Smart/chic/approachable dress for a rectangle

[chicabowwow]

I love my kids buts my god they destroyed my figure. I've got an important event in the early summer where I will need to speak to a group of 40+ important business owners. It will also be photographed and will be in the media so panicking a bit.

The capacity I am in is one of authority but, very importantly, very "on trend". However I feel like I'm in that bridging gap between shopping at River Island/Topshop and something that doesn't involve midriff dressing.

I'm quite built at a sturdy 16/18 and a rectangular shaped. Boobs have a mind of their own so I need to be able to wear a bra. I can also wear shape pants if needed but would rather not.

I was thinking a nice dress with a blazer in either neon or beige (SS19 trend) but I'm struggling to find something that I think will suit me. All the dresses I'm finding are long sleeved, backless or too short.

Liked this one from Hush but wasn't sure if it was too casual. I always think casual dresses look quite dressy. Budget for the dress and/or jacket combo is about £100.

My colouring is olive skin and brown eyes. Hair is brunette with blonde balayage.

How about this one
https://www.hush-uk.com/womenswear/daywear/dressesskirts/susannaatiedressspompeiian_red.htm
I think it would look great with your colouring. I would wear it with flatworms

This might be too short depending on your height but I quite like the range of this company, Studio 8 which is part of Phase Eight. There's a sale on.

I like the dress you've linked OP and think your idea of a blazer (pink, I think) could look really good. The only thing might be if it's really thin jersey then it might look too casual and not quite right.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Sadly red and me don't do well together. I think I've got too much of a pinkish undertone to my skin.

I know what you're saying about the material. I dressmake (though not to the standard that this would require!) and fabric can make all the difference. Just tried a smart top on to go for a work event tonight and on hanger it looked great but as soon as I put it on it looked too casual.

I'm eyeing up a whistles jumpsuit as well but I'm a bit scared of the crop lengths they always seem to come in, plus a long torso I am terrified of ending up with a hungry crutch/bum

Quite like these. I know one is red but def think I could get away with it where it's all broken up colourwise.

Are you good with high necks?
They do nothing for me.

How about something like this from Finery? I don’t know what the quality of fabric is like but they always have things with a bit of an edge.

Oooh that's lovely. I usually steer away from black but I could probably jazz it up with a bright shoe and accessories.

*and dark blue

Also, not so bad with higher necks now if the bodice fits ok and it's not too high.

I LOVE this
www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/alida-faces-print-jumpsuit?taxon_id=6

That jumpsuit is fab!!

Good length and the print is very chic. Think we may have a winner. Thanks for the tip for finery!

👍 watch you don't get pissed though and have to use the toilet. Multiple buttons to undo.

I'll try really hard not to!