Please help me. I need so much help.

[guacaroni]

Ok maybe this won't be so bad? I need some formal(ish) wear with sleeves for some dinners (old boys club type conference) and some smart flat shoes to go with. I've never worn a maxi dress in my life but apparently these make you look taller? (I'm around 5'3) I can't bear patterned or printed things in any way. Where do I start looking?

Also things to wear during the day, similarly plain and conservative but to keep cool in (desert). Thanks so much in advance, really appreciate any help.

[hunans]

What's your budget and body shape?

[guacaroni]

Budget? High street - both ends, bargains welcome as probably never wear again.

Body shape ugh, I don't know.

[hunans]

A couple of things to start with...

www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/fearne_dress_1_black.htm


www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/emma_jumpsuit_burgundy.htm

www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/pink-suedette-metal-trim-pointed-pumps_507232470

[hunans]

Tell us if you love or hate those things and we can go from there...others will be along in a minute to help too, I'm sure. We'll find you something!

[guacaroni]

I think pear:
Boobs nearly 33"
Waist 26
Hips nearly 35

[hunans]

And I have to say I'm not sure a maxi dress will make you look taller. I think they do the opposite, sadly.

[guacaroni]

I love the hush dress 😍 (hate that trouser thing!) but need long things for this trip.

Usually wear jeans or v short skirts/dresses but going for a bit of modesty in my old age (I'm 46)

[guacaroni]

The thought of all that fabric flapping round my legs isn't appealing, but knee or midi length things look so awful on me.

I know I already said it but I REALLY appreciate the help!

[hunans]

Ok. If you love the Hush dress (great!) can you have a look and try and post a pic of something else that grabs you? I'm still searching for stuff on other sites.

[hunans]

Have a look here: H&M

[guacaroni]

I ❤️ this: m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0363424003.html

I love H&M a lot, I forgot all about them! I think they might be my favourite shop, I like their prices especially.

[hunans]

You could make this look less slutty dressed down with the right accessories and flats.

[hunans]

This is a tenner and comes in loads of colours!

(My DCs are asleep and I've done all my boring housework so this is providing some welcome afternoon entertainment / purpose )

[hunans]

Loads of shoe options here

[guacaroni]

Ohhhh that's amazing, I love the slutty one 😀 and I love the boohoo one. Wil order (are these formal enough for formal dinner/banquet things?) I feel like I'm all set! Travelling in a week's time so hope delivery is good.

I think you've saved my life 😍

[Floisme]

I'm the same height (and very jealous of your waist and and hips!) I think I can get away with maxi but it has to finish at my ankles rather than my feet, otherwise it drowns me.

[hunans]

Well they're not exactly black tie but with the right accessories you could certainly jazz them up for a formal dinner.

Try something like this

Or this

Also, the kind of bag you carry will make all the difference. Baby waking up so will have a look for bags later!

[guacaroni]

Ordered loads of things from boohoo (only £5 for next day delivery!) I will go to some actual shops too (for shoes especially, I'm a very wide size 4) but at least I will have about 500 new tops to sift through and plenty of dresses! 😊

[Londonmamabychance]

Try banana republic

[Londonmamabychance]

Don't think the right red dress isn't formal enough. Think you need something less figure hugging. Try banana republic or damsel in a dress or if you can afford it, Reiss

[Londonmamabychance]

Or jigsaw, again more pricey but will defbitelt have the right things. Is a advise you to splurge on a good classic formal dress, you can wear it for years

[guacaroni]

I think you might be right, I didn't go for the red dress but hope to get some use from the others (they look pretty versatile?) am actually planning to swerve almost all the dinners but there is one I must be at and I really really want to be invisible blend in. Something a bit more structured. Will explore your recommendations.

[guacaroni]

And any loose but practical cotton desert/friendly modest outfit ideas? It won't be super super hot but I might want to go on some solo adventures and explore.

[hunans]

You're quite right; the red dress was a suggestion before I knew the formality required

A Maxi dress with long sleeves will be a challenge from anywhere tbh. Second looking at Reiss. You could also try Mango or Zara.

[guacaroni]

(Having nice time on reiss website, I love this www.reiss.com/p/knitted-fit-and-flare-dress-womens-emelia-ls-knitted-dress-in-black/?category_id=1121 but just love it in general, it's probably not for this trip)