Please dress me for this work thing...

[teacoffeesomethingsweet]

I have this work thing mid march, it's a whole day conference, then a meal and drinks, then probably some more drinks somewhere naice.
Dress code is smart casual. Would I get away with jeans? Or is it a big no no?
I am already panicking about it. I have put on over stone recently (health issues) and am lacking any confidence. And I hate feeling over dressed. You know these people who can always pull off whatever they wear? And whatever they wear, they always somehow seem to look appropriate? Well, I'm the opposite.
Any help would be much appreciated.
I am a very busty, apple shaped size 16. I look ok in most colours, apart from brown and green (dark hair, quite pale, green eyes).
It's a very important event so trying to get ready for if in advance. I am prepared to spend in the region of £200 (negotiable), especially if clothes are "wearable" later, for my work/other occasions.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

the spot thing? I dont mind it. I havent bought it, but just an idea of how to make work less formal.

It is v Boden. Smaller spots would be nice. The shape is good to go with slim leg trews and a blazer.

M&S only do stuff like that in polyester nowadays, which is a pain.

SO OP

WE HAVE SORTED YOU!

Thank you all so much for these great ideas! I love the shirt and slim leg trousers. Now, what is their sizing like? Cause they don't have them in 16, need to choose between 14 and 18 and not sure what to do.

which one in particular?

m.bananarepublic.gap.co.uk/product.html?dn=bp000187079H114-17810&dv=1&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mumsnet.com%2FTalk%2Fstyle_and_beauty%2F2320336-Please-dress-me-for-this-work-thing%3Fpg%3D1%26order%3D&ap=2&pid=000187079H114-17810&tid=buaf3640522&sem=true&vid=1&cid=57998
These ones. I love them. And I'm nearly 5 11 and they would be the right length too!

Ooops. Some link...

if its the trousers, SIZE DOWN< this kind of trouser gives. If no good hten look at these similar ( but similar) www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=57403&vid=1&pid=000349597000

You can mix gap and BR stuff in one parcel

i adore BR and Gap trousers. THe Gap ones can shrink in length for me though.
I find their sizing generous

i have a 31 inch leg and get the Long

Oh good. It will feel good to put on something in size 14
And I recently got the most gorgeous pair of black heels that I'm still hiding from OH because I'm not allowed any more shoes or handbags after the last clearout

Try looking at great plains, lovely work clothes and you can.put a blazer with their dresses. I love their dresses for work as can. Dress up and down (blazer, cardigan, on own).

Would :this: work? This is The Fold: fantastic shop in London. Am not based there but have recently bought some great dresses in sale which are very flattering. Best to try on if possible. This one is in black if that works (I may be similar shape to you: have this dress in different colour and is very comfortable and also confidence-inducing).

thefoldlondon.com/product/cavendish-dress-black/

Magenta it's a lovely dress but do you not need a flawless body to look good in it? I would probably end up wrapping up in a massive cardi just to hide what I want to hide.

No, it's in a great stretch wool fabric which is thin but has sufficient "body" or depth to drape well, so it really hides lumps & bumps. (Multiple previous pregnancies including caesarians here, so bod is far from flawless!) The cowl neck works well for larger bust.

If you're remotely near (London, Farringdon) would be worth visiting to try on before buying because I found some styles looked great whereas others didn't work (and I wasn't great at working which was which over internet from photos). But you might know better what kinds of styles work best for you.

that seam around the waist _ WHY?!

Oh I didn't even notice it. Benefits of not wearing glasses because I can't be arsed to put them on.
Not anywhere near London I'm afraid.
I think slim leg trousers and shirt will be great, very much my style.

I wouldn't wear jeans.

How about this dress

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/joanna-hope-mock-wrap-jersey-dress/sz993/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=1402#colour:,size:

Worn with black tights and shoes, some nice statement jewellery, dress down for the day with a cardi, then if you go somewhere nicer in the evening swap the cardi for the little fur stole thing they recommend on that page?