Bloody hell. Queens garden party help!

[awesomekilick]

My DM has an invite to a queens garden party late May and wants me as her plus one.

What is expected? A frock?? I'm a jeans n sweater mid 50s woman, there is zero of the "S and B" about me. So I turn to you in panic for help.

I have fat calves and ankles. Good shoulders. 5 foot 7 and size 16 (14 on a good day). Hate heels of any description. I must feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible as I'll be inwardly stressed, dealing with my elderly DM and my inner revulsion towards this kind of "do". My DM has no one else to take really. Please help!

Forgot to say, the toilets are lovely, plenty of space and mirrors to reapply make up. They are portable installations but top end.

Sorry to gate crash the thread but I have also been invited! I have been eyeing up this dress but an now worried that my shoulders wouldn’t be covered?

iamme21

In that dress your shoulders will be covered, your arms aren't. It means no strapless dresses.

That's fine, I wore a sleeveless dress. Just take a wrap or a jacket if in doubt, you might need it anyway.

And it's lovely.

@StarbucksSmarterSister That’s great- thank you!

@HeyDiddleDee

I’ve been to one (I’m not stylish so will leave the specific suggestions to others). But yes almost all women wore dress, hat (or some other head gear) and heels. Quite wedding-y vibes.

You are on grass almost all the time so take that into account in shoe choice!

I went to one a few years ago and the look was definitely very smart wedding. Most women wore dresses with sleeves, wedge or chunky heels and a hat. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed and you stick out like a sore thumb if you dress casually.

It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy!

If its an occasion and youre not likely to wear it aģain is it better to hire a dress, hat and bag for the day.

Think wedding and you are the mum of the bride.

Stay in the Goring Hotel, just around the corner. Make sure you eat before you go and plan a dinner after.

Be prepared to not meet anyone and stand around a lot.

Pray it doesn’t rain. Be prepared for it to.

Chat to people. We met lots of interesting people, some up their own bums, some just ordinary people. I met a Spanish Princess who was lovely, but don’t expect to meet her Majesty, just too many people.

Was an amazing experience. Hope you enjoy it.

What about a fifties style tea dress shape with a short jacket/posh 'cardi'.
That will show off the best of your shoulders and then a low wedge sandal.

Adrianna Papell does a good dress with pockets in the 50s style.
Example here.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/adrianna-papell/floral-mikado-dress-dress-aa4681#colcode=AA468100

No need to go overboard. A nice M&S dress and jacket or suit is perfectly acceptable.

Hats are no longer required. Lots of people were fascinators though.

@MajorCarolDanvers

No need to go overboard. A nice M&S dress and jacket or suit is perfectly acceptable.

When did you last shop in M&S? It’s the last place to find something suitable.

@ceecee32
Oh this made me lol.

I went with my mum too.

I wore a baby blue outfit. Shot silk cropped trousers with a matching jacket with cami underneath and ballet pumps. It’s 20+ years ago, I don’t remember if I wore a hat, probably a fascinator!

Wish I had a photo of us dressed up together that day.

I went to one a few years back. Wish I hadn't worn heels...not so much for the lack of comfort but because they sunk into the lawn! Lots of women standing in bare feet on said lawn as their shoes clearly hurt their feet. Also lots of ridiculous fascinators to be seen, but what the hell! It's a great excuse for getting dressed up which I hardly ever do. I'd go for a dress and jacket or dress and bolero top and either flats or low court wedges.
Gardens are lovely and if the weather is good it is a nice afternoon. Delicate little cakes (some with the Royal Crest on them) and finger sandwiches. No photo's allowed unfortunately (I did sneak a couple in though).
Don't forget to take your passport for formal ID at the gate, and the invitation.
Enjoy....probably never to be repeated but a memorable occasion. Your Mum will love it! Mine was so jealous that I was invited!

[quote irene9]Adrianna Papell does a good dress with pockets in the 50s style.
Example here.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/adrianna-papell/floral-mikado-dress-dress-aa4681#colcode=AA468100[/quote]
Sadly, I have no royal invite but I think I have just found my dress for an early summer wedding!

John Lewis one is lovely

I’m so envious. I’d love to go.

I’d behave and everything.

A Girl Guide leader I knew went to one of the garden parties. Unsure of what to wear she decided to wear her uniform. When she got there she felt decidedly under-dressed but, when the queen arrived, she walked past all the beautifully dressed ladies and made a beeline for her because of the uniform.

What is “S and B”?

@Bambooshampoo

What is “S and B”?

Style & Beauty

If you look at a copy of the invite letter there should be a number you can contact or email address, ask for a copy of the dress code.

Yay my invite arrived this morning and I have a choice of dates!! Am already rethinking shoes and bag so bag is bigger. Maybe we should have mini mumsnet meetups in the grounds!!

Off to check out hotels now