Heeelp

[Francestein]

Black tie advice for short & dumpy woman. We are travelling to this place and it will be significantly cooler than I am accustomed to. Heeeeelp please, I don’t know where to begin.

Cooler as in temperature or cooler as in vibe?

What size and height are you? What colours do you prefer? Sleeves? Do you have something you love and feel good in that you can describe or attach a photo of, so we can find a grander/cooler/dressier version?

Can you wear heels? Would you consider a jumpsuit? And what is your budget?

petite length evening wear is becoming more mainstream and Phase 8, Karen Millen, Me and Em etc all have petite occasion wear collections. At this time of year you can often get bargains as they make room for summer stock

I’m a very floppy size 16 atm. A lot of belly. Have serious heart condition so exercising very difficult. I genuinely haven’t worn heels since I was pregnant with DD22. That’s a bit risky. I’m a cool/neutral-toned blonde (True Summer Palette?) This is an awards night and I am going to feel like a fish out of water.

What height are you op, and overall body type/shape? We need more deets- budget? Do you have accessories or needing those too? 16 is a size stocked everywhere but what cut do you need, I'm guessing floor length if black tie?

Also to add, are kitten heels an option?

Hopeless without your height and budget, @Francestein.

Also, context. Is this an event where the black tie dress code might be a little muted, or is it the BAFTAS?

Id start with shapewear. It doesnt have to be fantastically tight but it makes a real difference to the finished look. Id go with shapermint.
Ive been able to wear many a great outfit with shapewear that Id never have worn otherwise.

Thanks for the shapewear advice. Forgot to add that I live in Aus and not sure what’s about. I shall look for it tomorrow!

Ok, so I’m not so familiar with what brands etc will be available to you. Can you get to a big store for a personal shopper? Here’s a few suggestions from John Lewis, more to give an idea of shapes etc to see if anything looks possible, then you could search for local equivalent

Thanks for the inspiration. I’m wondering if I can get away with a smart double-breasted suit

A tuxedo or velvet suit, yes, especially with a silk or satin blouse or shell top or trimmed camisole. A normal office-wear suit, no, not at all black tie ish. Do you have a suit that really fits well and flatters? If so trying to find something more glamorous from the same manufacturer might work

I’m not familiar with this brand but they have lots of choice and reasonably priced