evening dress - feeling a bit out of my depth. Suggestions please.

[onepieceoflollipop]

Dh and I have been invited to a "do" in March, It is black tie/evening dress. I have never bought an evening dress before.

I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds, however as I'm not sure how much these things reasonable cost I don't want to be very strict re budget. I had in mind about £100 max but could go a bit higher if this is ridiculously low.

I am petite, size 8 (10 if the top is fitted as I am a 32dd bra size). My waist is very slim. I would rather avoid very dark colours as I am very pale skinned.

Any suggestions very welcome.

I am bigger than you,but the same shape,as I was your size, but taller,pre babies.I bought a really lovely dress from Noli for a wedding this year,it had a sort of built in bra but I wore a strapless one anyway.It was floor length,silk organza,pale green,and had a very 30's look with beading around the bodice.They might have a stockist near you,you could call their head office for a booklet.My dress was around £250 so a bit more than you wanted to spend but it really is lovely.Otherwise top shop are doing some funky maxi dresses this season that might work for you.

Thank you helly. I shall pop into Top Shop, and also have a little look at the link you mention. I am just getting ideas at the moment so even suggestions of places/websites to try (and/or avoid) are very helpful.

have you looked here not too expensive
this style for a shorter dress

if you are petite you might prefer this length rather than floor length

do you like this? am about to put it on ebay

here?

WOW slim that white dress is beautiful!

have you looked at dress agencies round your way? usually packed with lovely evening wear, especially in slimmer sizes like yours.

What is your 'do'? Black tie for women is a bit of a minefield, as it can mean everyone in long gowns OR if you show up in a long gown you can look overdone. Most social black tie dos these days seem to be short-dress appropriate, and as you are petite how about this?

www.coast-stores.com/GABLE-ORGANZA-BANDEAU-DRESS/Wedding/coast/fcp-product/2224680355

I think Coast have gorgeous things. You might have a fairly good idea from your wedding dress about which types of neckline etc suit you, think back to what you tried on (unless of course you got married in a slip dress on the beach!)

I'd be tempted to raise your budget to the 150/60 mark especially if you are going to get a long dress, they are more expensive. A short cocktail dress will have more wearability (eg, to weddings!)

this is fairly classic but in black

i think that coast dress is lovely

if you are small, slim and pale skinned you may look a bit overwhelmed in a long black dress. espceially if you are young

dress agency is a fab idea. even if you just try some on to see what suits

why not make an appointment with the personal shopper in your local debenhams. its free

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

I had to go out last night, sorry for the delay in replying to all of your helpful advice.

ggirl that dress is lovely, but the colour not quite "me"

The do is a special birthday (50) but the hostess has really gone to town (in a good way). Live band and entertainment, champagne on arrival and posh dinner etc. I will ask her if she is anticipating for the ladies to wear long or short evening wear. That was a good point roary

There is a dress agency/hire shop fairly near to here. I am anxious about going in (no idea why!) so may ring them first to see what they have. Also good idea re the personal shopper.

I have only recent gained in confidence and realised that actually I have quite a good figure, hence my hesitation about going and buying something.

I have had slight issues in the past which has meant I haven't always chosen stuff that suits me or been brave enough. I'm not young (37) but not old either. I decided recently that I should wear "nicer" clothes day and night, as I will have plenty of time in later years to wear more sedate clothes!

I have seen Coast links on here before and generally thought "oooh that's lovely!".

I would bet a really glam cocktail length dress is your answer for that type of event! And then you can wear it again.

You are soooooo far from old! And a petite 8-10 with big boobs is the perfect figure for a knee length dress. And there is tons on the coast website that would be gorgeous. So let us know what you choose!