I have an invitation here, the dress code is 'formal' What does that mean?

[ahundredtimes]

And what do I wear fgs?

And can I wear a large hat please, formally

What sort of awards ceremony? If it is, say, TV and film, you'd be OK with a long dress. If it is more industry awards (eg insurer of the year) then knee length or a ladies dinner suit would be fine.

LOL. I'd sit like that all evening Guad. I would, in that dress, that's what I'd do.

Right. Herein is the problem. Those JL ones the only one I could ever imagine wearing is the Phase Eight one, but it's definitely not dressy, showy off enough.

you might have to do a link...

And what age group will it be? Lots of young glamour-thingies, or more mixed?

And what's your budget?

wondering - yes, is more in the first category than the second. Is that kind of a thing. But I don't have to pretend I'm an oscar nominee or anything- but I do want something nice, but I don't want to feel like a prat. I'd feel like a prat in anything long and silk. I just would.

The sky is the limit budget wise quite frankly - we are going to THROW money at this problem. Believe.

www.net-a-porter.com/product/64701

what about this with the black chloe trousers?

www.net-a-porter.com/product/63368

or this for a plainer DJ look with the matching trousers (not shown but it says there are matching trews in the description bit).

I had a black evening suit and I wore it TO DEATH. Was expensive but per wear pretty good value for an evening outfit.

Oh could I? could I? Will I feel like George Sands?

How fascinating. I want towering heels and molten accessories!

I could. Yes. Maybe.

funny, I was just looking at a similar jacket on there! here

you could have a fag holder and everything

The problem - I am looking and thinking HARD and hugely appreciative of this - with jackets, with me, is they can be a bit boxy. I am short, I have norks, but am quite slim at the minute. Sometimes I can look boxy in a jacket. But they are proper cut jackets aren't they?

I like, Guad. if the OP likes the idea, the choice depends on her shape: maybe yours would suit curvier, while the ones I picked might look better on a more flat-chested gal.

Who on earth is George Sands??

I love Guad's one.

God yes a fag holder, and DEFINITELY a huge hat. I'm clearly going down the George Sands awards ceremony look!

It's either going to be that, or a Mouret galaxy dress, which I'd never have the nerve to wear.

Cross posted, no, properly-cut jackets will always do you a favour, esp if you have a small waist.

what about this?

Sorry, it's George Sand. A writer, she used to wear men's clothes. I think that's all I know about her

Cornsilk - do you mean the one on the front page? Too much leg

Galaxy dress, is that the one Posh does too? I think you would look good in that sort of shape.

Agree with wondering, the cut in jackets should be fine with the right bottoms. Are you thinking trousers or skirt?

the anglomania? It's knee length on the link is that too short for you?

Oh, I googled and got pictures of Victorian gentlemen. But maybe that was her...

Anyway, my black suit ensemble used to get lots of admiring comments . If you are not a dress person, it is a good option, esp with big heels and sparkly jewellery. But you have to go for a good one with decent fabric so it is well-cut and dressy enough - don't want to look like you've just rolled out of the office.

CS - the link just took me to the front page of net a porter, with a girl purposefully striding towards me in a black dress (she had amazing shoulders)

Yes. I could do that, if the jacket was good. I don't want to feel frumpy though, I want to look cool and elegant and adorable in an under-stated way.

Right. Thank you all. This has given me excellent food for thought. I am going to go and trawl some shops, and will report back. Thank you

Ludicrously expensive shops . . . .

Ha. Have fun. I have to put children to bed but good luck. I bet there are some lovely shops near you and they will be more than helpful, especially if you are going to throw the problem at them!

Let us know how you go too.