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!

That first linked dress in green is lovely and looks perfect. Are you receiving an award so are you likely to be photographed because I think that would photograph well. Maybe borrow a string of MN pearls to clutch, though remember to take them off if Anne is wearing pearls because hers will be the real deal and it might show!!!!

Omg all the linked green dresses are beautiful! Good finds peeps.

But yes a 'I heart Anne' t-shirt would clearly be best! :)

The Fold is a great suggestion. I’d also suggest a look at Helen McAlinden - available at John Lewis and she has an online store too.
www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=Helen%20mcalinden
Some beautiful dresses, in a good range of colours.
Hope the event goes well!

Love to see a photo of the Princess Royal at the event. My favourite Royal and so hard working.

Great tip about Helen McAlinden. What fabulous dresses.

I think a shift dress will be your friend.

Sleeveless Shift dress with a Chanel type jacket or princess coat

Shift dress with boat neckline and 3/4 length sleeves

I was going to say The Fold too. I have been at numerous events Princess Anne has attended and one thing for certain is that she will not be buying a new dress for it!

The Fold dresses are great. I love their twist on workwear and the quality is fabulous. I don’t think jackets are necessary any more and, for the love of God, don’t even think about a shawl or pashmIna!

Great dress, amazing shoes and eye catching earrings or bracelet. Job done.

French Connection or Phase Eight would be good places for you to get some ideas of what's available.

I'd choose a dress with sleeves below the elbow, not a vibrant pattern to the fabric, nothing glittery or shiny, possibly a gently gathered or pleated skirt. Not a low neckline.

Depending on your colouring, choose a dark shade, though grey could also be suitable. Don't go overboard on jewellery.

I was at something with Anne there tbh everyone was just in usual professional gear, she looked fab!

She wore a green trouser suit and black heeled ankle boots (mumboots!).

Everything was cut perfectly and her gait and posture was amazing so it sounds looked great on. You would have thought she

But they weren’t policing everyone to check we were addressing her correctly or matched.

A few people (not me) were formally introduced to her and she did her thing then left.

I mean she was very courteous professional but also very boundaried and distanced - not there to “make friends or notice people” if that makes sense?

(I’ve been told that the princes were the same whilst doing their military training - polite and very good sports but also “keeping social boundaries high” - we’re just the gracious plebs after all )

So I wouldn’t overthink it, just have whatever your goals are for meeting other people and networking.

I went to a similar event a couple of years ago (although Prince Andrew 🤢). In a museum with dinner, around 50 of us, all in finance and no suggested dress code. I went for a black shift dress after much deliberation and I’m bloody glad I did. All the other women were in shift dresses or smart skirt and shirt apart from one woman wearing an (absolutely gorgeous) full length silk dress. She looked gorgeous but stood out like a sore thumb and I’d been so close to wearing something very similar.

@ 54321nought When she opened our sailing club she pretty much did wear jeans and a tshirt. With a big waterproof coat over the top!

The teal monsoon is gorgeous but make sure foundations are solid and smooth!

My sister has to do a lot of public speaking. She has this from Hobbs. Very flattering and makes her feel confident.
www.hobbs.com/product/cordelia-dress/0120-5719-9845L00-BLACK-IVORY-6.html

The green dress (the first one from the pretty dress company) is perfect, surely? Dress it up with a necklace and earrings, rings, and heels if you wear them. You don't need a jacket too. Its very versatile. I would take it on holiday/travel in it too.

HNRTT but if you have time and you are concerned, you might informally ask the relevant Royal's private office if they have one for some advice.

Hope you enjoy the event.

🤣

What's this thread? A competitive Princess Anne-off?

🤣

@LivingLaVidaBabyShower

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.

What's wrong with a pashmina (I love mine) hides

Both dresses look lovely, could you have a jacket on top for the day time but take a nice statement necklace in your handbag for the evening .

I'd wear my best work suit or dress and jacket.

The Princess Royal will remember your warmth and kindness and knowledge long after she forgets what you were wearing.
Unless, of course, you wear a hot pink Hawaiian muu-muu with neon-lime green stilettos and are loud and brash and curse a bloody blue streak..😂 Which somehow, I don’t think you will!
Don’t sweat the small stuff. The suggestions others have given you here are excellent ones.
Have fun and stay safe.

Hahaha! I think it says more about how many things she turns up to than how special we are to have met her

@mrssmiling

The Fold is a great suggestion. I’d also suggest a look at Helen McAlinden - available at John Lewis and she has an online store too. www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=Helen%20mcalinden Some beautiful dresses, in a good range of colours. Hope the event goes well!

Those dresses are lovely!

I came on to say The Fold - for confidence inspiring work clothes you can't beat it
I have two of these -

thefoldlondon.com/product/arlington-dress-deep-green-wool-jersey/

Sadly I now know work from home so they are gathering dust !

Enjoy the event it sounds wonderful !

[quote Galassia]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[/quote]
This is stunning. Look no further!