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Original poster

Garden party dress ideas please

68 replies

notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 21:42

Didn't know where to post this, but hoping for traffic! Can anyone help me find a reasonably priced outfit for a royal garden party?! Am really not that into fashion so not sure where to start but needs to be affordable as I can't see me wearing it again. Says day dress required. Apparently need to wear a hat or fascinator too...annoyingly have recently put on a lot of weight, now size 16, so don't have anything remotely suitable. Dressing up is not my forte, not that keen on shopping for clothes so if anyone can suggest anything they've seen recently, I'd be really grateful!

OP posts:
WatershedMoment · 15/04/2019 21:51

Ive noticed the shops are full of calf length and longer dresses, which all look like garden party dresses. John lewis today had lots, or H&M for a lower price alternatives. With a nice little blazer over the top?

Almostfifty · 15/04/2019 21:55

Don't wear a high heel, they get stuck in the grass. Wedges are better.

There are lots of floaty dresses around the shops, as a PP said.

I had my hair put up and the hairdresser put the fascinator into it at the back, so it didn't bother me at all all day.

I hope your weather is better than when we went, it poured most of the day!

Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 21:59

Yes thanks I read about heels and grass. Think maybe I should take a friend to the shops with me - I don't dress up often and lack confidence to put together an outfit on my own. I never quite know what should go with what

OP posts:
Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 21:59

I'll have a look at John Lewis online

OP posts:
WatershedMoment · 15/04/2019 22:01

This is what I think of when i picture a garden party dress?
www.johnlewis.com/gerard-darel-giovanna-floral-print-dress-pink-multi/p4039299
This is really pricey but lots of looky likeys on high street.

NC4Now · 15/04/2019 22:01

You could get a personal shopper at John Lewis to help you out. They don’t charge - just for the outfit.

Highway · 15/04/2019 22:02

I'm a size 16 and love a 1950s style swing dress! This might be an idea for you? There are some funky and cute prints, they are typically calf length and because they are more A line, more forgiving on the hips

TulipsTulipsTulips · 15/04/2019 22:02

A floaty maxi skirt and pretty blouse would look lovely. Something like this skirt (but you could get a better top): www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/skirts/midi-skirts/product.polka-dot-satin-midi-skirt-green.0700522002.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInNG5jv_S4QIV4r3tCh1o2g50EAQYJSABEgJEPvD_BwE

WatershedMoment · 15/04/2019 22:04

This is more my price range but pretty.....
m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0735536001.html

Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 22:07

Watershed - really like the h&m one. Do you think it's formal enough?

OP posts:
CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 15/04/2019 22:07

Can highly recommend this Etsy seller for a fascinator. Really reasonably priced too. She made me one like this in red:

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/670875158/purple-fascinator-hat-wedding-hat

Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 22:08

And highway I like the idea of a swing dress too - quite flattering. Where would you look?

OP posts:
Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 22:10

And a good idea too about the personal shopper at John Lewis - thanks for that, I assumed you have to pay!

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CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 15/04/2019 22:13

If you like 50s dresses check out these links - both very affordable:

www.lindybop.co.uk/

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/

If you have a bit more in your budget this lady makes really beautiful dresses - having bought from all the links mentioned there is a clear difference in quality compared to the other 2:

ohmyhoney.co.uk/

CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 15/04/2019 22:17

This one available in a 16 in the sale:

ohmyhoney.co.uk/products/floral-rose-dress

As is this one (but personally I prefer the first):

ohmyhoney.co.uk/products/blue-floral-dress

Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 22:23

Thanks Charlotte - the first dresses I saw on ohmyhoney were £900 - the sale dresses are a bit more in my price range! I like the first one too but not too keen on my bingo wings being on show! Would you / could you pair it with a jacket?

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Nanny0gg · 15/04/2019 22:26

Phase 8 are good. Definitely watch your heels. And a light jacket or very pretty cardi.
Don't have a clutch bag because of balancing cup and teaplate. There are some tables and chairs but not many.
Enjoy! The food is delicious!

Nanny0gg · 15/04/2019 22:29

You get absolutely all sorts at a garden party. Everyone is dressed in their finery but still within their own style.

Tillygetsit · 15/04/2019 22:29

If you're only going to wear it once why not try Oxfam online? I got a beautiful dress for a wedding and lots of compliments. Cost me less than a tenner.

Nanny0gg · 15/04/2019 22:30

Some of the dresses above would be perfect

Original poster
notreallyintothisbutgottago · 15/04/2019 22:36

Love the prettykitty site - what about this one?

prettykittyfashion.co.uk/collections/favourites-back-in-stock/products/vintage-dusky-pink-floral-slinky-wrap-swing-dress

OP posts:
CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 15/04/2019 22:40

@notreallyintothisbutgottago I reckon the oh my honey dresses would work with a bolero jacket. Bet you could find one in John Lewis, or coast.