I need a wow dress for a black tie event - help

[Gingerpowers]

Help!
I need inspiration for a black tie event, but not sure where to look. Mid to late 40s, UK 12-14 and 5 foot 7; but have a wobbly mum pouch thanks to 3 kids, c-section etc.
I haven’t dressed up for years, and would love to feel and look wow!
Colour preference is silver, but possibly cream or white too. Aiming for glam, sexy and sophisticated.
Budget is around £100 but wiggle room for the wow factor 😉

Rent:

https://www.hurrcollective.com/edits/party-edit?

Not sure if your idea of glam & mine will be the same - maybe you would prefer something more exposed/glittery. But I rather like this ...

https://sisterjane.com/products/disco-darling-lame-maxi-dress?utm_source=RakutenMarketing&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=2523611:Lyst+UK%2FEU&utm_content=10&utm_term=UKNetwork&ranMID=43412&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-r_SCHKtX7qzzMlyBUXHEGg

A bit over budget, but comes in cream or lilac (a silvery grey).

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-puff-sleeve-metallic-textured-midi-dress_bkk30131?colour=lilac&size=14&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaign%7D&utm_adgroup=%7Badgroup%7D&utm_term=&utm_device=t&utm_content=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23822218458&gbraid=0AAAAACo7BY-eai2LnPcrrjptBHPURVfMn&gclid=CjwKCAjw-rTUBhAiEiwADv8gBBUnBduH4-Bq-BtnfiaT_LGB-sajBLMGjHaUOezRZsmMm6Jd7xcKCBoCfkcQAvD_BwE

Do you have a wonderful cleavage, OP, or a well-spaced and perky bust? Implants? This will affect the neckline - what style suits you best in your opinion?

Budget?? Oops, you already said!

This is over budget but definitely wow. REISS also have some gorgeous jumpsuits.

https://www.reiss.com/style/sv022751/g94826

This is very well-reduced if you want to go down the sequin route ...

https://religionclothing.com/products/naomi-silver-sequin-v-neck-maxi-dress?variant=57419840946557&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&campaignid=22211331001&adgroupid=&network=x&device=t&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22201080159&gclid=CjwKCAjw-rTUBhAiEiwADv8gBLEFYKrTrogJSASCG3Btu7NWTJEi3l1UAOCfBJhJCFM0amG7_hNvBRoCemMQAvD_BwE

I've always liked this dress from Whistles. Not on the website anymore - but there's a 14 currently on Vinted.

https://www.whistles.com/product/arabelle-sequin-midi-dress-30610.html

Or you could go for separates? Even though it's not full-length, I think the bling takes you into black-tie territory!!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7419243956-whistles-14-sequin-skirt-and-top

Karen Millen white shoulder cape £43.35 with code FASHION
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/karen-millen-bandage-figure-form-knit-woven-cape-detail-maxi-dress_bkk28002?colour=ivory

Karen Millen champagne satin column £50.15 with code FASHION
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/karen-millen-satin-back-crepe-column-woven-maxi-dress_bkk27760?colour=champagne

Coast silver black one shoulder £29.75 with code EXTRA15
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-one-shoulder-all-over-sequin-with-contrast-bow-and-drape-maxi-dress_bcc11958?colour=silver

Coast green metallic pleats £68.00 with code EXTRA15
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-sleeveless-metallic-pleated-maxi-dress-with-peplum_bcc13134?colour=sage

Karen Millen cerise foil £67.15 with code FASHION
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/karen-millen-foil-metallic-figure-form-bandage-angel-sleeve-knit-maxi-dress_bkk26856?colour=hot+pink
You might be able to find the silver one in your size elsewhere (or it may come back in at Coast if one's returned)

If I were you, OP, I would go for a proper vintage dress - probably a 1960s evening gown in metallic brocade or similar.

For around £100 you will get something something & vastly better quality than anything new for that price.

For instance, all these are your size. They're from this one shop - they model & style their clothes well, & they look contemporary with the right accessories. These are all very classic-looking evening dresses anyway.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/retroroomvintage

Reiss Sequin Maxi Slip Dress in Silver £118
https://www.reiss.com/style/su836456/h93762

Reiss Strappy Draped Cape Maxi Dress in Ivory £98
https://www.reiss.com/style/su952545/w10871

The Reiss jumpsuit that @MyManinCaracas linked is stunning, but I can't find it for less than £280.

I like those too - & the jumpsuit. For the body-confident definitely!

Over budget

Karen Millen Crystal Embellished Halter Woven Maxi Dress £176.00
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-crystal-embellished-halter-woven-maxi-dressbkk29077?colour=silver&size=14
This one's amazing, imo. And reduced from £439!

Karen Millen Printed Metallic Floral Woven Maxi Dress £126.75
https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-printed-metallic-floral-woven-maxi-dressbkk29453?colour=grey&size=14

Oh my! So many gorgeous dresses. Not sure how I feel about the 80s being in the “vintage” category though.

@GarlicAnythingyou have amazing taste. Just wish I had an event to go to!

Well, the '80s considered the '40s vintage 😁

I think one shoulder dresses look glamorous and sexy without requiring too much effort. Unless you are round shouldered they are quite flattering and balance a rounder tummy.

I usually ask chat GPT, really I need to ask Eleanor as she has some wonderful ideas every time I see her suggestions.

An older lady I know got a Karen Millen dress from a charity shop and she wore it for a church sharing meal. The lady told me where her dress was from and I told her it was gorgeous. She was really pleased that I liked it. It was blue background with little flowers and it really flattered the lady.

Try babeyond fabulous dresses lots of silver

Have you any photos of a look you are going for, aim high, what’s in your head.

Maybe I AM ChatGPT ... 😁!!!

These look gorgeous. However, they have 29% critical reviews which, given the number of obviously fake joyful reviews, is quite high. The company is real and is based in Shanghai, where you will have to return any unwanted purchases at your own cost.

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/babeyond.com?stars=1&stars=2&stars=3

😆 Yes, but but…😳

Absolutely love Garlic's one shoulder silver bargain dress suggestion, there's still a 12 available!