Can you help me find a dress for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party?

[Paintingtheroseswhite]

Yes I know, get me. It was totally out of the blue and I'm still a bit shocked.

Anyway, dressy dresses aren't something I'd normally wear and I don't want to end up looking like a mother of the bride in something I can't get wear out of afterwards.

It's in May so could be any weather.

I'm 44, 5'2 and generally a size 12 but have 34FF boobs and a bit of a tummy but decent legs. Bit of an hourglass figure-wise.

I had my colors done a bit ago and came out well in strong colours in the reds, oranges, yellows, browns (and bizarrely lime green). Can't do pastels at all.

My budget realistically is probably about £100?

Any help greatly appreciated

Having never been I'm guessing it's all outside so you'd almost do better to focus on a new bright/light coloured well cut coat with a simple plain coloured dress underneath with a scarf to highlight another colour. That way it's something you'll wear again maybe?

Would you suit this green although it doesn’t leave any budget for a jacket

One tip I would give you is don't wear high, high heels.

Enjoy it, They are fab.

you probably want something fairly fitted with a v neck or a wrap dress, this will flatter your bust and hourglass shape.

Something like this?

www.melalondon.com/contrast-collar-wrap-dress/?sku=ML3807A027_E&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1sriBRD-ARIsABYdwwGtpBBSgMS3NDwe3aGSCHBn9nU3Q__nDp0xEw-ExGO1MbcDm7HDEbcaAgU0EALw_wcB

Can't do pastels at all.

^

Good job! You don't want to compete with Her Maj

I'd go for a midi dress (can be shortened if slightly too long).
It's out of stock in a lot of sizes at the moment (but has sold out and been completely replaced in all sizes once already in the past so they bring it back again in more sizes for spring). M&S Navy spotted half sleeve tea dress. (sorry can't do links) Flattering midi length, summery but not pastel, can wear a navy or coral or red or white blazer/jacket with it. If it's slightly too long as you're petite it would easily be shortened and I think it's smart but not so dressy you would never wear it again - also it's slightly vintage/classic style means it won't date.

Also Monsoon have some nice midi dresses, as does Very. If you go for a strong colour you can tone it down with cream or ivory jacket.

I think a midi dress is good, it's summery and trendy without feeling exposed if it's a bit chilly.

If you’re fairly booby, what about something from Bravissimo which is designed specifically for the larger chest? Just a thought. While some of their stuff would prob not be smart enough for your purposes, some of it is nice and could be dressed up or accessorised as appropriate. You said brighter colours like reds etc...

What about this for example? www.bravissimo.com/products/notch-neck-ponte-dress-scarlet-red-pd749scr/

Alternatively if you prefer a fit and flare style as opposed to a figure hugging style then
www.bravissimo.com/products/gabby-sheer-stripe-dress-poppy-red-pd738prd/

There are others and in different colours. Just a thought. You may want patterns of course.

Thank you all, I really like the Hobbs dress Loved but I think my boobs would be a problem there.

I like the idea of a wrap dress which would be really easy to wear again.

I hadn't thought of Bravissimo thanks very much.

What's in in terms of hats these days?

I would probably wear a small fascinator rather than a hat. You can pick them up cheaply. My local charity shops do brand new ones at a reasonable price or Amazon is a good place too.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008020450543

How about this one? I’ve just bought it for a wedding, and have also been to a garden party at Buckingham Palace so know what kinda thing folk wear. Oh and wear wedges or flats so you don’t sink into the grass!

www.precis.co.uk/pr-sale-dresses/where/size/12?dir=asc&order=price_asc
www.precis.co.uk/pr-accessories/
Have you considered Precis Petite? I'm not sure if they would be suitable for your bust size though but they have plenty of dresses and fascinators in the sale that would leave enough budget for shoes and maybe a shawl if it is cold.
This dress might suit you www.precis.co.uk/petite-tulip-print-wrap-dress-60fdb0

That tulip wrap dress is a lovely shape and a great price but I worry the print might be a bit big as I'm small and it might just make by boobs look huge. Think I might order it and see how it looks.

Great tip in wedges though, I had thought about sinking in to the ground but assumed we'd just stick to paths. Anyone who has been, is the tea on a hard standing area or is it a tent on grass?

Not sure about a fascinator, I've only ever tried one and didn't look great in it. I also though if I had some sort of hat if it is sunny then I won't need sunglasses

What do you think of this?



Got to personal shopper at John Lewis. It's free and an excellent service. Comfy shoes. You only get to go in the garden so will be outside the whole time. When I went to BP for an investiture there was a wide range of dress so go as fancy as you like.

Bugger, don't think the photo worked

Alas no John Lewis near me Hollow

If you bump into a fellow 5’2” 44 year old that will be me 😀 I was going to start a thread too. I’m currently thinking of trying the JL personal shopper service. I also have to help my mum find something. Are you wearing a hat?

Yes to hat

I don’t like fascinators so will be wearing a hat. Difficult to find a non mother of the bride hat though.

Ha ha perhaps we ought to go in matching hats Provincial and exchange a knowing look over the cucumber sandwiches

Yeah I will be wearing a red rose in mine and clutching a copy of who’s who 😀

Rofl white rose in mine and a copy of The Lady 😂

I've been and whilst I wasn't really looking forward to it, had a wonderful day!

There are lots of paths to walk around which take you around the gardens but the main area where you eat is on grass. I wore high block heels but there were lots of people in stilettos (most had taken them off by home time!)

There is a massive variation in outfits and what amazed me was how skimpy some of the outfits were. Definitely wear a hat rather than a fascinator.

Don’t wear a fascinator, the women that do always look silly in the garden party pics.

Hire a hat.

I have been to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. There was a wide array of outfits. Lots erring towards mother of the bride, service wives more likely to be in smart suits, lots of national costumes in the royal tent. Check the forecast and be prepared. Perhaps follow the example of the Queen and have a clear birdcage umbrella on standby!