Office xmas party dress help needed!

[Charlene1]

Hi, last year I couldn't find anything to fit / anything that did, I couldn't afford.
I spent hours trailing round shops, and it was so depressing as nothing looked right on me - they looked great on the hanger.
I ended up going in black trousers and a long tunic top that was black with sequins on. Venue was a la-di-dah country club and packed out with women in evening dresses, cocktail dresses, prom dresses etc - and I was the only one who wore trousers. I felt so frumpy / underdressed and it was made worse when certain people from my office laughed and sneered at how I looked.
Again, this year, we're going to a similar place; I have no money and am the same shape/size as last year, so anything "nice" I see in a catalogue looks either horrible on me, or is too expensive, as I will only be wearing it once, so I want something for the least amount possible, but something I won't feel too ashamed in.

I am 5ft 4 and severely "apple shaped" to say the least; with no bust to speak of and fat arms/legs.
I have problems with fluid retention / hormones, where I can gain half a stone in weight during the day, depending on time of month - I gain about 6 inches around my stomach - which is big anyway; with puffy face/arms/swollen legs (they puff up between 2-4 inches), so what looks good after starving myself all day/taking water tablets, is ruined about half an hour after I eat or drink anything anyway. (Imagine you've blown up a rubber glove, or think of the girl in the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory film who swells up suddenly - you get the picture!!)
So slinky dresses are out, anything patterned / light colours etc.
I just don't know what "style" of dress I should go for - I love the prom look, but the ones I've seen are over £50 - I am looking for something more like under £20!!

Can anyone help?? I have seen a gold dress on the M&S site, a midnight blue one on BHS and a strapless dark blue one on George site - no price though. I'm tempted to give up now and not go at all - I'd save money and wouldn't have to worry about people laughing at me; but that would make them win - and I never go out, so this is my only chance of a night out.

Charlene with your shape I think you have a good chance of finding something suitable, but your budget is a worry. Because anything usually that cheap is awful fabric, bad stitching, shoddy cut etc... and will more than likely look terrible even on Mrs Perfect Figure.

But I think you should go to the ball! Why shouldn't you enjoy a glamerous night out?!!

bumping for MNetter with experience of bargain dresses

Prices are not so bad [http://www.newlook.co.uk/women/dresses/going_out_dresses/ProductList.aspx here] - or have you got a Primark near you? Or maybe you could borrow something from a friend or relative?

Sorry - here

Know how you feel - 'tis a season hated by many but you shall go to the ball. There are many wise fashion experts here (not me, however) but on the Oasis website they have got some lovely prom dresses and there are a couple that are reduced from £80 to £25 and Oasis are lovely quality. Prom dress with lovely little cardi I think. Keep posting - you'll get there! And there will always be those that snigger at others - it's to hide their low self-esteem yknow

Oasis are really good quality, this is from there sale items:

prom dress

and is really quite christmassy I think! Worn with a little cardi, or even a little fitted jacket like this:
new look tux jacket which you can wear again with smart trousers, skirt or jeans.

there are loads of prom type dresses already in the sales and New Look have some lovely shrug tops if you want to cover your arms

i've got this black with diamonte looks much nicer & more expensive in RL. they also have very glitzy tops which might be OK with your black trousers

have you got a bag and shoes from last year that woudl do?

Hiya - no Primark near me I'm afraid - I wish!! Can't borrow, as I only know thin people!! I like the taffeta skirts, as I had one when I was a size 10 (long ago), so if they can find a very cheap one, it's an idea, with a sparkly top.
Shoes and bag I need to get as well, as last year I wore strappy sandals and my colleagues stiletto went straight through my foot on the dancefloor; so I ended up going to hospital for stitches, and missing most of the party. You can see why I want everything to be right this year!!
6 weeks to go!!