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 😉

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/monsoon-autumn-embellished-maxi-dress_p-fcc71d18-ac11-403f-8bf1-55da88c25dde?colour=Silver

Have a lovely time.

I love that one too!!!

I love the vintage floral gold brocade dress @EleanorMc67 posted. Even better on the website. That would be seriously glamorous in person. Sadly only the one size...

Seeing the price almost convinces me this vintage lark is worthwhile, provided one can recruit MN to do the hard work. There's something appealing about the individuality of a dress that isn't quite any of today's silhouettes.

The Reiss slip dress is gorgeous and proper glam

Some of the others wouldn’t be what I’d describe as glamourous or black tie appropriate but each to their own

I lurk here more than anything else, but always amazed at how helpful and and knowledgeable @EleanorMc67 is. Those vintage gold dresses are amazing.

And not in a snarky snide way, as is often the case on S and B!

I have a question for EleanorMc67.Are you an image consultant? If not I really think you would make a wonderful consultant. You find lovely clothes in splendid colours. You can link to the clothes which I don't know how to do .I expect loads of us would love to go shopping with you .I expect you have gorgeous clothes in your wardrobe.

Well over budget I know but how about this?

golden from Club L London is lovely and there’s a dark green and rust one that’s gorgeous too

Oh. That’s so lovely

www.ever-pretty.co.uk/products/womens-double-v-neck-sleeveless-evening-maxi-dress-ep07886?_pos=1&_psq=Silver&_psid=6766690db&_ss=e&variant=27363483451492

Check out this item I found on Debenhams
https://dbnms.mobi/yWkbrjuvfy

Have a look for black tie dresses on John Lewis. Loads on there from £75 upwards. I personally like Adrianna Papell beaded and sequined dresses for black tie as they always hang beautifully due to the weight, are classic and last for years as long as you don’t change size!

Any of these?

The Karen Millen halter is gorgeous.

Sosandar are good at sequinned wow.

https://www.sosandar.com/iridescent-sequin-pencil-dress

I would say anything sequinny or shiny does cling if you are not confident on your shape though. This is a bit less fitted in the lower stomach area.

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-reina-beaded-maxi-dress-silver/p114338684

Also pale colours can look a bit too 'wedding party' or even bridal.

This ticks all the boxes, £1 over budget though!
Teal Maya Deluxe Short Sleeve Stripe Embellished Maxi Dress | Debenhams

You can get that on SHEIN for half the price 😂
Quite a lot of everpretty dress are on SHEIN

EVERPRETTY Elegant Sequin Embroidered V-Neck Mermaid Sparkly Floral Sequin Formal Gown, Suitable For Gala, Party, Wedding Guest, Formal Occasions In Spring/Summer
I discovered amazing products on SHEIN.com, come check them out!
onelink.shein.com/49/606c88b48cfd?shc=2_RwN6RJ4m8Tw

Have a look at vintage dresses on Vinted. They’re absolutely amazing (I’ve bought a gorgeous silk dress because of this thread- that’ll teach me for night scrolling!!)
(And yes, Y2K is classed as vintage now 😮)

I think one shoulder dresses look instantly more glamorous. I’d just Google those for ideas.

V neck dresses look dated imo. The spaghetti strapped ones only look nice on those with good posture.

I know, it's quite disconcerting isn't it?!!! After all, it was just the other day, wasn't it ...?!!

Thank you! They are amazing, arent they?

Yes, S&B threads are occasionally snarky & snide - like the current one on a "status" handbag ... I really dislike it & it's so unnecessary.