What to wear to Afternoon Tea at posh hotel?

[Oogle]

I'm going to Chewton Glen for Champagne Afternoon Tea soon and I'm struggling to decide what to wear.

I've pretty much narrowed it down to 2 options:

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/all-sale/gail-woven-knit-dress/203095050

or
www.phase-eight.com/elisa-top//phase-eight/fcp-productdetail/301842050?locale=en with pleather jeans

My worry about the top/jeans combo is I think my friend is likely to wear similar so we might look like twins!

There's 6 of us going and we range from 30-70 so checking out what the others are going to wear is a bit pointless.

Any preference on the above or other ideas? I have a bit of a basic wardrobe at the moment as I'm losing baby weight still. I'm currently a size 10 everywhere but my waist which is making clothes buying impossible. I am happy to buy something new though, if anyone thinks "Ah! That would be PERFECT!"

[Rpj16]

I like the black dress more than the top. But the top is slightly more casual. What would you wear with the dress?

[Oogle]

This is where I get a bit stuck. I was thinking black tights and black shoe boots - ones like these but not quite the same www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-buckle-strap-shoe-boots-_340889501?productFind=search

or glittery ones like these www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-wide-fit/wide-fit-black-glitter-pointed-shoe-boots-_360197301?productFind=search

I wasn't sure if it would all be too black with no colour.

[SymbollocksInteractionism]

I would go for the pleather trousers, heels and maybe a cream coloured antique style lace blouse. Hair nicely styled and clutch bag, red lippy and nails done. Comfy and will hide the tummy but still look good.

[Oogle]

Where could I get a blouse like that? Should have said, I have huge boobs - am a 32H so I really struggle getting nice clothes.

[BritabroadinAsia]

I think the dress is a bit more evening-y than afternoon tea, so would go with the jeans and top. Possibly all too black? But could you lighten it with a scarf/longer length necklace?

[EverybodyHatesATourist]

I like the dress but maybe a bit evening style rather than afternoon tea? The top is nice but looks quite sheer for a knit - you can see the model's bra.
I'd add a bit more colour with it being daytime.

[SymbollocksInteractionism]

Asos worth a look.
I'm not familiar with the big boob struggle since mine are like wee fried eggs!!

[EverybodyHatesATourist]

cross -post

[Rpj16]

If you wear the dress, i'd pick black tights and the non-glittery boots. And a colourful scarf. And a wool coat slightly longer than the dress?

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_5,acc_5.9/9870113100

www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+scarves+and+gloves/f2eah/fine+wool+scarf.htm?categoryref=%2fcategory.aspx%3fcategoryid%3dwomens%2520scarves%2520and%2520gloves%26seoterm%3dscarves%2520and%2520gloves%26&pcat=womens+scarves+and+gloves&adimage=&clr=F2EAH_Ochre

AH I just love yellow and black :)

[BritabroadinAsia]

Great minds, Everybody, great minds...

[polyhymnia]

First one too eveningy. A knitted dress is a good idea though if you can find one that suits you. Boden usually have a few. Nothing glittery in way of accessories.

[polyhymnia]

That wool scarf is lovely - though expect they'll have a lovely open fire so you may find it a little hit - ditto wool coat a PP suggested. I'd go for knitted dress and shoeboots subtly accessorised or your trousers plus a lovely cream blouse.

[Oogle]

Lots to think about, thanks! I'll see what other tops I've got - thinking about it I think I have a cream lace kimono jacket lurking somewhere so if I can find that and find a plain black top, that might also look nice with the trousers.

My concern is the dress is too eveningy, but when I bought it I originally thought it would do for work!

[Oogle]

Opinions on this?

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/tops/hayden-silk-twist-front-kimono-blouse/501218112

[SymbollocksInteractionism]

I quite like it but on phase eight site also like the kitty blouse and the pru silk sequin hem blouse and the portia blouse which comes in different colours.
Sorry can't link on phone!!

[SymbollocksInteractionism]

Black dress asos

[polyhymnia]

That Asis one also looks a bit eveningy for the occasion.

[polyhymnia]

On the blouse, a simpler one would look better I think.

[nilbyname]

Both your looks are too cocktail
Hour/evening attire.

Much better with a different colour palette-

Charcoal slim fit trousers, blush heels, lacy antique type blouse, tan bag. Hair up or down but done immaculately, clean understated make up and grey/deep rose nail
Polish.

[nilbyname]

Don't mind the pink blouse

[Oogle]

I'm not particularly stylish or good at putting outfits together, have you noticed?

Ok, I've just ordered £500 worth of tops and a few pairs of trousers from different places, all should be delivered by Friday (bloody good job as I'm going this weekend) so hopefully will find something I can wear from that.

I didn't think about bags. Damn. I have a fairly large selection of bags to choose from though so should have something suitable at home. I'm ok with make up (thank you MAC!) but I am rubbish at styling my hair so it'll probably be down and straightened to save any stress.

[polyhymnia]

Before you go through your purchases it might be useful to have a quick look through the how to look expensive threads if you haven't.

There are a lot of good ideas on there for looks which should suit the venue you're going to.

[Oogle]

Thanks Polyhymnia, I'll have a look now

[SymbollocksInteractionism]

You'll need to come back and show us your purchases!

[Oogle]

Hi!

I went with the original black dress in the end with black tights and black shoe boots. I felt like I fitted in fine and wasn't over dressed. I did buy the pink kimono top though

Had a lovely time. Friends surprised me with a limo so we drank champagne on the way