Dress for ladies who lunch

[polyhymnia]

Going to a 'ladies lunch' at posh Home Counties hotel. The occasion is not the sort of thing I usually go to - I'm normally either more casual and/or metropolitan or I'm dressing for a more formal occasion where I know the 'rules'- eg wedding, black tie party.

My choice is limited by fact that I'm a big-busted 22 - though at least tall with long legs. Also, I'm not keen to pay a lot for one particular occasion. (Can think of several suitable dresses I saw last summer which I thought of buying - but I didn't).

Have looked at this dress:

www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-Sleeve-Stripe-Jersey-Dress/dp/B004IC9NLI?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_10&nodeId=192501031&sr=1-10&qid=1302083666

However, I'm doubtful. This design is now a bit ubiquitous and, though the navy design is a new one, the background colour is greyish instead of white, which would have been smarter, IMO. Altogether, not very 'special'.

Does anyone think this would be OK? If so, how to style- navy opaques and shoes and interesting necklace?

If not, other suggestions, as ever, very gratefully received. I'm into breton tunic and skinny/ straight jeans look, and have a pair of smart black trousers, so could look for a stylish (not frumpy) tunic.

Will be OK on rest of look - getting a blow-dry and mani, etc -but do need to wear some clothes too.

Bumping for lunchtime crowd - gatting a bit desperate about this!

Actually I would say if you can carry it off go for it. Personally I like it but for me the stripes would look awful.
As a broad sweeping statement - elegant understatement is the way to go with these ladies (of course there will be some clothes horse there who goes all designer on you - but don't worry about it).
The other option - especially if you want to rewear something is smart black trousers and plain top but with a killer fitted jacket. I use to have to do networking things all the time for work and this was my staple. Jacket will work later with jeans or shift dresses, and if tailored will give you curves without being clingy. I'd look at Jaeger, Hobbs, maybe John Lewis for a broad range of brands.
But if this isn't going to a be a regular thing, then I say don't worry too much about it. Avoid jeans and keep things smart and you'll be fine.

Thanks, seora - good advice. Really don't know why I'm making such a fuss - I worked in a senior public sector job for many years and obviously had to attend lots of things for that. But I had a role then. I have a different role now - I'm a full-time student, and feel very comfortable dressing for that.

It's this whole idea of 'ladies who lunch in Home Counties hotels' which is out of my comfort zone! If it were the Wolseley or Harvey Nicks would actually feel happier!

Any further views/ suggestions also welcomed.

PS When I said I'd be happier at central London venues I just meant I'd know what to wear there (ands that reasonably stylish casual wear is OK) but don't know about the stockbroker belt!

I some times have to lunch with diplomats wives - so similar to the stockbroker belt- and I feel your 'pain' :)
Honestly go for what makes you comfortable, if you have to make polite small talk all day then there is nothing worse than doing it in some fiddly outfit where you feel uncomfortable before you start!
Have a good time!