i have a mission for you!

curlytop12

need a cocktail/party/evening dress for xmas party with work in early december.i work with lots of younger women,so want to look trendy-ish but not mutton-as-lamb!
am 43 years old
5'7''
size 12-14
has to have sleeves(even short are ok or strapless-with-shrug)
legs on show only if in opaque tights
don't mind short or low-cut but not both!
can wear heels or low.

AND ON A BUDGET OF LESS THAN £50 PLEASE

can anyone give me some pointers?
i hardly go out in anything but black skinny jeans or tailored trousers,but would like a dress for a change.

thankyou.:)

claire16c

Debenhams have got a sale on now, so lots of their dresses are below £50.

Phase 8 sometimes do good stuff too?

http://www.debenhams.com/women/dresses#catalogId=10001&lid=//productsuniverse/en_GB/product_online%3DY/categories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_18661%7D/categories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_18661_17627%7D/categories%3C%7Bproductsuniverse_18661_17627_66154_ms%7D&pn=1&pns=y&ps=default&storeId=10001

Theres a few things on there that could be a potential?

this one is quite nice for xmas and its £45, and got sheer sleeves and would look fine with tights.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_028010563060_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EWomen%7EDresses

BlondeHeadOn

How about a wrap dress? They look really flattering, usually have 3/4 length sleeves, and look good either longer or mid length.

Very flattering, not at all mutton dressed as something rather younger, and usually very comfortable if you get on in a jersey fabric. There are also loads around at the moment, and you should be able to get one under £50 pretty easily. Also very MSE, as it should be suitable for lots of occasions, so you will get a lot of wear out of it.

What colours suit you?

Waffle_On

The obvious place to find something fitting your needs is Wallis. I just checked their website and there are a number of dresses that might suit, depending on the style you prefer.

gunsandbanjos

http://www.johnlewis.com/271634/Product.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/280830/Product.aspx

http://www.johnlewis.com/213075/Product.aspx

A few nice ones i found

curlytop12

thanks all.
some lovely dresses there.
think i will get one of those body shaper/smoother things then go on long shopping day!
cheers

Philippa36

Gok's range for Sainsburys Tu clothing is due out this month - maybe there'll be something there would be suitable?

My other suggestion is Great Plains - their clothes are slightly over budget but they have regular sales and I have bought several dresses there for various occasions. If you sign up to their newsletter you'll get the updates on their sales. I'm 41 and a similar size to you

curlytop12

i like the sound of goks range,its not all for stick insects.
thanks!