What would you wear to a work lunch in London? (with 200 guests, posh location, possibility of being photographed etc)

[WhatShouldIWear]

Am searching for inspiration.

Am attending a formal sit down lunch in the City next month with about 200 attendees from every company under the sun (from charities to public sector to city etc!). There is a possibility I'll have to go to the front/podium etc during the proceedings (and if so, be photographed).

Dress is "business wear".

I quite fancy wearing a dress and am tempted to wear something that's not gray or black.

I'm a 12-14 (often 14 to accommodate generously proportioned bust!) and do not suit wrap dresses.

Any suggestions gratefully received .... please??

I think something like a galaxy dress would be perfect for such an event - think Carole Voderman!

Galaxy dress? Link??

Was going to suggest a galaxy dress too.
Red if you are confident, Blue if less so

(I'm 15y younger than Carole, btw! )

THE Galaxay dress
but there are many cheaper alternatives on the high street

I would look for something in either a crepe or liquid jersey - that way you wont crease. Any navy is beautiful on almost any skintone - wear with nude patent. Zara, Banana Republic, Mango etc should be your go-to stores

(Faints at price of linked dress .... that's WAY over budget!!)

Navy ... ponders. Liquid jersey - do you mean a heavy jersey? Don't want to crease for sure.

Links???

What about LK Bennett Davina in red

I quite like that in plum, nicecup (though again, it's a wee bit pricey - I'm happy to spend but that's a bit more than I thought).

Having said in my op not gray (!), I saw this - is this kind of thing appropriate?

Coast?

IVORY-14&refpage=dresses/smart-dresses Hobbs?

www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=4609220&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=228107&parent_categoryId=226988&pageSize=20
Im not good at links....but this with nude platforms would look amazing. I know Dorothy Perkins not "high end" or expensive but I think their dress designs are amazing if they fit you and you can buy loads.with the right accessories they look great.

this is gorgeous

that dp dress is exactly the sort of thing I meant and it definately looks like the kind of fabric that doesn't crease :o

the frill on the hip is also perfect if you are top heavy.

IVORY-14&refpage=dresses/smart-dresses hobbs?

Why is that link not working??!

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0112-5353-3542L00&productvarid=0112-5353-3542L00-NAVY IVORY-14&refpage=dresses/smart-dresses

That dp dress is very nice - never thought to look there. Ponders ....

PURPLE-14&refpage=dresses/smart-dresses Olivia dress?

Gives up attempting to link to Hobbs!!

Honestly go to a big branch and try on ! Aren't v neck supposed to be good for ample bosoms ? ( jealous......)

Yes - wondered about a v neck. An ample bosom is a mixed blessing ....

Wandered round JL the other day and wasn't 100% sure what to look for hence hoping for links from you guys about what would constitute "acceptable". Am thinking a shift/v neck/"galaxy" style is the way to go and contemplating moving away from monochrome colours ....

At 21.16 I linked to a dress from coast (yes, gray I know!) - thoughts?

Nice dress from LK Bennett. There was a great red Hobbs dress on sale at John Lewis too - not sure if still available.

Grey dress from coast is nice....wear with opaques and platforms to look modern.
Have you got nice arms ?

Good question ... they're ok I think ....

www.esprit.co.uk/?LKZ=GB
The dress wd look nice with this too.saw a lady at parents teachers meeting the other day....she was wearing a fit and flared grey dress,black bolero/shrug thing,amazing blank platforms and opaques and had a fab structured bob. ....she just owned the school hall!