Can somebody choose me an outfit? Am desperate...

[LoosingBattle]

Got a family 'doo' coming up, and for various reasons I need to look really good - so that means really different to my usual jeans and t-shirt combination! I have no style and very rarely dress up at all. However I am doing the 100 day princess thingy on here and am really trying, got an appointment to get my hair cut (first time in 2 years!) anyway...

I need something that looks good but I feel comfy in, not too dressed up but enough to make an impression.

I am 5ft 8, size 12/14 but got very very chunky legs, small bust, pale skin, auburn hair. It is partly outside (in rural scotland in October) so needs to be reasonably warm.

Even some ideas of where to go would be great, high street prices,I just don't know what to put with things to make it look good. Been looking at fat face/white stuff types of places but am scared of looking silly - I don't have a clue Budget of maybe £200ish all in, less if possible more is fine if I will wear things again.

If you have time, maybe you could book a personal shopper appointment somewhere they do them for free, like Debenhams? Then you can sit back and let them help you try a few different outfits that you might not usually choose for yourself. Your budget should be enough to buy a whole outfit.

There are some good blogs with outfit ideas as well, like -
www.itsamummylook.com/category/home/style/

Hmm, if it is partly outdoor in Scotland in October I would be thinking you will probably need a very nice coat for starters!

Can you give a wee bit more info about the event - i.e. how fancy is the venue? Are we talking an afternoon event, evening, dinner, dance?

Birthday/family reunion. Not a fancy venue but fancy, wealthy people! Dinner, dancing, fireworks over a loch type of thing!

It's more the people that are going - I have to look half decent!

I would love to see a personal shopper but think I would be too shy and embarrassed

Last year Mango did some lovely Jumper dresses in loads of different colours for about £25. Start there. I wore mine to death! I am a large 14 and mine is XL and Smaller would have fitted try and M and L. Wear with either tights or leggings. Treat yourself to either fab boots or coat to go with or both. Coat in Mango again or Hobbs if you want slightly more upmarket. If you are lucky enough to have a Hobbs outlet go there. Take all purchase to accessorise and they'll help you dress it up a bit. I have a lovely jersey dress from fatface but it doesn't seem to work with anything else in my wardrobe and is very hard to dress up. Hope this helps!

I am like you, and struggle with style but I have been going mystery shipping recently and one of the questions I always have to ask in clothes shops is for a recommendation if something to go with a chosen item Of clothing. This has made me realise that you can do this do I now do it reguarly in shops. It really helps!

I did the personal shopper thing at Devebhams and she was amazing. I was concerned she would be a stick thin fashionista with a sneer for people like me who have no idea about fashion. She was absolutely lovely and so helpful. It was the best way to shop ever!

I'd go for simple and elegant - channelling this look.

Zara is a great place to shop, and in the shops (but not, irritatingly, on the webshop) they have a beautiful structured black peplum top (sleeveless) with a decorated neck. This would give you structure, and is fantastic on a small bust. I would wear this on top of tailored cropped trousers like this. Wear black stilettos, a chunky cuff and a tuxedo style blazer. You'd be comfortable and elegant, and the pieces are very versatile, so could be worn many ways.

Look at dresses from boden or Brora to wear with warm tights ( m and s merino) and knee high boots if it is a daytime dress thing. Those knot front dresses might work well on your figure. If you can afford it , order a bunch and send back!

If you need more eveningy stuff try a John Lewis, or fenwicks and you can look round the different concessions.

this maxi skirt and ruffled shirt would be a good look for your shape? I know it's not available in your size but if you like that i'll look for alternatives in a similar style.

Or some wide leg evening trousers or straight ones with black stilettos and a glitzy blouse or top would look sophisticated?

fake fur or a cape would be a good cover up for the outside bits.

I know some of this blows your budget but if you like I can try and find cheaper alternatives, I just won't take time doing it now in case it's not your taste at all

Am at work just now on phone, can't look
properly, but will tonight, thank you all so much for taking the time to help.