night out - 70s or casual with water. Seriously.

[KanyesLunchbox]

Been invited to a summer night out. Details were hush hush, but everyone presumed dinner somewhere semi-decent or BBQ and beers. I have a lovely summer dress that I was going to wear. According to an email today, there will be something to do with water, and dress code is either 70s chic or casual. Seriously what.the.actual.fuck? I'm properly cross. Unfortunately I've promised dh I'll go, so I can't just strop out of this ridiculousness. I am short and currently too round so the chances of a fabulous boho maxi dress working are vanishingly small. I'm not risking my lovely dress in the water mysteriousness. What the hell will I wear??

Actual useful details for my rage shopping - I'm short, hourglassey (big boobs and tummy but with a waist), dark hair, fair skin. Don't want to spend a fortune on a one-wear outfit but I'd go more for something with multi wear potential, maybe £100 max. Please help!

Have you tried the Mango Outlet? There's plenty of 70s inspired stuff in the 'new collection' section. Fringed, macrame, folksy embroidery, paisley, florals, etc. Most of it is Viscose or Polyester but at least it's authentic to time it'll dry quickly without too many wrinkles if there's waterplay involved and you won't be out of pocket much if does get ruined. There's a lovely silk jumpsuit on there, but perhaps it's too boho maxi in feel still?

Equally, you could just half-ass it (I'm assuming it's not full on costume anyhow) and take a nice long silk scarf and tie it around your head, some large oversized rectangular frame sunglasses with a simple dress/jumpsuit or a linen safari type blouse if you've got that. See attached pic for inspiration.

Thanks, there are some really good ideas there . I had trawled Asos but forgot Mango. I love the jumpsuit you linked but unfortunately I've never been able to find a strapless bra I trust.

I want that bikini

Ignore the dress code and wear your lovely dress.

Ah, just wear what you've bought, and if challenged, go with 'oh, sorry I must have misunderstood'.

Any other group I'd just ignore and wear my lovely dress, but there's history and politics and it's easier just to suck it up this time. Anyway, turns out my mum has a moth eaten suede fringe skirt in the loft that should fit me and I'll wrap a scarf around me and raid primark for some accessories and job'll be a good 'un.

And I've arranged another lunch with some nice other people where I'll get to wear and enjoy my lovely dress instead