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Original poster

What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!

54 replies

DanielleandBobby · 09/08/2019 18:49

DH and I have to attend this event next month. It's a lunchtime event with some high profile guests. Dress code on invite is Lounge Suit which is fine for DH, but what on earth should I wear? If it were an evening 'do' I could wear a long dress.

Plese tell me what's appropriate. I really don't want to have to buy a whole new outfit and am thinking of perhaps hiring something! If you lovely people can give me some ideas I might, just might, have something lurking in my wardrobe which I can wear or at least accessorize. Thank you :)

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SegregateMumBev · 09/08/2019 18:53

Naice tea dress and high heels.

Original poster
DanielleandBobby · 09/08/2019 19:51

Thank you, but what is a tea dress???

OP posts:
Lenny1980 · 09/08/2019 19:53

Or a shift dress. Basically any smart knee length dress. I wouldn’t go strappy or too low cut.

ChihuahuaMummy1 · 09/08/2019 19:59

The 1st one is v Pretty Woman at the polo imo

Annasgirl · 09/08/2019 20:00

Don't wear a shift dress, as they are very out of fashion. It is all tea dresses now, midi length and nice shoes.

I'm not sure that you could shop on Boohoo for a post London charity event, but you could probably hire a nice one? Look at the guests at any recent Royal wedding, the ones in the cool dresses. These are the style that is in (thinking of all the actresses at Megan's wedding).

Annasgirl · 09/08/2019 20:00

oops, posh! sorry.

MakeLemonade · 09/08/2019 20:04

I think I would go for a midi/maxi dress. What shape are you?

Doesmybumlook40 on Instagram has tonnes of lovely dresses on her page and stories that would be ideal for a charity lunch, she manages to style long dresses so they don’t seem overdressed. I like theladysmaid account too - lots of pretty dresses at varying price points.

For places to look, try &otherstories and Anthropologie.

Original poster
DanielleandBobby · 09/08/2019 20:05

Thanks everyone. Not sure the tea dresses listed here are ‘posh’ enough but I will start googling!

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Original poster
DanielleandBobby · 09/08/2019 20:07

I also don’t really wear high heels!

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Original poster
DanielleandBobby · 09/08/2019 20:09

Thanks, MakeLemonade. I don’t think I want a maxi dress as v unlikely to wear again. I’m 5’ 8” talk, size 12 and slim with largish bosom!

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MakeLemonade · 09/08/2019 20:15

Cross posts! Ignore those dresses - all midi/maxi. Definitely sounds like you’ve got the figure to pull it off but you’ve got to feel comfortable in it too.

XingMing · 09/08/2019 20:31

Dress conservatively. A smart knee length or midi dress with full bosom covered and no flesh on view. If sleeveless, you need a jacket. No tits, no flesh at all beyond the elbows or knees.

XingMing · 09/08/2019 20:47

Please ignore anyone who tells you you have the figure for anything... your body does NOt matter. This is establishment, and your figure is irrelevant. Fit in, and go safe. I do hope this is helpful. In this context, you need to look like safe hands.

EatenByDinosaurs · 09/08/2019 21:14

How good are you at eating and drinking without spilling stuff down your front? Grin

I have this from Facil Blanco which I've worn for an evening museum benefit, and a charity lunch.
First dressed up with Georg Jensen jewellery and silver flats, second with pearl studs and silver flats.
I'm a bit taller than you with a large bust and it looks amazing on, so, so much nicer than the picture. Its not at all see through, and the fabric is gorgeous, soft but heavy and hangs beautifully.
Its also a lot more formal in reality than in the picture, though the sort of boho way they've styled it with the turquoise is to blame for that.

I've never received so many compliments as the times I've worn it, and both times were very, very formal.

What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
EatenByDinosaurs · 09/08/2019 21:21

This is it, and this is the side view which shows the material a bit better

www.facilblanco.com/products/asma-ladies-white-italian-linen-kaftan-dress

What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
DearDeirdre · 09/08/2019 21:24

This sounds like the sort of thing you'd wear to a wedding or the races, but without shy head gear.

DearDeirdre · 09/08/2019 21:25

Any head gear not shy head gear ffs

doadeer · 09/08/2019 21:43

I go to posh work events in London. Just wear a nice dress, lovely hair, nice nails and a bit of lippy. Don't wear heels if you hate them but maybe you could get a strappy sandal with a wedge.

I would go this level of formal, see pics - though these might not be quite right if you are busty.

What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
BloomedAgain · 09/08/2019 21:45

What's your budget? The outnet has some lovely appropriate dresses in (with an extra 20 per cent off).

LizzieMacQueen · 09/08/2019 21:51

Reiss would be my suggestion. I'll go and have a look and post anything I think is nice Wink

LizzieMacQueen · 09/08/2019 21:55

This is colour berry

What to wear to a posh central London charity lunch!
MidnightAtTheOasis · 09/08/2019 21:58

With the exception of the very sophisticated white number above, I think summer 2019 calls for prints: don’t try and play it safe in a plain colour. What have you got in your wardrobe?