Argh Fancy Dress Faff

[Eve]

I'm going to a BBQ at the weekend and it's a Hawaian theme. From previous parties there, a big effort is made with costumes.

There is no way I'm going for anything revealing so so bikini tops or grass skirts for me but trying to get some inspiration for a (preferably very) cheap idea to fit in with the theme without anything skimpy/tarty and it being something I can wear with a bra on underneath but still look nice for the party (am hoping a certain nice someone might be there!).

Had a wander through Primark earlier but they seem to have gone more to autumn range stuff already, most of the summery dresses seem to have disappeared! Just hoping I can find a lei or similar kind of thing in one of the pound shops!

Help!

[boxtops]

Store 21 have some very nice elasticated cotton strapless dresses at the moment, if you can find one of them - or look in the charity shops - then a floral garland round your head and some flipflops - that'll do!

[annie0000]

Could you go dressed as Elvis?

[Eve]

Don't think we have one of those here but might be able to find a bargain in the sales somewhere here - need something not strapless if possible so I can hide a bra underneath as I have too large a chest to go without and my size in bras aren't easy to hide, either that or I would have to wear a cardi or something over but don't want to get too hot. Was hoping on a bargain in Primark but was sadly disappointed.

I like the idea of a long summery dress, preferably long enough to hide my stupid arthritis feet and something I can wear again. Having a bad flare and weather not helping so the longer the better.

[Euphemia]

BHS have some long cotton dresses in their sale at the moment.

[Eve]

Ooh Elvis, not sure it would do the "please notice me" efforts much good though...well not quite in the way I hoped haha :) I think I'd definitely be noticed! :)

[Eve]

Thank you :) There's a BHS in town so can pop in and have a look in there.

[sherrardk]

Have you tried Additions (now part of Very) - got a dress on second page (£45 - a bit pricey). It's floor length, got little sleeves (so would hide your bra straps) and you can get it next day delivery. It's called 'So Fabulous'.

[Bummle]

Maybe you could wear something all-encompassing in an appropriate colour and make some sort of fancy hat/head-dress to go as a volcano? I believe there are quite a lot of them there and thereabouts

[karenmac60]

A muumuu?

http://clothes.shop.e..._trksid=p3286.c0.m282

[boxtops]

^^ PS and if you get a strapless dress, you can wear a bikini top underneath....

[boxtops]

^^oops all those other posts weren't here just now!

Have you got a really large sarong? That hides a multitude of sins....

[scotman]

You could go as a 'blast from the past'. Dress as a pineapple.

[Postdog]

reads like you are looking for a lei in more than once sense though.

[Eve]

:O Nooo, just a nice little bit of romance would be, well, nice. They are the kind of thing Karen :) More flattering around the bust without looking wrong/tarty. I'm not sure I could make the volcano/pineapple look that attractive :D

I'm about a 14-16 - lost about 9lbs recently without even trying (woohoo) but have a 36G cup so I'd feel way too exposed in a bikini top and not sure it would be supportive enough without buying a really expensive one. Sarong could be a good option - don't have one as not really a beach kinda girl. Didn't think to look in the holiday/swimwear section in Primark - will go hunt!

My ideal budget would be a tenner max, am on a serious economy drive at the moment.

[sherrardk]

Have you scoured the charity shops? Should be able to find something if you have a good old rummage.

[Eve]

Oooh I love that idea too Helen! Get a more fitted shirt to tie so it's a bit more attractive! Think it's a charity shop mission for me tomorrow!

Thank you everyone for your help :)