Inspiration needed - outfit for a book launch

[Magyar37]

Would anyone like to help me find an outfit to wear to an evening book launch? It needs to be:

-smart but not super evening-y (ie not lots of glitter or a ballgown)
-maybe a bit interesting/cool/bookish looking?
-no high heels, only flats

I hardly ever need to be smart and my wardrobe is all casual and daytime - jeans and jumpers basically.

I'm late 30s, average height, slim, dark hair, pale and tend to look better in dark colours - light or pastel colours wash me out. All suggestions and ideas welcome!

Should have mentioned budget - I want this to be an outfit I can use again multiple times, so can be up to £250 (not including shoes - I'm hoping to be able to wear shoes I already have).

I’d wear a dress and ankle boots, leather jacket over the top. Maybe something from Whistles?

Thanks seefeld - I have a black leather jacket and some grey ankle boots... just need a dress! Will look at Whistles

Hmm, I quite like Whistles but their dresses are all a bit too fussy and patterned for my taste. I think I'm more minimalist really (not sure what my style is tbh)

Is it your book? Congratulations if it is!

If don't think I'd stray too far from my usual basic style, especially if I was going to be the centre of attention because I'd want to feel comfortable. So if I normally wore jeans, I'd choose my favourites (or buy a new pair if I needed to). And then I love a bit of tailoring so I might use it as an excuse to splash out on a brand new Margaret Howell or Vivienne Westwood jacket (instead of hunting down second hand buys as I normally do) although that would be well over budget.

That may not be your own style but basically a more glamorous, distinctive version of whatever you normally wear would be my solution.

Thanks Floisme - yes it's my book, so I feel like I shouldn't wear jeans for some reason, though I think your advice is very good. Maybe if I found a really beautiful top jeans would feel OK. I never feel comfortable in tailored jackets though, because I have quite broad shoulders and small hips, so feel a bit manly in them.

That's really exciting - not easy to get a book published these days.
Fair enough about jackets. How about a silk shirt? That's my other go-to and Equipment do lovely ones, very spendy but within budget. Or a really good cashmere jumper?

I agree entirely on wearing a 'better'/more expensive version of your usual look. I don't think I've ever been to a launch where the author was looking very glitzy and evening-y, and you'll feel more confident in something that feels like you.

I think I wore a dark blue chenille jumper and an asymmetric black jacket and knee boots to my last one. The last launch I was at about a month ago, the author (female, 40s, celebrated) was wearing Mary Janes and a Gudrun Sjodren-type dress.

Ooh silk shirt is a nice idea - would not have thought of that as I don't own any shirts/blouses. Never heard of Equipment, will have a look!

Oh I love this! www.equipmentfr.com/shop/shirts/aurora-silk-shirt-true-black-multi That is crazy expensive for one shirt though

And thanks SondheimFan - you sound like you know what you're talking about. I haven't been to many launches but agree the author is never super glitzy, more just looking comfortable in their own style usually.

Here's Equipment Eeek at the prices but they're lovely - very low key, cool glamour - and hey you're getting a book published.

The outnet sometimes have them too with a less scary price tag.

Ah you've already found them! I agree that one's a crazy price But it's very cool and I think it nails the kind of look you're talking about.

I think Me and Em are also very good at low key, kind of bookish style. Still expensive but a touch less so than Equipment.
Here

A shirt dress with ankle boots would be nice
biba
ralph lauren
phase 8

Oh, and congratulations, Magyar!

Thanks Sondheim :)

FauxFox, I love that Biba eyelet dress!

Haven’t read full thread. But how about other stories for a lovely blouse/shirt? Or Anthropologie? You could wear some plain black trousers. Massimo Dutti have some good ones in different styles. The other thing to do is find an outfit on Pinterest that you could replicate. Congrats on the book.

Oh also .. cos has a lovely long line silk shirt in different colours. You could wear over skinnies and with ankle boots. Stylish and bookish I think.

This is so helpful everyone, thank you so much. Will be ordering some things to try tomorrow :)

Oh and if you go for the sort of black silk shirt sort of look a statement necklace could just finish it off. I’m not thinking prue leith on bake off statement exactly but cos have some lovely gold pendants for example. Other places to look might be arket and Samsoe samsoe. Think i’m getting over excited as I should have written a book and so i’m Living vicariously through your book launch.

Thanks for the suggestions Jmfan! Now go write your book.

If your book has a leading lady and you want your readers to love her, could you imagine what she would wear and pick something along the lines of that .

Nice thought VictoriaBun but it doesn't have one!

Try looking at Coast.

lots of lovely blouse & dress options here www.rixo.co.uk/shop/.