Black tie do, except I don't do black tie! Help!!

[Yanda]

Its for DH's work, its a black tie event, evening dress required. I have never been to something like this before. Worse still I am generally a jeans, t-shirt and all stars kind of girl. I am hyperventilating at the thought of wearing a "posh" dress! Please help me find somethin suitable because I don't even know where to start. Im a 14-16, curvy on the hips and bust, smaller waist hourglass really. I can't wear anything mini as my legs are like corned beef and I can't wear anything strapless without serious scaffolding. I'm happy to wear any colour except red or baby pink and I would prefer quirky to boring. I need shoes too and I have big size 9 feet Budget is as cheap as possible

so this is a no-no then? Oh I want this one too. Can I come to your black tie do. I want a dress like this but nowhere to where it! My dress the one I said would be perfect for you, I wore it to a local morrocan restuarant (it a moroccan feel dress) and everyone was wearing jeans and sparkly tops!!!!!

If you are 14-16 and need serious scaff to hold up norkage then you need a very structured, heavy satin dress and not bias cut floaty dress. Try Karen Millen and Coast. I would also say that kitten heels are out if you are at all concerned about your legs - a high heel is far more flattering (I speak from experience being of the cankle persuasion .)

Also, altho black tie can be relaxed, in my experience it depends on the venue as to whether black trousers are acceptable. However, if it is low-key black tie then very smart and sharp black trousers and an incredible top would be lovely.

Sancerre, yes, I think that would be too much scaffolding too!!! You can gladly go to the black tie do, you would have to go with DH though so that might out you off abit [winki]

RMJS I didn't even think karen millen did dresses in my size, perhaps I'm being short sighted but I always thought you had to be a size 6 to wear stuff from there..off to look at website. Not worried about shape of legs, just texture!

how about this? Not heavy satin as suggested previously but great norkage support opportunities and very flattering

Ah yes!!! I could wear that shape, its gorgeous TMMJ and DH approves of the dress, just not the price lol, but at least I have a shape to look for. I could see myself feeling comfortable in that. If I could have that shape in a perhaps brighter colour and cheaper I would be very happy!

Ah you posted more! The coast maxi dress I meant, its indeed gorgeous. Am tempted by your red offering too but can see myself looking rosy! Actually both coast maxi dresses are nice.

Ok have to go to bed now (night shift last night yawn!) but thanks everyone for all your efforts, I'm feeling much more positive about finding a dress now and will check backin the morning. DH also approving of phase eight red one, wants me to order it. I'm after the coast maxi dress TMMJ posted though

IMHO satin only looks nice if you are a size 8 max with no flesh/lumps/bumps at all.
I am 10-12 and never wear satin unless it is black and v well cut.
Do agree with having something more structured than floaty chiffon type dress though.
How about going to see a personal shopper? It saves you having to trawl round the shops and she might come up with something lovely, perhaps something you wouldnt necessarily choose yourself.

Thats not very handy, I was asking as I have several evening dresses (DH has that kind of job) which I can't wear as 8months pg, you'd be welcome to try/borrow
Have great fun dressing up!

That would have been very kind of you Yorky, so thank you for the thought.

Pannacotta, yes satin floaty does make me feel rather nervous for the reasons you have said! Personal shopper is a good idea, they do that in Debenhams don't they?

If I went for the black wallis dress which looks lovely and price fine, could I get a funky shrug/bolero? Or bright shoes or something?

Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Frazer all have personal shoppers.
Would maybe try that before getting the dress as they may find something amazing and they will also help you with accessories.

Or if you did want to get the black dress you could take it in and ask for help picking a shrug and shoes.
GOod luck finding sth gorgeous...