What kind of dress for this event?

[nuttybananas]

We've been invited to a family party - at a fancy restaurant for lunch then back to the house for drinks in the garden. I would like to look glam as it's been a while since I've had the chance to dress up! But equally I want a dress that will be up to sitting on the grass and chasing round after a toddler and feeling comfortable after the inevitable quantities of food and drink potentially on a hot sunny day.
I find cotton jersey easy to wear but can it ever look glam and a bit special? I'm lucky to be 5'7 and a 12 with an ok figure but it's not good enough to have a big expanse of leg on show.
I'm a bit over the maxi dress look but will go there if I can't find anything else.

has anyone seen something that might fit the bill? thanks!

I would maybe opt for a cotton broderie dress like this - smart enough for a nice restaurant but not so trussed up you'll be uncomfortable in the garden.

Thanks amber - that's a lovely dress, probably too short for me but the broderie type might be something to search for - can look smart but like you say not too trussed up that I can't get down and play on the grass!

Lace

Hippy chic

Pink

Regina - that pink one is fabulous! Was about to order then saw it will be best braless which i'm not sure I can pull off. My DP has also looked over my shoulder and queried the colour... browny ginger hair with very pale skin so normally pastels just wash me out... gutted!

What's your budget, OP? Which colours suit you?

Oasis have some absolutely gorgeous dresses in just now have a little look especially the v&a collection the patterns are just beautiful

Agree that the V&A prints are gorgeous, but the dresses are nasty polyester, sadly.

This in Gap is lovely, and I'm sure it was in the sale yesterday too.

This is much nicer than its Per Una label would suggest

Whistles It's polyester but feels/looks better made/quality than the Oasis ones.

Backless bra

I would get the dress and try it on. You can always return it if it makes you look washed out. You would be surprised at what colours/styles people think don't suit them, if you like the dress try it

I saw some lovely jersey ones in monsoon which would definitely be fancy enough. uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.38/7455431006 this kind of thing?

Budget is ideally 50, if it's something I felt I could get a lot more wear out of I'd spend more...
i seem to suit stronger darker colours against my skin - looking at my wardrobe I've got dresses in khaki, navy, red and purple.
like the gap dress but seems short, but enough colour to maybe not wash me out as much as just white or pastel.
Regina - have you used a bra like that - does it really work on c/d cups?

I am a C cup and used these last year as the bridesmaid dress was backless. I didn't have any problems at all not even when I was drunkenly dancing

Do you like anything from The Pretty Dress Company?

I do like those dresses Imperial - but they are the kind that i'm not sure would be any good for bending, kneeling and messing around on the grass with.
I've done a search on cotton broderie and found these 3 - not quite as glam as the asos one but probably quite wearable for other summer events. The only thing I can't tell without ordering is if they will look smart or a bit casual once they're on...
navy
red
blue

Red

Purple

Red

I like all 3 of the ones you have posted OP

I think I'd go with a maxi, to minimise knicker-flashing if you're going to be sitting on the floor. Plus you can stay warm while still looking summery, if the weather isn't great.