white dress formal Grecian Maxi Long Prom Evening with Slit EN5602 See long white prom gowns for prom and plus A Line V Neck Short

For something more special, Tiffany Rose and Etsy are worth a look for velvet and textured options

Its also essential when thinking about your budget that you factor in alterations (which can cost in the region of 100 500 depending on the level of changes required), more on that later

Choose a dress in a soft pastel like lavender, butter yellow, or dusty blue for daytime events, or go darker with navy or forest green for evening

The process stays simple and low hassle

Its one step down from white tie (which is ultra-formal, think royal banquets), but definitely a level above cocktail attire

This guide to dressing according to your body type - be it for office wear or smart casual outfits - will help you to gain confidence and recognise that you are more than a number on the scale