School Reunion - advice from style gurus, please!

[doglover]

We have a school reunion (30 years - left in 1981) at the beginning of July. I'm really looking forward to it but am nervous about what to wear. It's in a nice pub (buffet and disco) and I know that several people are wearing jeans. I was thinking of a linen dress with some funky jewellery - am not a fashion-follower but want to feel relaxed in my outfit. I'm 5'9, size 18, blonde and don't do heels!! Any advice gratefully received.

[Lotkinsgonecurly]

Am similar size, would probably do jeans, tunic top not too long but comfy and quite smart looking. Could then do flat but pretty shoes / sandals and nice jewellery.

[doglover]

That sounds a look I could manage. Thanks so much for replying.
Tunic top recommendations would be good - haven't worn one before - should I be looking at White Stuff / Boden etc?

[doglover]

Do tunic tops look OK with jeans ie don't they look bulky? I can envisage myself with a highly unflattering muffin top!!

[doglover]

Bump

[posey]

Nah, tunics great for muffin tops! White stuff had, maybe still have, a brilliant sale on, and loads of really nice tops. I just got one, mid thigh length, quite A-line which I wear over cut offs with some great sandals.
Enjoy the do!

[geordieminx]

Linen trousers and a more fitted top?

[doglover]

Thanks, Posey! That's reassuring! I'll investigate further.........

[cyb]

doglover make sure your jeans are VERY slim in the leg or it will look too bulky

why dont you do heels?

[doglover]

That's what I was anxious about, Cyb. I've got straight leg jeans, so may need to try something more fitted: as a size 18, I've tended to shy away from anything skinny! My lack of heels is as a result of plantar fasciitis - Fit Flops only at the moment.

[MrsShrekTheThird]

I went to a reunion a few weeks ago - the most important bit, info I gleaned on here, obviously was get your hair done, make sure your nails are neatly manicured and wear something comfortably smart. Perfecto.

[doglover]

Good tips, Mrs Shrek. I'll follow your advice!

[MrsShrekTheThird]

technically not all mine

[cyb]

yes dog try skinnies you might be pleasantly surprised

[doglover]

I'll take a deep breath! My legs aren't too bad actually, it's my tum and bum that are HHUUGGEE!! I'll see if I can pluck up courage.

[KristinaM]

If you have good legs it would be a shame to wear trousers. I think your original idea of linen dress and funky jewellery sounds nice. Can't you wear heels at all, even a pair of wedges? I have a v comfortable pair from (whispers) m and s

[Gillybobs]

Just wanted to sound a note of caution, I personally think a tunic with jeans that arent VERY skinny, teamed with flat shoes could be very frumpy. I honestly think a tunic needs a very fitted bottom half, skinnies or leggings, and in order to look at all dressy a heel is necessary. One possible shoe exception would be very glam gladiator type sandals?

Im a size 16 apple shape, my legs are def my best feature, for a recent school reunion I wore a dress similar to this with opaque tights and heels

Even if its in quite a casual venue I would rather be a bit overdressed than under, most people make a BIG effort for these things : )

[doglover]

Thanks, GB and KM. You're kind of thinking along the same lines as me. I do want to make an effort - without looking as though I've tried too hard!! - and would probably feel more relaxed knowing that I looked presentable. Maybe I could look at some wedges and drink enough to blot out any discomfort!!!!

[KristinaM]

these are very comfortable, if you are not a high heel person. but i dont have foot problems and dont want to be the cause of yours getting worse

if i was 5'9'' with good legs i woudl defo be getting them out. in a classy tasteful 40 something way of course

gliiybob, lovely dress BTW

[doglover]

Classy ........... ummm, of course!! I do think those shoes are gorgeous, KM. I can feel a shopping trip looming next weekend! Seriously, I'm really grateful to everyone who's taken the trouble to reply. x

[fustyarse]

I just had my reunion too - was fab !!

I was going to get all dressed up in a dress (I don't generally wear dresses) but in the end wore a lovely pair of skinny, high waisted black trousers from Next which stopped just at my ankles,and wedges,with a longish top - I was really comfortable, not constantly adjusting myself,iykwim.

here

they don't look too flattering in the picture but that high waist eliminates the muffin top effortlessly. Try them on. High heel made them look smarter too.

Have fun!

[doglover]

I'll add them to the list, FA! I'm not a great one for shopping but am starting to feel quite excited. Love all this advice.