Outfit for two occasions - advice very much appreciated

[RedRosie]

Women of S&B, can anyone help?

I have two functions to attend. One a lovely afternoon party celebration (think Cambridge types, tent on the lawn, very nice but confident well dressed posh and beautiful people). The other a black-tie indoor evening do (quite posh, but probably can get away without floor length bling). Both events in June.

Is one outfit do-able for both, and can someone advise?

Me: 5'5, size 10-12ish, small of chest, blonde, late 40s.

Would prefer very low or no heel, closed toe (not sandals) for shoes.

Not keen on prints for outfit. Would like to look classy. Prefer natural fabrics. And, this is tricky, would really, really prefer three-quarter or full-length sleeves. This is because of scaring on upper arm/elbow. I know I could wear a jacket/cover up some other way (willing to consider) but would love a classy dress (or other outfit) with sleeves.

Budget - up to £200 to include outfit/shoes. Not worried about bags etc.

Is there any hope?

Sounds like a silk dress is what you're looking for.

What sort of colours do you like?

Oooh. thanks for replying.

I dont think I want black, but am up for anything else if it fits the bill. I like blue, strong reds, maybe a good green. although then there's shoes to worry about... colour less important than fit and suitability - am blonde, blue eyes.

When looking, its the absence of sleeves that causes the most dithering.

Just as a starting point (as it's over budget and out of stock in your size), how about something like this?

You could wear it with neutral accessories for the day time event, as they show it, then really bling it up for the evening one - big jewellery and gold shoes.

I think no prints will limit you choices a bit.

This one turns out not to be silk and it's in the States but do you think something like this might work? How bad is the scarring? I had something similar made to go over my wedding dress as I didn't really want a strapless one but that was what I fell for.

That is interesting, thank you. I hadn't considered that shape at all. The colour wouldn't work but the shape might.

Am very conservative ... how I wish for a sort of Audrey Hepburn look, but with sleeves. The holy grail...

I love prints on other people, but would really like plain. I also like slash/boat necks rather than plungy ones.

That second one is pretty.

Scarring fairly significant - although I'm self-conscious about it so not the best judge - that second approach would probably be ok.

Offline for a while but will check back later!

I'd just found this one which I thought was rather pretty but doesn't sound like your sort of thing.

Have you thought about getting something made? If you found a picture of something Audrey or generally vintage, I'm sure you could get a dressmaker to make it for you. There are some great vintage patterns out there.

This sort of thing but made up in fabulous silk.

I must stop now too but catch up later.

Or a lovely fitted shift dress with semi sheer sleeves.

Stopping now!

This one.

I'm cleaning really!

And this one.

So helpful! That navy blue vintage silk swing dress is lovely. I'm not sure about shoes to go with that...

I know you said natural fabrics, but how about this? I have very big scars on one arm, and I find lace sleeves are plenty of distraction to the eye (even over my big purple keloid) without being too covered up for outdoors

That's quite nice Dibbler (all the best TP names are taken, like yours!) although it may be a bit short. Worth shortlisting as easy to try on - I'm in London so quite lucky that way.

So few lovely dresses with sleeves - although Pants is a SuperSearcher.

Phase Eight have a search term for dresses with sleeves so they are worth a check

Are we Fifties New Look Audrey or Breakfast at Tiffany's 60' shifts?

Could you wear cream coloured kitten heel sling backs with the gorgeous dresses above?

You are all lovely. I might look at Phase Eight, although sometimes their stuff is a bit MotherOfTheBride. Errr... any Audrey I think (no-one looks less like Audrey than me).

Slingbacks are not something I've ever had Mad - I must try some on.

I also hadn't ever thought of having something made and don't know how affordable that is, but I wonder if that might be the answer on this occasion or another. Could anyone recommend a London ish dressmaker of the sort an ordinary person could afford - PM if that's preferred?

So many good ideas that I hadn't spotted. Any others gratefully received! I'm sure other people benefit as well on some of these threads.

Thanks RR. I had a fun time looking although my house isn't as clean as it could be.
I've never had anything made either but I'm sure it's doable. I remember someone on a thread a while ago who always got clothes altered to fit her. It might be worth starting a separate thread, asking for recommendations.

I really like that dark blue dress too. If you're not keen on heels, I think you could wear flats on both occasions. Slightly pointy red ones could be fun for the daytime event and then, perhaps, jewelled or metallic pumps for the evening one.

This is lovely and would suit both occasions perfectly. I agree that accessories will make the difference for evening - a smart beautiful clutch bag for example. Will see if I can find more

Link:
m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-lace-dress-ivory/p1899311?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_v_from_product=un_product_1#page_loaded

Or this
m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-lace-pencil-dress-navy/p1938039?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_v_from_product=un_product_58#page_loaded

There are other nice ones n john lewis, just
Type in three quarter length sleeves and john lewis into Google

Nest of vipers my arse! The Mumsnet Massive always comes through when it matters.

Thanks Pants and Oly. I'll go to JL and I think I'll look again at Jaeger and maybe Hobbs as well.

That vintage blue dress really is lovely though... anyone would feel good in that.

More sleeves please manufacturers.