What to wear to this event?

[JasperRising]

I've been invited to a daytime (winter months) event that is lounge suit wear and ladies invited to wear hat and gloves. I've been to black tie/white tie/garden party events but nothing like this and I am a bit flummoxed as to what to wear...

I am hoping someone might have suggestions as to what type of clothes/hat/gloves are appropriate? And also where to source them cheaply? I am not convinced I have anything suitable in my wardrobe but equally I am unlikely to get many similar invites so I don't want to spend lots on single use items.

Eek gloves -are you a debutante is it that sort of event? I would rather not, kind of feel you will be forced into 1950s styles to accommodate them.

Firstly check Google/ Instagram/Facebook for pictures of past events did people really wear them?. Does it give any other info apart from hat and gloves? Are you in or outside? Will you have a meal or be milling around?.

From the top of my head I would think a frock coat with a cocktail tail length dress underneath, hopefully a dress you already have and take gloves off when coat comes off.

Given that it is winter what about these velvet gloves dents navy is a very safe colour.

And you could go down the velvet hair band route rather then a hat.

stories

debenhams
Amazon

Sound like the sort of stuff people wear to Cheltenham races. Or the Royals were to walk to the church in Sandringham. Felt hat and a dress with a coat.

Primark do excellent and cheap leather gloves.

Fortunately not a debutante (Though if I was then at least I would know what to wear this event!) just an unusually formal lunch.

I hadn't thought of velvet or of headbands so I will look into those. I wasn't sure if leather gloves would look too outdoorsy but then I guess they will come off for the lunch anyway.

Sadly, most of more smart dresses predate DC and are unlikely to fit so not sure I have anything suitable but will double check back of wardrobe... I think it is all indoors, not sure on milling around and haven't seen any photos from previous events. Good idea about Cheltenham or royal outfits - will go do some scrutinising of photos.

Thank you for the ideas!