Help needed... dinner at the ivy!

[maz82]

I am going out for dinner for my daughters 21st this Saturday and I have nothing to wear! I have gained about 3 stone over the past year and nothing fits except casual wear that I've been living in. I really need some ideas. Need to be able to order today for next day delivery or I can go in store tomorow. I am a size 18 and very insecure about myself. Really bottom heavy, small waist but conscious of my arms and stomach. Oh and I am 39 if that makes a difference although I've always been quite a young 39. Anyone have any ideas please?

Oh and we are going to the Ivy! Don't even know what your supposed to wear to the ivy.

Which Ivy?

Smart casual, I wore jeans and a jumper last time I went.

@Chihuahuacat

Which Ivy?

Cheltenham

Yep, smart casual. I wore the Zara spotty dress the whole of MN hated and trainers the last time we went.

What about this with some box fresh trainers.

www.next.co.uk/g66137s2/207828#207828

[quote Imtoooldforallthis]What about this with some box fresh trainers.

www.next.co.uk/g66137s2/207828#207828[/quote]
I really like this but am unsure on the fit as I am very very happy and have a small waist!

I meant hippy not happy!

You can wear anything you like. Last time I went to the Covent Garden one I wore a dress with trainers, lots of people were wearing jeans, I didn’t see anyone properly dressed up. Hope you have a lovely time!

A wrap dress! Cover your arms and show off your waist. A genius piece of textile engineering that works on every possible situation.

www.next.co.uk/g66137s5/919969#919969

How tall are you and what's your budget, this could look nice with a denim jacket over.

www.next.co.uk/style/st864091/A28391#A28391

www.next.co.uk/style/ls240241/P71815#P71815

This one from Next is nice. I agree a wrap dress is perfect for a small waist and bigger hips. It's a very flattering cut.

ooh @ikeameatballs, good finds. The zip up blue flower print you linked to first looks like it would be a good option for the OP. (And maybe me too).

On trend, not too "try hard", got a bit of shape to it, and will highlight the waist.

oh just realised, the next two links were from @Imtoooldforallthis - sorry, credit to both of you!

I agree a floaty dress with sleeves, at a length you like - midi or maxi would work. Boots or good trainers depending on the weather.

Here's a floral tea dress collaboration between M&S and Ghost - in stock in your size. Any good?

Don't worry about " dressing up" for the Ivy. I go to ours regularly in jeans

It's not that smart, sorry. If I went to ours I'd go in jeans.

I've been to the original in jeans - not a boast, it was raining, we were desperate to get out of the rain and dashed in. Only later did we spot where we were.

It’s not a dressy dressy place. More jeans/silk shirt kind of stuff.

Whatever you normally wear for a night out to somewhere like Cote or Cafe Rouge would be fine - it's not formal.

The last time I went to the Ivy I wore jeans, t shirt and trainers but I have also worn a smart linen shift for DDs graduation. Basically you can wear absolutely anything you want. Dress for the occasion not for the venue.

@Lindy2

This one from Next is nice. I agree a wrap dress is perfect for a small waist and bigger hips. It's a very flattering cut.

I really like this one

Jeans and trainers is fine outside of the main one in London.

I always see wrap dresses recommended but if you have big boobs they tend to gape when you sit down. I think a nice midi dress would be comfortable.