Trying to look London cool, when you're a short, fat middle aged woman from the sticks

[DCIJackieDeering]

I'm going to The Ivy lunch (actual, proper original Ivy, not one of the new chain-y ones), and I've got into a flap about what to where. I'd like to look a little bit on trend, and 'cool". I can dress well for the country, lots of wellies, and a bit of Joules when you're going out. But stuck for London, I'm in my 40s, size 18 and average height. I've got dresses like this I wear for work,

boring dress

or a few Nicola Sturgeon style shift dresses, but they feel too office-y

What sort of things should I be looking for? I like midi skirts, but I look really frumpy in them. I'd love to look more other stories/ All Saints and less Fat Face/ M&S but those stores don't seem to come close to my size

I'm 5' 6, which is apparently average according to some set of statistics I read.

I do have some quite nice white trainers at the moment, which I've never worn due to the mud where we live.

Have to say I'm a little bit in love with this coat

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-leopard-faux-fur-coat-multi/p3824216

@DCIJackieDeering I have this coat!!!!! Gorgeous isn't it! This with a plain black tee, wide trousers and trainers 🥇

I just got so excited about the coat again

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-velvet-trousers-black/p3767602

Sale too!

What about this

jumpsuit 1

or this

jumpsuit 2

With coat above and white trainers

Or

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-wrap-jumpsuit-black/p3629315

The trousers are sold out

Now I like this one in the sale

www.johnlewis.com/somerset-by-alice-temperley-palm-print-jumpsuit-black-white/p3815479

I think it won't matter what you where there.Celrbd probably treat it like a canteen and wear anything.
What are your ankles like? Mine are ginormous so tho I'm a 12, I wear jeans every day to hide them. If your ankles are normal/ skinny, do as others suggest. Team your boring dress with cranberry heeled boots.

I would guess that the JL jumpsuit is better cut and better quality than the Asos ones. Asos cut / fabrics can be quite unforgiving in some styles on anyone bigger than a size 8 so I'd go with the JL jumpsuit if you want a jumpsuit. JL jumpsuit with white trainers would work.

If with the gorgeous coat, jumpsuit 1

If not then JL jumpsuit white trainers and diff coat?

I was there last week OP and I concur that it wasn’t remotely young and fashionable which suited me well . Seemed to be mostly people who had come into London from the Home Counties. Have fun.

Oh and the dress you linked to would look absolutely fine and in place there so don’t go spending more money unless you want to.

DCIJ thanks. I'm 5 9 So wondered what was considered average.

You could try looking at Mango Violeta also.

Get the footwear right, that’s half the battle.

Don't spend loads of money on something you won't wear at home.

Eg Would you wear the coat at home? Lovely though it is? I have a gorgeous big fake fur and it only comes out twice a year

Id use the lunch as an excuse to get nice things you can wear if you go out to eat at home eg some statement Jewellery and new ankle boots

Orders have arrived, the ASOS jumpsuits are going back, keeping the JL one, but it needs shortening.

The coat is a point of contention, I love it, DH hates, but I think I'm keeping it.

So for lunch tomorrow, boring dress, nice jewellery, furry coat (assuming its not raining), and black ankle books.

Wide-legged trousers worn with trainers plus a cashmere fitted sweater would look much more modern and 'London'. Practical (remember that Londoners walk a lot) yet cool.

I tend to find wide legged trousers just make me look even shorter and dumpier than usual

Exactly what I was thinking OP

They are not a great look on anyone short and plump. You want to feel good about how you look, not self conscious in something that might be on point but doesn't suit you.