and, apart from the sleeves, it’s basically a T-shirt dress in T-shirt material, so might not be dressy enough?

🤣🤣🤣🤣
oh god you’re right!

Thank you for the sense check!

I'm getting lots of ads right now for

https://hotsquash.com/

Their things look lovely. I really like all the jumpsuits in funky patterns

I am an Apple size 12. I love River Island dresses. I have loads for when I need to be elegant. If you have big boobs then you don’t want a high neck but if you have small boobs, I think this is great.
https://www.riverisland.com/p/pink-satin-printed-high-neck-midi-dress-927776

Some of these outfits look like the sort of thing Grayson Perry would wear. Hideous.

This is far less interesting than some previous offers but the draping around the midriff is seriously flattering on an apple shape. Annoyingly last season they did something similar in a gorgeous teal and this is more neutral.

www.reiss.com/style/su708052/h19167#h19167

They are amazing, I love the crisp shirt & skirt look!

Any good? onehundredstars.co.uk/products/stork-black-crepe-dress?_pos=5&_sid=5af365ec0&_ss=r

That's a night at the pub or office day dress

someone wore it to my nephews casual wedding and they were seriously under dressed.

Oh my goodness, will be following this like a hawk! So many amazing suggestions! I have an awards ceremony the end of next month, I am up for a big award and looking for the exact same thing as you OP! Thanks for the thread… please let us know what you go with and best of luck to your team ❤️

THAT’S what you wear to a casual pub trip? Christ you must wear a ball gown to Nando’s.

Speaking as an apple, this would be the most flattering of the dresses suggested so far. Gathered skirts would do nothing for me , however fabulous they might be. Empire line all the way!