Using a dress agency?

[hibiscuslightening]

I’ve been invited to an event at an extremely fancy London venue later this summer. It’s so beyond my comfort zone and I know that other people going will be slim, elegant and wearing expensive outfits. (I’m normally in primark jeans and Lidl trainers…) I’m 50 , short and ( having lost 2 stone) now a size 14… and I’ve no confidence with dressing up. I’ve not got a big budget - max £100? So I need some help. Would a dress agency be a good start?

Fair enough, I hadn’t clocked the budget.
But the OP could buy something on eBay, once she knows the shape she wants.

John Lewis rent out statement jewellery (Swarovski and Kate Spade) for £15- £30.

I saw this in a shop locally and thought I would try on - to make a start on thinking about fit etc. honestly what are people opinion about something like this? It was a pretty good fit - and came to my ankles?

I am not keen on the print or black background for a summer event. Lighter colours throw more light onto the face.

The fabric looks ok, but perhaps try something shorter?

How about this one https://www.yumi.co.uk/products/yumi-sage-green-viscose-floral-print-midi-dress-with-ruched-waist?_gl=1151r7ki_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzLjbvseslAMV_I9QBh3ungX8EAAYASAAEgJb3PD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADr5gs9MTL_Pz8yNz2pWN7Ky4ehlz

I kee going for floral - maybe I’m not brave enough to punt for a single block colour

It’s not bad as a dress but I am not getting the impression of a very upmarket event, more an average summer wedding.

Could you tell us the venue, as some of the big London venues have quite distinctive interiors so the styling requirements are different. I went to an event at a famous London hotel and it was definitely a notch above ordinary wedding clothes.

No one would notice the fit if you wore this ghastly vast print …