Posh daytime autumn dress

[SheWoreYellow]

I have a posh do in a country hotel coming up and would love a fabulous outfit. I’m thinking a dress but open to anything. It’s a 60th birthday.
I like deepish colours, patterns, waist definition. Not too poofy a skirt - so not a full on 50s thing. I generally am very casual so I was hoping to get something kind of understated. I’ll wear flat shoes.
I’m 5’7” and a hourglass size 12-14. I’d spend £200.

Any ideas would be very gratefully received.

Have you looked at Me and Em?

Some nice understated options at Boden and currently 20% off.

Whistles has some lovely dressier options in their new AW collection.

You can’t go far wrong with Hobbs - and they have 15% off new collection at the moment.

Have you got any “must haves” - sleeves, skirt length, etc?

These could all work perhaps?

www.hobbs.com/product/cressida-fit-and-flare-dress/0122-5796-9022L00-LAPIS-BLUE.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0122-5796-9022L00-LAPIS-BLUE&pos=26

www.hobbs.com/product/rosaleen-lace-shift-dress/0222-5107-3072L00-BERRY-PURPLE.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0222-5107-3072L00-BERRY-PURPLE&pos=41

www.hobbs.com/product/isla-shift-dress/0222-5145-9845L00-RICH-BURGUNDY.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0222-5145-9845L00-RICH-BURGUNDY&pos=14

www.hobbs.com/product/eleanor-spot-fit-and-flare-dress/0122-5529-9045L00-MIDNIGHT-BLUE.html#cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0122-5529-9045L00-MIDNIGHT-BLUE&pos=13

One Hundred Stars have some gorgeous silk dresses, they have a waisted style (Abbi) but I actually prefer their Rachel dress worn with a belt. I have it in a couple of their prints but the black stork is my favourite.

Never heard of them , they're lovely.

I started with one of their kimonos and from there it has been a slippery slope.

I personally love this, it's smart but not stiff, and a bit different

Look at Nancy Mac if you haven't already. Some beautiful dresses.

If you like a vintage style you could try the following:

www.bombshellhq.com/collections/dresses

www.vivienofholloway.com/women-c70/dresses-c10

www.thehouseoffoxy.com/vintage-style-dresses

theseamstressofbloomsbury.co.uk/collections/dresses

Oooh thank you!

I will have a good look at all these ideas.

To narrow it down a bit, I’d like the tops of arms covered. Length, I guess knee to ankle. I don’t like to feel too constrained, but might have to get over that for one day. I’m a bit fat of tummy for very clingy.

www.yoox.com/uk/15200942/item?tp=56348&utm_source=integral&utm_medium=affiliation-rs&utm_campaign=uk_2335903&dept=women&cod10=15200942RP&utm_content=feed&tduid=cd19d19f1f6c002f26c52121d9027244#cod10=15200942&sizeId=5

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg/dresses/knee-length-dress/christina-pintucked-leopard-print-crepe-wrap-dress/1647597283937799

Peacocks , of all places, have a gorgeous black and white shirt dress