Please help me. I need so much help.

[guacaroni]

Ok maybe this won't be so bad? I need some formal(ish) wear with sleeves for some dinners (old boys club type conference) and some smart flat shoes to go with. I've never worn a maxi dress in my life but apparently these make you look taller? (I'm around 5'3) I can't bear patterned or printed things in any way. Where do I start looking?

Also things to wear during the day, similarly plain and conservative but to keep cool in (desert). Thanks so much in advance, really appreciate any help.

What's your budget and body shape?

Budget? High street - both ends, bargains welcome as probably never wear again.

Body shape ugh, I don't know.

A couple of things to start with...

www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/fearne_dress_1_black.htm

www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dresses_skirts/emma_jumpsuit_burgundy.htm

www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/pink-suedette-metal-trim-pointed-pumps_507232470

Tell us if you love or hate those things and we can go from there...others will be along in a minute to help too, I'm sure. We'll find you something!

I think pear:
Boobs nearly 33"
Waist 26
Hips nearly 35

And I have to say I'm not sure a maxi dress will make you look taller. I think they do the opposite, sadly.

I love the hush dress 😍 (hate that trouser thing!) but need long things for this trip.

Usually wear jeans or v short skirts/dresses but going for a bit of modesty in my old age (I'm 46)

The thought of all that fabric flapping round my legs isn't appealing, but knee or midi length things look so awful on me.

I know I already said it but I REALLY appreciate the help!

Ok. If you love the Hush dress (great!) can you have a look and try and post a pic of something else that grabs you? I'm still searching for stuff on other sites.

Have a look here: H&M

I ❤️ this: m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0363424003.html

I love H&M a lot, I forgot all about them! I think they might be my favourite shop, I like their prices especially.

You could make this look less slutty dressed down with the right accessories and flats.

This is a tenner and comes in loads of colours!

(My DCs are asleep and I've done all my boring housework so this is providing some welcome afternoon entertainment / purpose )

Loads of shoe options here

Ohhhh that's amazing, I love the slutty one 😀 and I love the boohoo one. Wil order (are these formal enough for formal dinner/banquet things?) I feel like I'm all set! Travelling in a week's time so hope delivery is good.

I think you've saved my life 😍

I'm the same height (and very jealous of your waist and and hips!) I think I can get away with maxi but it has to finish at my ankles rather than my feet, otherwise it drowns me.

Well they're not exactly black tie but with the right accessories you could certainly jazz them up for a formal dinner.

Try something like this

Or this

Also, the kind of bag you carry will make all the difference. Baby waking up so will have a look for bags later!

Ordered loads of things from boohoo (only £5 for next day delivery!) I will go to some actual shops too (for shoes especially, I'm a very wide size 4) but at least I will have about 500 new tops to sift through and plenty of dresses! 😊

Try banana republic

Don't think the right red dress isn't formal enough. Think you need something less figure hugging. Try banana republic or damsel in a dress or if you can afford it, Reiss

Or jigsaw, again more pricey but will defbitelt have the right things. Is a advise you to splurge on a good classic formal dress, you can wear it for years

I think you might be right, I didn't go for the red dress but hope to get some use from the others (they look pretty versatile?) am actually planning to swerve almost all the dinners but there is one I must be at and I really really want to be invisible blend in. Something a bit more structured. Will explore your recommendations.

And any loose but practical cotton desert/friendly modest outfit ideas? It won't be super super hot but I might want to go on some solo adventures and explore.

You're quite right; the red dress was a suggestion before I knew the formality required

A Maxi dress with long sleeves will be a challenge from anywhere tbh. Second looking at Reiss. You could also try Mango or Zara.

(Having nice time on reiss website, I love this www.reiss.com/p/knitted-fit-and-flare-dress-womens-emelia-ls-knitted-dress-in-black/?category_id=1121 but just love it in general, it's probably not for this trip)