What do you wear for a charity ball?

The last charity ball I went to I wore trousers with a sparkly jacket over a lovely camisole. My excuse was that I'd not long had surgery and was on crutches and a knee walker thing, so there was no way I could go 'properly' attired.

Balls generally mean dressing up - and usually it's fun! Although I have agonised in the past about what to wear. The only time I loved going was when I was super skinny, and then I couldn't dress up enough!

I'd go for a simple long black dress, perhaps halter neck (I can't get away with these anymore due to my back ?)

Oh, and if you're fat .... ?

It can depend on the venue and the charity involved. I've been to several charity "do's" at Knowsley Hall and St George's Hall in Liverpool for the Imagine appeal and I've never worn a full length frock if that's what you're worried about. I have several outfits that can pass as "ball" wear but that I can also wear to other things as well. I have a couple of dresses from Karen Millen and a nice Jaeger one that fit the bill. These days I don't think people are as strict about the ladies' dress code as they used to be. In fact, at the last one I went to, there were a couple of ladies in black evening trousers and sparkly/evening-type tops. And one of those women was the wife of the Chairman of the Imagine Appeal so if she can do it..... ?. You could always go down the black trousers, glittery/sparkly top route and get lots of blingy accessories and have your hair done in an "up do" if its long enough. So long as you're comfortable that's the main thing - there's nothing worse than seeing someone who clearly isn't comfortable in a full length frock and stupidly high heels just because they've been given the opportunity to buy a new dress ? [aside and sweeping generalisation] there seem to be a LOT of these women in the Merseyside area ?[/aside and sweeping generalisation]

Fleabay is your friend in this instance I feel.

Good luck

I know I'm not the most mahoosive thing ever, but I am looking at all these slinky dresses and wondering what people with a stomach wear! Maybe a girdle is the answer to that question ?
I don't think we have the budget to get the tickets AND clothe ourselves in a reasonable manner ?

L
xx

I would wear a long evening dress, perhaps with a little bolero over the top (I have a lacy one I particularly like atm!).

I don't know if you'd get a dress for around 50 quid but would have thought you'd get close as there are sales on atm, what size are you?

FWIW I have recently lost some weight and am down to a size 12(ish) and I still insist on wearing my magic knickers with any outfit of this sort. I purchased one of those things that go round your middle, like a corset on a recommendation from Gok and have two pairs of magic knickers that are in regular use.

If you're prepared to put in a good hour's searching, I bet you could find a real bargain on the bay of E.

I'm a size 16 in 'normal' clothes. Will evening dresses come up smaller?
I think it is possible fleabay IS my friend. Or one of those places in china that makes to measure for £3.50 or something.

L
xx

Unless it's white tie or otherwise v formal you will be fine in a short dress. I'd just get something cocktailish. I would only wear a long dress if it's v plain.

I don't really know what cocktailish means (I am not kidding when I say I never go out). I can't even remember what I have worn to weddings in the past, which is my closest frame of reference, my brain has turned to mush

L
xx

https://www.karenmillen.com/womens/dresses

https://www.karenmillen.com/womens/dresses

https://www.karenmillen.com/womens/dresses

https://www.karenmillen.com/womens/dresses

I'd happily turn up in any of these to a charity ball. Something that is shiny/ruffly/strapless seems to fit the bill mostly.

Coast do nice dresses also.

/womens/prom-dresses

You can probably find one or all of those on ebay at any one time at about half the price they retail at. Even better priced if they are from last season or two seasons ago.

Mrs D those dresses are lovely. And exactly the sort of thing that is making me think I should never wear a dress, because I would look dreadful. I am short, with a big chest and a belly. The last dress I like was my wedding dress, 4 years ago

L
xx

Thos KM dresses are v flattering- they do domething similar every season. They really hold you in round the middle. I would definitely think in terms of something fitted like that rather than loose and floaty, which IMO only looks good on waifs.

I am an E cup and I always find KM dresses very flattering and as for the belly - magic knickers are the way to go. Go and try some on, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I agree with knownowt, they are very flattering and something floaty is probably not the way to go. Past season KM dresses in a similar style (again, knownowt is correct, there's a variation on this theme in most seasons of KM dresses) can be had for bargainousness on ebay and, if you don't want to wear it again, re-sell it - I guarantee you wont lose much on the resale, if anything at all.

Thanks for the advice ladies. Will check out fleabay

L
xx

If you like i have a dress you could borrow - it is a 16 black velvet - long ish - bias cut with just a little thin strap - quite plain but v flattering esp with sucker in pants - i have only worn it once so looks reasonable!

if you want i dont mind posting for you to try

(equally not hurt if you dont want to ?)

That is really lovely of you! What is the neckline on it? I am a definite v/sweetheart/scoop neck person

L
xx

Https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_66851_823855_-1

similar shape and length to this but in velvet and without all the tut on the front

it is probably too boring - ?

Lois,

I have a couple of size 16 evening dresses that may suit if you would like to borrow something. I have a lovely black and white halter neck dress (last season from Designers at Debenham) that covers a multitude of sins - I am 5'6" with a big chest and a tummy and I think it looks O.K on me! Or I have a lovely plum coloured dress with a strap that goes across the front and over one shoulder that is also quite flattering.

Annabel.

Thanks so much for the offers! I am going to check with H if we can go (he has nothing to wear either!)

L
xx

If you can find something in LittlewoodsDirect / Additions etc then there are a lot of £30 off a £60 spend vouchers floating around.

Another one that can really recommend Coast. I've got several really nice dresses from there and am a similar size/shape to you.