Formal dress for older woman

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DH and I have been invited to the races. It's a formal occasion, DH in morning suit.
I've googled images but they only show beautiful young women in pretty pastels and outrageous hats.
Sadly I'm too old (late 50's). Size 14, 5'9, thick middle, good legs.
I'm aiming for chic and stylish.
In my wardrobe I have a fabulous pair of navy sandals, a smart navy jacket, a tan bag or a black bag that I'd like to use.
Happy to buy a hat but would prefer a fascinator that looks like a hat.
Any stylish woman out there that can send me in the right direction?

I’m a similar age and this jumpsuit is lovely and very comfortable
www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/lola-print-wrap-jumpsuit/21057
Maybe this is too casual
www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/lola-print-wrap-jumpsuit/21057

I'm by no means stylish!

but this looks nice, and would work with your navy jacket

And plenty of fascinators!

Thank you.
I've jumpsuits in the past and they don't suit, something to do with stumpy body and long legs.
Love that Phase Eight dress with navy jacket. Would you do pink fascinator or is that a bit matchy matchy?

You are not to old, and it's a snare to think like that. You need to use your mirror, not your calendar!

People of any ages can dislike pastels.

What sort of shape dress do you like, and any preferred colours? Also, budget?

You’ve used older in your title and sadly I’m too old’ in your OP.

Why?

It’s a bit annoying. (I’m in the same age range.)

What’s your budget?

Even if you loved them, I'd counsel against jumpsuits for the races. Some enclosures only have portaloos. Posh ones, but still turdises

That Phase Eight dress is gorgeous.

I would go for a navy fascinator, rather than pink. The pink is tempting but I do think it would look a bit matchy-matchy.

Disclaimer: I am not particularly stylish myself...

I don’t think a jumpsuit is right at all, especially one with cropped trousers. Lots of races have a dress etiquette _ no cropped trousers, a certain width of shoulder to be covered, etc. Can you check? The phase eight dress is nice.

Phase eight is the shop I go to if I need a dress for a wedding or similar and I'm 56 years old. They're cut well, usually lined (so hide all my lumps and bumps) and hang well. 'Proper' shop assistants too (well in our one they are), so they'll happily run back and forth finding matching bits and bobs and will help with ideas for shoes/hats etc., Last time I was in there I was offered a glass of bubbly!

old! oh no you are not! Im middle 50s and if i want to wear an outragous hat i bloody well will! seriously, what ever you choose dont stray to far from your own comfort zone, feeling lovely is the aim here, not wearing an outfit that you think you should wear iyswim? have a lovely time

Sorry about the old comments.
I don't feel it but wanted to steer away from thigh high backless.
There is a need for a supportive bra and sturdy pants
Phase Eight looks like a great option but might try and find an outrageous hat.
Fenwicks on Bond St used to be best hat place, is it still worth me heading to London?

Not sure of your budget, but have you looked at The Fold? Their dresses are very elegant but quite pared down. Maybe too pared down for the races ( I've never been, but I did go to the dogs at Walthamstow once ). I've worn The Fold dresses to things like posh drinks receptions, exhibition openings and a black-tie wedding etc. Personally, I'd feel much more confident in this style than anything floral, pastel or chiffony, but I guess that's about personal style. Hat-wise, John Lewis in Oxford Street has a nice, but very conventional range. I don't really like fascinators, but do consider looking up independent milliners if you are in London, even just for a look in their windows for some ideas.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/womens-style/where-to-buy-a-spectacular-hat-for-the-races/amp/

I'm now desperately thinking of reasons to buy an extravagant hat.

Hi OP. I'm a little younger but same shape and we went to a formal wedding recently w. I wore this with pink fascinator and bag and jacket. This is a NZ designer but may give you an idea.

Try Bombshell London.

Some very stylish dresses at Bombshell London,love the Tie front shirt dresses which would be very suitable.