Getting depressed already. 'Outfits' for 'Events'

[WhiteHairReally]

I have discovered today that I am expected to present the prizes at a prestigious Prep School Prizegiving in just over a month's time. I am also going to a Royal Garden Party. Yes, I am living the dream.

A problem is that I am losing weight, but still have some more to go. This means that none of my 'smart' clothes fit properly and I am loathe to spend scary money buying clothes in a size that I hope I will 'shrink' out of.

I have also lost my way fashionwise (if fashion as such comes into this sort of dressing) I hate shopping for myself and friends will tell you that I am the mistress of diversionary tactics, meaning that they tend to find themselves trying on clothes, when we have set out to shop for me. I often retreat from clothes shops crying. Sad but true.

I am 5'8", currently a size 14 and definitely an hourglass shape. I have very sturdy calves. Colourwise I'm a cool,soft Summer. My wardrobe is full of blue/pink/navy/grey/some teal. I love colour but fear that it isn't very 'refined'. Hobbs is too short in the body and length for me. My 'style', such as it is tends to longer, gored full skirts - think 50s vibe but without the net petticoats, a nipped-in-at-the-waist 3/4 sleeve jacket and a pair of kitten heel slingbacks.

Can I 'do' the same outfit for both these events?

Should I just throw myself on the mercies of the John Lewis Personal Shopper, flex the credit card and sigh or should I get what I have taken in or can MN S and B fashionistas help me?

Ooh, and I'm just over fifty,for what it's worth, although many kind people suggest I look younger. This maybe down to the podge that helps to smooth out the wrinkles, the Children's TV Presenter style enthusiasm and brightly coloured clothes or the elderly circles in which I move!

[dementedma]

Thank you white hair I love the lindybop swing dresses!

[TapStepBallChange]

WhiteHair (I feel bad writing that!) you should definitely try L K Bennet, I had a great time trying things on in there. Might try JL in September, I've lost 2 1/2 stones so far, and am down to a size 14, I'd like to try and loose another 1 stone at least. I quite liked a lot in JL last time I looked, the local one stocks Jigsaw who I like now

[WhiteHairReally]

Well done TSBC on losing 2.5 stone. I know it shouldn't matter, but it does make one feel better about life.

[TapStepBallChange]

I just feel so much healthier, I'm less knackered, my skin looks better. I'm now looking for something to wear to a festival themed party. I'm beginning to realise how much sizes are all over the place, tried on a 14 in one shop and it was really big, a 16 in another and it fitted well.

I started on the "oh god, I've got gallstones, it hurts if I eat anything diet" and continued with it after surgery as I'd broken all the bad habits by then. First time in 10 years a diet has worked despite numerous attempts

[WhiteHairReally]

Goodness, 'The Gallstones Diet' does sound like the extreme end of the dieting experience. Really glad you are feeling the better for it, TapStepBallChange
And yes, I'm beginning to 'appreciate' the variations in sizing too. Is it about vanity sizing? I think I know that since I've 'been a grown up' sizes have 'grown' generally. A size 12 in the early 1980s would be a modern size 10. There weren't such things as a Size 8 and Size 6 then, were there? - not that I ever bothered that end of the rail, to be honest.

As you say, sizing varies between shops/makes. perhaps that's a subject for a whole new thread? East are v generous, in my experience. Karen Millen - not that I'm speaking from experience here, but I gather they are fairly stingy, sizewise. Hobbs are too short in the body for anyone over about 5' 6", although that may have something to do with Nork Accommodation! Any other 'experiences' and is this a 'goer' as another thread?