Work do with a Princess

[FromEnglandWithLove]

I've name changed for this as it's so specific but I really need some pointers. I'm attending a work function with a senior royal in attendance alongside 50 clients, mostly from big financialinstitutions. It's an afternoon event but drinks and client entertainment very likely (unavoidable) afterwards.

I don't even know where to start with an outfit. Very important that I look professional but can't turn up in a suit obviously. Don't want to look like mother of the bride.

Any ideas much welcome!

Size 14 these days, 40s, budget is flexible

It’s a bit difficult without knowing more about the nature of the event - is it a conference-type thing with socialisation afterwards or more of a hospitality-focused thing?

Either way, I’d probably go for some kind of dress - more structured if it’s the conference end of things, less structured if it’s more social / hospitality.

I quite like this

This would go from afternoon to evening. Lots of different colours including ‘safe’ navy and this lovely green -

www.theprettydresscompany.com/shop-c1/dresses-c2/the-pretty-dress-company-leyla-midi-dress-p452/s10638?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=the-pretty-dress-company-leyla-forest-green-midi-dress-colour-forest-colour-forest-green-size-12&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&cid=GBP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASrtO8ukun9CuqjKnSLZSw_eY9ZTJEfDa0xPVoHc_eigWkaCktVs-EcaAhSiEALw_wcB

Lucky you, I hope it’s Anne, I think she’s wonderful.

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/midi-cocktail-dress_l/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASqZvofPdeJxFy4LB9TdMQ9OOo4BHHMsW_fpUoLnMbqgM5NhPXI7rqIaAjZ9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

It's an industry awards event, so more social than conference I suppose. Very much a working event for me though and not an afternoon of free champagne (I wish!). And yes, it's Anne.

Love both those dresses. What about a jacket? Or a shawl? Or something to cover the arms?

Ah, shame about the lack of free champagne 😂

I’d be inclined to wear something like the following:

thefoldlondon.com/product/oban-dress-amber-orange-clever-crepe/

thefoldlondon.com/product/haslemere-dress-blue-herringbone-print-twill/

If you need to (for weathers sake) wear a jacket go for it but please don’t wear a shawl. Most of the time they just scream 50+ wedding guest.

when you said princess, I thought you meant spoilt woman- why should having a "senior royal" present mean you have to rethink what you would wear??

Love love love Anne!!!

Do not bring a shawl or jacket! It brings to mind the dreaded "pashmina" not envy

The pretty dress company dress is great on it's own, same with the fold dresses.

Another option is to go to Selfridges / Liberty or similar on a quiet day and get a personal shopper to give you a hand. I have had good success with this.

I find a nice jumpsuit quite good for events like this… legs covered tends to give more flexibility with a more comfortable shoe because whilst everyone else is enjoying themselves o never seem to get a seat with a glass of fizz until the very end!

www.phase-eight.com/product/mylee-belted-jumpsuit-220378983.html#cgid=jumpsuits&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=220378983&pos=11
Something like this with a short jacket and a statement necklace?

I had no idea shawls and pashminas were so offensive! Notes are being taken

Well, I'm worried that if I wear only a dress with no jacket I'll come across as unprofessional. I need clients and colleagues to see me as a senior business leader whilst also looking nice and occasion appropriate. I'm probably totally overthinking this...

And definitely no jumpsuit, let's just say I have a lockdown expansion issue going on and would not be flattering!

Thd Fold dresses are both lovely and would get plenty of re-use in the office

@54321nought

when you said princess, I thought you meant spoilt woman- why should having a "senior royal" present mean you have to rethink what you would wear??

Yes, surely if you’re accepting an award or hosting clients, you’d wear whatever you would normally wear for that kind of event?

I met Princess Anne at a formal event, I was asked to formally 'meet and greet' and she asked me a few questions about the work our institution had being doing. I just wore an ordinary formal dress, she was very formal in a skirt and jacket suit. I don't remember stressing too much about what to wear but we were 'prepped' by her team before the event (not about dress code but about shaking hands and all that etiquette stuff). I was more worried about saying something daft as I was quite nervous.
Personally I wouldn't wear an evening dress unless it's an evening event, ours was very much a work event and happened during the day. Everyone was wearing smart formal clothes, no-one was wearing anything very fancy.

I don't think wearing a pashmina will make you look more professional. Certainly bring a jacket if you need one as sometimes they do air condition those places to death but with a suitably smart dress and shoes and the inevitable role you'll play in terms of talking etc, you'll clearly be a business leader. Don't feel you need to stick to neutral colours either, I really don't think that's necessary any more.

poor princess, I wonder if she ever wants to wear Jeans and a tee shirt.

The Fold dresses are wonderful, I'm a total convert. Get one that covers your shoulders, don't faff around with a jacket or (god forbid!) a shawl. Shawls do not scream business leader.

Anne will probably re-wear something from the 1970s or so to prove she is the same size at 71 that she was at 21.

I'm American so the expectations may be different, but why do you need a jacket to look professional? I think a well-cut dress with sleeves in a solid color, with some nice jewelry, would be a good choice.

I'm jealous, by the way. Anne is my favorite royal.

www.frenchconnection.com/product/woman-collections-dresses/71ras/aleena-sinni-wrap-midi-dress.htm This one says work to evening in the description.

www.monsoon.co.uk/yazmin-floral-wrap-dress-black-24279201.html

www.monsoon.co.uk/scallop-neck-dress-teal-24377679.html

Something with sleeves, below the knee, not too floaty or summery, but also not too worky. I know I’ve linked a wrapover floral one, but it’s black based and the print is striking rather than summery.

Princess Anne won't give a damn what you wear!
I have met her at an industry do. She was fantastic I really respect her.
She also seemed pissed off I curtsied. So you clearly didn't have to at an industry do.

Wear a nice dress that takes you from day to evening

Don't worry about not wearing a jacket, you are not a bloke, you don't have to look like one sartorially.

Dress with sleeves is fine.
Jacket if you want to, that goes and you feel great in it.
I like pockets, so I like a blazer with pockets

Oooh how exciting! From what you've described I'd go for a dark fitted dress with short or 3/4 sleeves , statement shoes and bag and nice jewellery

Have done a bunch of stuff with Anne (she was patron of a charity I was at). She’s fab. As others have said, she’ll turn up in a timeless (aka old) outfit.

Key thing re the pashmina chat - this isn’t a royal hosted, garden party. Get all of that out of your head. Just focus on professional outfits that make you feel confident.

I’d go for a long sleeved shirt dress and adjust colour/ fit/ accessories based on your personal style.

I love Anne t-shirt!!!

Only joking, have a great time and I hope you enjoy it.