Please help - hopeless case! "Dress to impress" invite

[LadyFanny]

I've been invited to a 50th party. The invite says "Dress to impress". I literally always get these things wrong and end up feeling self-conscious.

I'm 5'2", size 12, overhanging stomach that bloats. I prefer my upper arms covered. Most importantly, I can't walk in heels. Shoes are the main problem actually. I prefer wearing flats but I don't feel dressy in them plus I feel a bit stumpy. I can wear low wedges though. Oh and I hate kitten heels.

I'm the sort of woman who lives in running and hiking and dog-walking gear. Please help me dress to impress for once!

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/closet-london-1/closet-london-navy-velvet-wrap-a-line-dress
www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/jumpsuits-and-playsuits/culotte-jumpsuits/edie-b/chloe-cape-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-with-tie

I would stick to a black dress in a style that suits you. Dress it up with a bling necklace earrings and bracelet

Get some low heel strappy sandals new look do nice platform ones that appear higher than they actually are or some kitten heels.

Block heel sandals, you can get them nearly everywhere and most ain’t high!

www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-fit-and-flare-wrap-dress-black/p5651774

As for shoes just go with something that doesn't look too mismatched with the outfit. Boots can work too. Suede, satin or velvet often looks good as an evening shoe.

High heels aren’t in right now anyway, so some low block heel sandals - maybe with an ankle strap to keep your foot secure - and a long dress could work well.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Deva-Mae/p/26140007

I think those espadrilles are a bit casual but these would be easy to wear and very versatile

www.vionicshoes.co.uk/blaire.html

Honestly book a free style consult in John Lewis, tell them the occasion

www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/esska-fink-mule-heels?inventoryCountry=GB&countryCode=GB&currency=GBP&utm_content=Smart%20-%20Accessories&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_kxconfid=vx65edeg7&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOi8QPG8ar2wTRGC-2dKOzdiPTpFNj1-hdJZ0KFg4on3J-I22mdv5NxoCRTkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&color=070&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

I've always fancied a pair of those shoes I've just linked, OP. Do you reckon you could wear them comfortably?

[quote MayThePawsBeWithYou]www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/closet-london-1/closet-london-navy-velvet-wrap-a-line-dress
www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/jumpsuits-and-playsuits/culotte-jumpsuits/edie-b/chloe-cape-sleeve-wide-leg-jumpsuit-with-tie[/quote]
Oooo like that!! Pair with some chunky silver(esque) jewelery and smart sandals OP?

What kind of venue? Do you have to think about uneven surface if it's outside?
How confident are you? Can you go for a dressy tuxedo & silver Converse or would you be too self-conscious?

[quote Rubyyyy]www.clarks.co.uk/c/Deva-Mae/p/26140007[/quote]
Oo I really like these

The blue silkfred jumpsuit is gorgeous

I have only had a dress to impress dress code once. I managed to find a nice dress that I felt comfortable in, got my hair done and a new lippy and wore it with wedges.

[quote Bettybantz]I think those espadrilles are a bit casual but these would be easy to wear and very versatile

www.vionicshoes.co.uk/blaire.html[/quote]
I like these too

TrophyWinner
I'm picturing Miriam Margolyes.

images.app.goo.gl/saMj584aR1HsyuJ67

As for dresses, maybe something like this?

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Dresses/HARIIET-Raglan-sleeve-tea-midi-dress-Khaki/p/243831-KHAKI

@KickAssAngel

What kind of venue? Do you have to think about uneven surface if it's outside? How confident are you? Can you go for a dressy tuxedo & silver Converse or would you be too self-conscious?

It's a function room at a nice hotel.

I really love the idea of a tux and converse, but I know I'd feel self conscious. I want to blend in (but look fabulous )

[quote Theblacksheepandme]TrophyWinner
I'm picturing Miriam Margolyes.

images.app.goo.gl/saMj584aR1HsyuJ67[/quote]
To be fair that's not far off where I was at!!

The Ted Baker dress is gorgeous

[quote blitzen]www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/esska-fink-mule-heels?inventoryCountry=GB&countryCode=GB&currency=GBP&utm_content=Smart%20-%20Accessories&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_kxconfid=vx65edeg7&gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOi8QPG8ar2wTRGC-2dKOzdiPTpFNj1-hdJZ0KFg4on3J-I22mdv5NxoCRTkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&color=070&type=REGULAR&quantity=1[/quote]
They are absolutely lovely! Would be so versatile too - and last years….

@NinaProudman2022

I have only had a dress to impress dress code once. I managed to find a nice dress that I felt comfortable in, got my hair done and a new lippy and wore it with wedges.

Actually you're right. A PP said similar. A simple dress & shoes, but have great jewellery, nails, and makeup & hair. Will probably make me feel more dressy.

@blitzen

I've always fancied a pair of those shoes I've just linked, OP. Do you reckon you could wear them comfortably?

Yes definitely. They actually look like shoes I could dance in!