Posh London lunch

[IslaPineappple]

Help! I'm going to lunch at a nice London restaurant next month and I really need help finding a pretty dress and (ankle?) boots

I'm currently a size 13 but today is day 1 of my diet and I will try to stick to it. 5.4" so I get drowned if dresses are too long.

I really want to look elegant and together, budget about £150. Can anyone help, I'm open to anything. Never had my colours done but look okay in most except bright red.

Thank you.

If you're going to lots of walking I agree with Remus re getting the boots first. You'll also need to consider your outerwear, you'll need your outfit to work with your coat.

Short, tunic style / 3/4 sleeve dress with block heel ankle boots and black tights, leather jacket on top. Hush short dresses are always lovely

www.johnlewis.com/hush-malia-love-heart-print-shirt-dress-red-black/p5307981

www.johnlewis.com/hush-iris-animal-spot-print-dress-khaki/p5672609

I agree that looking put together is even more about grooming (and bearing!) than outfit.

And I’d say it’s less about the type of item - dress, trousers, whatever - than about looking expensive. Do you not have one particularly lovely thing, a cashmere jumper or a favourite pair of shoes, that you could build an outfit around?

I hate the MN thing about looking 'expensive'. It's enough to just look nice or to wear clothes that make you feel nice.

Generally yes! But in this instance what will make the OP feel nice is not looking noticeably less … smart than her very dear SIL.

It may be that she already has stuff in her wardrobe (or in a friend or sibling’s wardrobe) that would perform the required function, but she’s dismissed those things because they’re not new.

It is completely and normally possible to look ‘nice’ in a dress and boots that together cost no more than £150. But it might be better to spend the whole budget on one good item and mix it with something lovely that she already owns.

It's the 'looking expensive' I object to, as if money is the only thing to aspire to and be judged on. I actually find it quite offensive and alienating as a concept.

Thank you all, I'm looking on John Lewis at boots. I have a couple of knee length shirt dresses but they've had lots of wear.

I don't think it's necessarily looking expensive, just nicely put together would do. I'm getting my nails done and my hair the weekend before so that will help.

Can thoroughly recommend these faux suede sock boots from Next - comfy for walking and great with 7/8 trousers or midi dress/skirt

I agree with PP that no one dresses up in London , and bear in mind many will be lunching from work so will be dressed accordingly. I’d wear a midi dress with biker jacket, or 7/8 trousers with a light knit and blazer

I like those boots. Suede is a good shout.

Im actually thinking maybe I should go black trousers and nice silky shirt?

Has anyone seen a nice silky shirt, possibly with a pattern? I saw one with tiny birds once that was gorgeous but no idea where I saw it

@IslaPineappple have a look at Sézane for lovely shirts and trousers. They do the relaxed but stylish look well IMO.

Uniqlo are great for silk shirts. Also Boden

Hmmm, this is interesting. Can you look round for vision inspiration OP? Love the idea of suede boots.

Think of it as a kind of stage setting. What character are you? How can you change your lines to be more yourself?

Is this too plain? https://www.johnlewis.com/pure-collection-silk-satin-shirt/ivory/p5207558

Boden do have some lovely ones too. I'm
trying to think what character I would like to be I like that idea.

@EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues

‘Glam’ how, though?

Swathed in £2k cashmere layers of no discernible colour?

Huge Cecilie Bahnsen frock and absolutely no make up whatsoever?

Cleavage / hair extensions / false nails / competitive?

They’re all jostling against each other - and each wearer might feel either superior or sadly regretful, depending on which version of glam their companions ascribe to.

(Glamorous, to me, is being very confidently oneself - without regard to anyone else’s style.)

Love this!

@IslaPineappple

Is this too plain? [[https://www.johnlewis.com/pure-collection-silk-satin-shirt/ivory/p5207558]]

Boden do have some lovely ones too. I'm
trying to think what character I would like to be I like that idea.

It’s a bit timid …

Psychologically it’s what someone wears if they ‘don’t want to get it wrong’.

Style-wise - there’s not much you can do with it. The fashionable shape for shirts is oversized, and that’s not. It rather dictates what one might wear with it - inevitably neat trousers or a blameless pencil skirt. So, unless you’re Shiv Roy, you’re going to look like an employee rather than a glamorous lunch guest.

Can you find something more, I dunno, just more …

(Almost goes without saying that no one will think anything other than “She looks nice” if you wear that. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it!)

@IslaPineappple

Is this too plain? [[https://www.johnlewis.com/pure-collection-silk-satin-shirt/ivory/p5207558]]

Boden do have some lovely ones too. I'm
trying to think what character I would like to be I like that idea.

That shirt is lovely. I haven't liked any of the dresses or boots already suggested.

How about these boots from Dune: www.dunelondon.com/poetics-buckle-block-heel-ankle-boots-black-0092508510006484.html

Or a cheaper alternative from Dorothy Perkins:
Mara Buckle Detail Heeled Ankle Boot
www.dorothyperkins.com/AQQ49713.html

Some nice dresses from Boohoo:

www.boohoo.com/satin-wrap-detail-midi-skater-dress/DZZ11239.html?color=168

www.boohoo.com/floral-print-ruffle-neck-midi-dress/FZZ73801.html

www.boohoo.com/ditsy-floral-pleated-collarless-midi-skater-dress/FZZ53873.html

I recently bought these and they really glam up any outfit as well as being quite unique

www.whitestuff.com/accessories-and-shoes/womens-shoes/dk-claret-lottie-velvet-shoe-boot/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2bmLBhBREiwAZ6ugo2RQ_Lj9ItikytIerilHdkkhhdyKnYAItCrw1Dl6rixGOO_3kJpUXRoCrnQQAvD_BwE#fo_c=3597&fo_k=cb8225877b99e204430cb015bee67e1c&fo_s=gplauk

And have you considered a smart jumpsuit? Insta chic

I like the shirt. I think it could be paired with wide legged cropped trousers and boots.

Check out The Outnet for some bargainous options re silk shirts 😍

I live in the sticks now so a bit out of touch, but my 4 sisters still live/work there; they’d all wear something really relaxed for lunch (and most of the time)... But the main thing is to just feel/be really confident so whatever it is that incites that feeling in you is a very good start

I’d possibly suggest chunky soled boots/loafers or block heel Chelsea boot, crossbody leather bag, chunky/vintage knit and slim trousers, or silk/fine knit bodysuit/top with wide leg trousers, or band/logo crop/tucked T-shirt into leather/suede/silk midi skirt and knee high slouchy leather chunky boots… with leather jacket, Burberry[~esque] trench or a statement dramatic or obviously classic coat (even something like a wax Barbour or Harris tweed jacket) in any of the above situations.

Don’t discount a bold sock when it comes to accessories. Same goes with hair accessories (apropos boldness, not re having hair-sock-condoms 😂)

Fabulous sunglasses always must be ready waiting in the bag during any daytime outings in case needed. (hence the username)

If you’re after dresses then look at Zara or Mango for ideas or rent something. I agree with the pp saying feet first then make it work.

Definitely have very clean shiny hair. Maybe treat yourself to a facial…. Gel nails. Fresh faced/minimal makeup with a bold lip etc. (I’m much trashier, filthier and dishevelled than my sisters atm.. but always was tbf 😂)

Im sure you’ll look fabulous, just feel comfortable and have an amazing time

I love these boots https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Isabel-Marant-Defya-suede-ankle-boots-1421278. And these boots https://www.sezane.com/en/product/billie-ankle-boots/taupe#size-2

You could splurge on outrageous boots and team with peimark plus a jacket.

Then you can wear the boots again and again ...

Oh, I see you've gone for shirt and trousers. I apologise for the dress!

You'll be gorgeous!!!

Excellent looking dress, thecatfromjapan!

The price will have me worrying all night, now …

I’d feel like I was going to work if I wore trousers (rather than jeans) and a blouse.

Also I’d only wear suede boots, much as I love them, if it was guaranteed not to rain.

Oh I like the boohoo ditsy dress and all the boots.

I do think the plain silk shirt might be a bit too safe, I know what you mean by the looks nice comment