What should I wear to the Royal Garden party?

[ChaChaChaCh4nges]

Just that really. I'll be attending the RGP in May and have absolutely no clue what to wear...

The dress code says afternoon dress, hat optional (but apparently encouraged) and the uniform or national costume are permitted (I do still have my Girl Guide uniform somewhere, and could quite fancy going as sometime exotic - it doesn't say anywhere that I have to wear my national costume)...

Seriously now, please help...

Comfy shoes, hat, not a revealing dress and something to put on if weather unpleasant. Be aware of photographers outside gates.

^ this but especially the really comfy shoes from bitter experience

the new block heel court shoes will be way more stable and comfy on grass,op.

It's very, very hard to go wrong with a VW dress. They're amazingly flattering and alway have an edge. This is less punk than the other one but still fab. Also most bargainous and there's only an 8 left.

I like this a lot and the price is very friendly. It'd be longer on you and you might want to try the 6 as well as the 8, if you wanted to try it at all that is.

I went to one a few years back as I work for a charity where there is a royal patron.
Just wear whatever suits you best and is within the guidelines. There was a huge variety of outfits but everyone seemed to be dressed to suit their character if you see what I mean. I wore a silk tea dress, a fine cardigan with a silk bustle effect at the back and a hat which was on ebay and more deisgnerish than iwould have wanted to pay for for one days use from a shop. I wore some strappy shoes but with a wedge base rather than heels as you are standing about on grass.
One of the best bits of the experience for me was to walk up to the front of the place and walk in.

It's wedding/races type of attire I would say? I would have a look at Coast if I were your size and get a nice fasinator etc to accessorise

When I went nearly everyone was dressed for a wedding.

I wore a long tie dyed lime green and purple viking style dress with doc martens. I had waist length bright pink hair at the time and it clashed with the dress. (I was still a teenager)

When Phil rocked up he made a beeline for me and declared that it was nice to see that one of the ladies was in sensible shoes. The ground was soggy and everyone was sinking in their heels. We had a bit of sarcastic banter and then he wandered off. He seemed to be seeking out those who looked interesting to talk to.

I fainted on him a few years later at another event and he completely ignored it and started chatting to my friend instead.

If he is about try to catch his eye, he is a right laugh to chat to.

Oooh, a streaker. Out lbw, I'd say.

Just remember the weather. If stinking hot, great not to have shoulders /back, but can be chilly. Outside.

I think Hobbs is your best bet OP.

Www.hobbs.co.uk

That lilac/mauve VW Anglomania dress is gorgeous.

N.B. Wedges are much comfier than heels, IMO, as your weight's spread over a larger area.

Brogues would be a very sensible and yet en vogue option.

I am in love with this dress from Coast. Perfect with a big black hat and some wedges.

And if I'm a size 8 by the summer I'll buy it off you

m.coast-stores.com/p/dotty-maxi-dress/1601589?locale=en

Op, I'm a similar shape and size to you, although older and I'd look for a dress like the one Sarah Murdoch wore to Jerry Hall's wedding. But not as full a skirt (being a shortarse) and with longer sleeves. I am slightly obsessed. Sorry this photo is really dark but hopefully it shows the shape.

I wouldn't buy shoes specially as it sounds like they could get trashed so I'd wear my pointy flats from Boden. And a hat with a brim, partly because I like them and also to keep off sun and rain.

And have a lovely time. I can't stand the royal family but I'd still enjoy every minute - we pay for the buggers

Oh, you're all splendid. Thank you.