Help needed with outfit for Royal occasion

[MollysChambers]

Not the wedding

And not for me. Trying to help out a friend who has been invited to her Maj's garden party.

She's over 50, not in the least frumpy (or showy either - somewhere inbetween!) size 12ish with a good figure. Looking for a dress that covers dodgy knees. Neck and upper arms not great so no spaghetti straps or low cut etc... Demure but elegant, stylish.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

[mamatomany]

HOw much does she want to spend ?

[MollysChambers]

For the dress alone - probably up to around £150ish. No more than £200 (unless we get really desperate!).

[thomasbodley]

She'll need a dress and coat, or a skirt suit. Or a long sleeved dress. There is a lot of standing around and if the weather isn't on your side it can miserable. A cardigan or pashmina over a short-sleeved dress will be too casual.

Also suggest a small bag with a handle, not a clutch, so she can slip it onto her wrist when holding a cup of tea. Comfortable shoes are essential.

If you're in London, or can get to London easily, book a free appointment with one of the stylists at Peter Jones. They are very good at just this kind of event.

[MollysChambers]

Good advice thomas thank you. Can't get to London unfortunately. Any suggestions for where to look?

[WkdSM]

Beg to differ - I had a pashmina over a floaty floral dress for last BH garden party - and it fitted right in. They seem to be far less formal than they used to be.
Do not wear high heels - they sink right into the grass, and wear something with a looser waist band or a not too tightly fitted dress - the food is wonderful and you can definitely OTT on the cakes.
Make sure you have a good walk round the grounds (very small compared to what I expected!) as the rose garden is lovely.
TBH - phase eight do a lot of OK type of dresses - but who is looking at us plebs anyway!!

[cabbageroses]

Fenn Wright Manson- online.

Coast

John Lewis Women/ Collection

Lk Bennett

Jigsaw

all online and via John Lewis website

[cabbageroses]

Fenn W M have some lovely smart dresses and nice cropped jackets to go on top.

[thomasbodley]

They seem to be far less formal than they used to be

I LOVE a bit of "formal", WkdSM . My mother always says dressing appropriately flatters your hosts as well as yourself .

As well as recommendations above, I'd check out second-hand shops - they are great for 'wear once' occasionwear in fantastic condition, and also cut down on the likelihood of someone else wearing the same thing.

[thejaffacakesareonme]

I'd second looking for something that is either warm or can be worn with layers underneath. I went to a garden party in May some years ago and was absolutely freezing.

[charlieandlola]

Wedges are essential - comfort ( long time standing around), height ( to see HM over the crowds, she is quite short), and no sinking into the grass.
Loads of ladies had to be pulled out many times.
Also can be v hot in late June/early July, so cotton/natural fibres rather than acres of polyester would be better.

[DoubleDegreeStudent]

I went last year - it was less formal than I expected but there was also a big range in formality. I wore a printed dress that just fell below the knee and then a plain blazer which was perfect for the weather.

With shoes, I'd suggest a low pair of wedges - it is a garden and the ground isn't perfectly flat, and your friend will most likely be on her feet most of the day. Something like the Jena shoes here mini wedge is ideal, I think. Obviously that particular style might be a bit tricky with tights.

Hobbs are good for dresses too - there's a few around at the moment that I think would be good, depending on length and your friend's colouring. LK Bennett too - maybe something like this? In my experience dresses that nip in and then kick out at the waist work best with blazers/jackets, but that might be more to do with my shape...

Last year Debenhams or Marks (I think it was Debenhams) had a grey skirt suit in a chiffony fabric with large cream spots - skirt, jacket and hat. I saw about five women in it, and they all looked great.

My mum swears by ghost, episode and phase eight for things like this, and often reuses them for other summer parties/weddings. The most sensible way of doing it I think is to buy a dress you can wear again and then get a nice blazer or jacket that you could wear again, but with less formal things.

And don't panic! I nearly got bullied into coerced into buying a cropped, navy blue, jacquard jacket with a single central button from Jigsaw. It made me look like a triangle, with a circle stuck on the bottom where my tummy escaped wasn't covered. The woman in the shop told me it looked nice, and I nearly fell for it. Texted my friends a photo and they set me straight! Regardless if someone tells you something is "ideal" garden party wear, if she isn't comfortable don't buy it!