Help - I have no idea but posh meal out

[blimeyalldecentnamesaregone]

Ok, firstly I'll admit that this board scares me. I have never been comfortable with clothes and have no natural sense of style. I usually wear very boring black trousers and boring top for work (occasionally dress and jacket) or jeans and t shirt outside of work. Both almost like a uniform. I am a size 22 with nice boobs but an awful belly. I cannot wear heels unless they are chunky and less than 2 inches.

Ok, so I am going out to Le Gavroche for dinner soon for a meal we have saved a while for. I would like to feel special but also comfortable.

Any ideas?!?! Thanks in advance.

Finally, two I already have but have just found in the spare wardrobe! Any thoughts on them? The turquoise one currently has a pair of tights round it as I couldn't find the wide ribbon I usually wear it with. I would of course not wear a pair of tights as a belt in reality

Thank you all again for your help with this, it is really appreciated and lovely to be able to get honest opinions from strangers.

Sadly I don't have any nude shoes and not too keen to buy some for a one off. I don't think I would wear them much.

I quite like both of them!

They were all OK and would have done but the black and white one made me go WOW! I think that with a black drapey cardigan/jacket would be great.

Have a great time.

I like the second maroon one or the turquoise.

I like the first black one. Statement jewellery & bag.
But that's my style!

The black panels down each side of the black & white one makes it very slimming. And as its a maxi, its still very much in fashion (well, I think so!) It also looks comfy. So I'd go with that one if I were you.

Enjoy your meal whatever you wear, it sounds fab!

Second maroon one looks fab on you. Have a lovely time.

I like the black and white one best! Have a great time, I'm very jealous!

I don't love the black and white dress. You're correct, you have amazing boobs so should show them off!
Possibly the second maroon dress is my favourite, followed by the turquoise dress above.
Which dress makes you feel the most fabulous? That's the dress you should wear!

I would just like to add, all of your dresses look a bit big for you! Are you sure you're not dressing at least a size too large?!

I like the blank and white one now. You seriously need to buy some smaller clothes though!

I like the black and white one best 😀

Sorry for the lack of response, have been out all day.

Interesting to hear people saying my dresses look too big for me. I do have a friend who is very similar size to me and she always wears 1-2 sizes smaller than me but I usually think she looks squished in. Perhaps I do tend to be a bit too 'tent like' in my clothing as I don't like the way I look. (That is a whole other issue though)

Thank you all for your help. I am still torn but at least I know nobody is reacting with horror to any of them!

People don't dress up in London ,hardly even what I'd call smart these days. Go comfortable and not scruffy. Have fun

Actually I take that back, there's a dress code according to this review

www.pigpigscorner.com/2009/09/le-gavroche-by-michel-roux-jr.html?m=1

Very jealous of your meal out.

I'm wondering if something slightly more structured might suit you more - just thinking that it looks less wedding-y and more polished?

What about black trousers, white batwing top (or similar), statement necklace and a nice jacket?

Just to say, I agree with those who've said that people don't really 'dress up' in an obvious way in London restaurants, even posh ones.
I really like your 'boring' option best for the occasion - particularly if the top and trousers are good quality - if not, I'd spend money on a simple but classy top you'll get lots of use for, not on a 'partyish' dress. For my taste - and it really is just personal, like all matters if taste, several on here are too 'office partyish'. If you do want to opt dress, go for the simplest, best-fitting of them.

In particular, I don't think the maxi dress, though it's nice in the right setting, is appropriate for this.

Agree don't wear heavy makeup - or any, unless you really like it. And I would wear nice shoes but wouldn't spend a lot on fancy new ones for this occasion, given your feet will be under the table most of the time.

Have a great evening.

I agree with Poly 's post!

I like the black trousers with top too - a necklace with a tiny bit of sparkle or a bracelet and you'll be fine.
I think everything else is overly dressy.imho

And the website says dress code is 'smart casual', so my views - and -Dame's - still stand.

Though your call in the end!

I think it's only the men who must wear jackets- which is ridiculous IMO!

Hear, hear. It should be about the food, not whether you have a jacket!

Absolutely.

I'm going to be a voice of dissent. I don't like the trousers and top outfit. I think it looks shapeless, and the sort of thing people would put on for a 'lazy' day at work. Sorry. I'm also not a massive fan of the b&w.

Maybe try the second maroon one in a size down? I don't think it's too dressy, but agree that it looks too big.

My money is still on the navy wrap though!