Can anyone find me a dress for a smart casual afternoon thing?

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Hi all,

I just started a new job and one of my colleagues is having an afternoon event next Sunday - drinks and some food outside. Lots of my new work colleagues (internal and external) will be there and it is my chance to really make an impression. I have to look smart for work and manage this well. But I am rubbish at casual and I suspect that for this event I need an outfit which is professional and smart casual. It needs to make me look like a competent and well put together person without being 'work' smart.

I don't even know where to start. Could prob spend up to 200 for the right thing. I think I am thinking dress - but open to any ideas.

I'd be really grateful for any help!

How about this slightly quirky one?

Or this?

Saw several nice dresses in Oasis yesterday.

Thanks Flats. Quirky definitely isn't the look I am going for though. I need to feel totally confident about this outfit because I need to make a top impression and I don't want to be worrying about what I am wearing. The second one is definitely better but I wonder if it isn't a bit boring?

But I really appreciate the help!

This is lovely. Could strike the right note?

Yes that's better. But (realize I am sounding awkward) I don't want a bow over my bum. Or anything that will cling to my bum as it is seriously not my best asset. I'm quite slim (6-8) but my the older I get, the worse my bum looks...

Maybe some stripes?

So I love that one. A lot. But it's going to be problematic on my bum. Can't to fitted style in jersey material - it's no good on me at all...

Maybe this might be less clingy.

Yep that one has a better fit but, erm, I don't like it. Sorry...

Ok this is my last shot ... red.

Round of applause for the red dress

Yes, the red one. It's bright but simple. Flattering on the bum, and can be dressed up or down. I like it :)

The red is definitely the best suggested so far - though I don't personally like red. Most of the others didn't really look very classy to me ( by which I meant quality-wise, not that they're it 'dressy' enough). You want to look stylish but relaxed.

If it were me I'd go into Hobbs L K Bennett Whistles Phase EIght and Jaeger and have a good browse.

Also saw some nice summer dresses in Comproit DES Cotonniers yesterday.

The red one is great. Red is a fantastic colour for projecting confidence and presence

How tall are you? These look very short on the models but they'll be at least 5'8" if not 5'11"

www.theoutnet.com/product/371514

www.theoutnet.com/product/370153

zara

www.theoutnet.com/product/355195

love this

www.theoutnet.com/product/355487

Do you definitely want a dress? I often see women who look really stylish but not too done (iyswim) wearing chinos/jeans with sandals, blazer and cami top.

Or is the vibe more 'wedding without hats'?

Love that green Zara dress. Wear it with the Zara sandals linked on another thread!

Although if it were me, I would buy a few different things from a mid price range rather than one expensive item. That way you have a bit of choice if the weather is changeable. A pretty dress is lovely for a warm, sunny afternoon but you might feel a bit out if place if it's cool, cloudy and

...windy/raining.