Event requiring dress and a hat

[Cobblersandhogwash]

Oh lawks. I've been ignoring this event from dh's soon to be ex work summer event. It's this Saturday and I need an outfit pdq.

It's attending the Horse Guards' Parade of trooping the colour. Whatever that means.

Anyway, so I need a dress and a hat and shoes. I don't do this look terribly well tbh. I'm 6ft tall and size 16.

Please any suggestions?

Buy the shoes first! (You need to be able to walk in them.) Then a simple dress/smart jumpsuit (no loud patterns) in a chain store. And after that, an embellished hair band to match. Or a flattering Panama/straw hat you can use for years on holiday as a sun hat. Unless you are accompanying the officer commanding the parade, and are going to be in all the pictures in the papers, I really don't think you should get too het up. It should be pretty, polite and conventional.

I'd start at M&S for this occasion, followed by Debenhams and HoF. Just stick to simple, well-fitting and avoid lurid patterns.

wow xing you've got this down pat!!

Just ancient! And practical. This is not something to splurge on.

Thank you very much for advice. Am off today to get stuff.

Xing, you’re advice is perfect. Especially about not something to splurge on. I’d would have struggled to have that reasoning if it was me.

I’m coming to you for all future event dilemmas

No I’d just wear something out of the wardrobe that fitted the bill unless Queens birthday when morning suit applies.
Usually it’s lounge suit or uniform with equivalent for women. A tea dress and comfortable shoes. I don’t recall ever wearing a hat.