What do I wear......?

[highfive]

Have been invited to an evening reception for a friend's son's wedding in central London on Saturday night....OK, I know I've left it late - but just realised that I have no clue what to wear.

On the invite for the actual wedding (which we are not going to) it states women should wear dresses/hats. My question is what do you wear to the evening bash? I never wear dresses - EVER - so I don't possess anything suitable other than a smart short sleeved navy jacket. I wondered if I bought a simple dress to go underneath, whether this would be suitable? Any thoughts very welcome. Oh, and to make it particularly difficult - I'm a size 20 - so not many clothes to choose from....can't show tops of my arms and hate my legs, tummy & bum.... Oh dear...

Meant to say that the family are extremely posh and wealthy and I envisage most guests will be similar!!

Is it an evening reception with a different dress code or are you going to the reception immediately following the marriage ceremony? iyswim

Oh, that doesn't sound like too much of a challenge at all! I've seen some really lovely things about in your size.

A hat isn't necessary for the evening do but you'll still need to do formal and stylish. What sort of budget are you on?

Mmmmm, something that skims and floats I think. How about wide legged chiffon trousers, like these in pink or these in black? You could pair them with something like this or maybe this?

Either way, with the nice weather you can definitely wear something very summery - have you seen any maxi dresses that you could wear, and cover up with a shrug?

And don't forget - the guests may be posh, as indeed your friend may be, but YOU are invited!

Thank you! It doesn't mention anything about a different dress code. Are trousers a "no no" do you think as it does state dresses to be worn (for the wedding)..... really like the idea of the floaty trousers but a bit worried about being the only one in trousers! I'm not great with heels - usually I wear flatties (ballet pumps) - is this a "no no" too??

flats is fine dress code wise, heels are often more flattering as a rule but obviously not if you don't feel comfortable in them / they make you fall over.

Trousers would look fab but with the day code specifically stating dresses it's probably best not to risk it TBH. Do you have / would you wear spanx type things? I find the really improve the fit and line of my dresses.

If you let me know what sort of budget your on and what sort of colours you like I'll have a root about for you - as I said I've seen some lovely dresses about in your size...

would something like this Jacques Vert suit? You could easily get away with flats with it. I know it's sleeveless, but the cut would take a shrug or bolero.

Sorry highfive missed the bit about the dress/hat dress code. I imagine the majority of women will be in dresses, although the evening guests may well wear smart/floaty trousers. If you prefer to follow the dress code, how about this floaty dress? I know it's a halter, but with a little shrug, you'll look formal, summery AND cool. I don't know if they're your colours, but it's pretty without the usual maxi dress floral print that can make you look a bit like Grandma's armchair covers IYKWIM! AND you can happily wear flats! Good luck, and do tell us what you choose.