Posh garden party/jazz evening size 14/16 don't want to wear a tent

[shutthedamndoor]

Help please!
We've been invited to a garden party/jazz evening. It's going to be full of very posh people, but it's also a family event and we're taking along our new puppy (all fine with the hosts, whom we know very well and are lovely). The event is at their parental home - sort of small stately home.
I'm 47, a size 14/16, hourglass with a tummy but great boobs and decent legs. Everyone else will be whippet thin.. I need to be comfortable enough to run after puppy/children but would like to look elegant too, and not like a comedy fortune teller festooned in a Kaftan... budget up to 250.
All ideas much appreciated!

Bumping for you OP. Also recommending you take a look at Phase Eight and Hobbs.

Hmm maybe something like this black linen Anthropologie number?

[[https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/kamryn-shirtdress?category=dresses&color=001&type=REGULAR kamryn shirtdress]

With a silver cuff? I would go for silver sandals but that's because I already have some sadly from Hotter but they're surprisingly nice Could go either way - silver converse or trainers, or much more feminine?

Boden have a good sale on at the moment. Up to 50% off lots of lovely dresses and jumpsuits. I've just ordered a few options for a wedding I'm going to in a few weeks www.boden.co.uk

Do you have any idea of how dresses up people will be. I like this french connection dress but it would depend on the dress code.

Ooh thanks for the responses... I actually have the black dress but I wanted something more summery... plus it's going to be HOT as hell. Sorry, forgot to say we live in Southern Germany. I'm not a woman who glows, I definitely sweat! Short/ cap sleeves are probably best.
Ugh, I loathe shopping....

Dress code is smart casual if that helps? (Doesn't help me at all!)

https://www.hush-uk.com/sale1/salee2/dinadresssblack.htm

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/renee-midi-dress-navy-heron-blue-puff/sty-w0314-mbl?cat=C1S22_G4

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/amy-midi-dress-dijon-wild-posy/sty-w0348-yel?cat=C1S22_G4

Boden have quite a few that might be suitable. You could also try Cos (they look better on than off). Good luck!

Ooooh, that last Boden one is fabulous, thankyou!!!!!!

There's a fab sale at Ted Baker at the minute. I've just bought this for a casual wedding in France in a couple of months

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Outlet/Clothing/KALLII-Asymmetric-cotton-dress-Dusky-Pink/p/145166-DUSKY-PINK

But they've got so many dresses in the sale.

What about Toast - they have some fab summer dresses - and some on sale currently. The quality is amazing and they will last years.

Thanks! The Ted Baker sale is interesting... but a bit young maybe? I love a lot of the Toast things, but the colours aren't very 'happy' ... am off to try COS...
Please keep the ideas coming!
Ideally I would be a floaty boho type, but as a size 14/16 I tend to look more like Mrs Weasley.

Not sure if this is too long, but slits would allow you to run? It is in the sale, and available in 16 - saw it in the shop and the shaded effect is lovely.

www.jigsaw-online.com/product/sunset-floral-chiffon-maxi-dress/J38641_BL010

That Jigsaw dress is lovely on and very flattering. I tried it on a few weeks ago as a size 14/16.

Ah, that Jigsaw dress really is lovely, am going to try it! Thankyou!

How do you know everyone else will be whippet thin?

please look at & Other Stories - some great dresses in there for under £80 that look more expensive. 14-16 is about as big as they go, but they have many styles in at the moment which are forgiving/wrap/not clingy so def worth a try

& Other stories... have never tried that, thankyou!
And yes, the comment about size is probably more to do with me feeling uncomfortable at this weight than the size of the other guests. However, there's a certain 'look' here and though I'm not planning on being a clone, I want to wear something that I feel makes me look my best.

Another vote for Hobbs and Jigsaw. Also give Whistles and the White Company a look.