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??

www.esprit.co.uk/?LKZ=GB

dry white - which dress? That links to homepage ...

I would go with the DP one. Looks very professional. I'd wear it with a black blazer.

Look at boleros in blazer section.nice black ones with frill to go with the dress you saw

I personally wouldn't wear a bolero (esp with a frill with that dress to a professional lunch). I think a fitted blazer will make it look modern and smart. There is one on ASOS lots of people are raving about. I have always found Zara ones fit well on my large chest too.

totally agree with Monkey - a blazer will be smater and - dare I say it - younger (sorry but I always associate boleros with 'older' ladies or people who shop in Jane Norman).

For a generously proportioned bust have you looked at Pepperberry (Bravissimo's clothing collection? They always seem to have a good selection of dress styles...

So I need a blazer too? Was wondering about that.

this dress is an amazing cut but may be too low cut - I also have the mad men. They are amazingly flattering.

Sizes come up quite small.

ooh Christiane the Hepburn is gorgeous

The grey dress from Coast and also the red dress from Coast might not be the way to go IMO. I'm basically the same size and body shape as you, OP, and they are both too high cut for my ample bosom. I wear a lot of dresses and such as high neckline is not a good look on me. Other options on this thread much better.

levantine the Atlanta is beautiful too

Sort of Roland Mouret?

The quality is fab, v pleased with mine

This is actually called the galaxy -it's beautiful

www.theprettydresscompany.com/acatalog/So-Couture-Classic-Aubergine-Galaxy-Pencil-Dress-Office-Chic.html

What about Skirt (shaped kind that s midi length) dot know what to call that sorry! With a Zara top (they do lots of silky ones totally suitable) with a blazer (Zara again?) and heels?
Sorry cant do links on phone today.
Reckon you could wear all of that again
Cos do nice dresses too

Sorry to hijak but Cristiane have you actually brought from that pretty dress company? There are lots of dresses on there I like but wanted to check on quality and fit before ordering.

Hi yes I have the 3/4 bombshell in olive and the mad men in black. I'm a 12 and they fit but are quite tight, if you want it slightly looser maybe order a size up

The quality seems really good, very well made, very well cut, they really do suck you in and feel much more expensive than they are.

Omg cristiane those dresses are fab! Would love one...but small top,big bum is hard with fitted dresses.another thread ,sorry whatshouliwear.
Totally agree about boleros,and blazer being better option...but need to clarify so you don't think I am incredible frump,but Esprit describe what I would call 'a shrug' as a bolero!

This from Asos? www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Midi-Pencil-Dress-With-Pleat-Waist/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1934307&cid=12899&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Black

drywhiteplease, that dp dress is lovely!

I have this in blue, and it's fab! www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Pencil-Dress-with-Square-Neck/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1840890&cid=4877&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black

Would avoid boleros and the like. Blazers totally the norm for work stuff in London these days. Red might seem a little garish depending on what the event is exactly, things seem to be a little more muted at the moment.

One of those olive coloured dresses would be perfect, I think.

Good links all, thanks. Those asos ones were really nice - will ponder that further too ... but sadly out of stock in the blue.

Tried on a fuschia shift dress that I liked .... perhaps too bold a colour?

(NB it's an awards ceremony/lunch and I'm there representing my employer)