Unexpected work do - 2 hrs in Manchester to find something to wear...

[Pigletpoglet]

So I unexpectedly have to attend quite an important work do on Tuesday night, and I have no idea what to wear - argh!!
It's a dinner in a hotel, mostly networking but with a key note speech. Hotel is fairly middle of the road, outside of London. No dress code given, but it's definitely not black tie or even formal. Industry is slightly artsy and alternative, and I would prefer to be under- rather than over-dressed.
I am 48, 5'7", size 12-14, long but ugly legs, and a massive arse. I'm kind of an hour glass, but anything with a belt makes me look like a sack of spuds tied up with string (even a French tuck...). Has to be either fitted or something loose that hits on the hip bone.
I have no bloody clue where to even start, and I only have 2 hours in Manchester to find something. Help!!!

I'd have a mooch round House of Fraser. The website says they have a personal shopper service if you feel that might help

Can you get to the Trafford Centre?
There’s John Lewis, Zara, Next, etc

No chance of getting to the Trafford - I'll be in the centre. Haven't been to a House of Fraser in years - I have memories of it being a bit old lady and evening wear?
At the moment I can't even imagine what kind of thing to wear, so any ideas welcome! It's going to need more than jeans and a nice top, but a day dress would feel too work-like and an evening type outfit would probably feel overdone.
Any ideas for a slightly more professional version of jeans and a nice top?!

What sort of stuff do you like. I personally don’t rate Manchester for shopping now. House of Fraser is ok, but really pared down now. There’s a few brands on first floor such as Whistles and Ted Baker. There’s a Hobbs and Mint Velvet across the road on King Street. Selfridges are ££££. Arndale is rubbish. My daughter picked up a nice dress in TK Max the other week, but it’s usually like a jumble sale.

Some kind of dress from Cos, chunky jewellery and some Doc Martins?

Wide leg navy or black trousers with nice top? Trouser and shirt co ord?

Fake leather jogger, nice boots and smart jacket is my usual thing for work based non office things. Nice jewellery etc (I'm in tech so also a bit of non conforming is ok)

I also have a few Hush dresses that can be dressed up or down. I usually wear with suede cowboy boots.

Not familiar with Manchester shops, is there a John Lewis? They have Hush, and some other decent brands

There is a Mint Velvet there though I think, I'm not a massive fan but this seasons stuff looks a bit nicer than their summer clothes. I did see some smartish joggers/jackets and a couple of nice dresses.

www.mintvelvet.co.uk/products/satin-cargo-jogger-2

I used to like the bog standard WhiteStuff type fitted jersey dresses - they suited my shape. I can't wear any of the non-fitted dresses that are in the shops now - just the amount of fabric makes me look enormous.
I tend to wear midi-length, quite full but structured skirts, with tights and ankle boots, plus a longish t-shirt (hitting on the hip) and a cardi or jumper.
Wide leg trousers look awful on me - there's something about the mismatch between the size of my arse (big) and the size of my thighs (normal) that makes trousers incredibly difficult to find.

@jeaux90 I'll have a look in Mint Velvet, but those joggers are my worst nightmare! To get them big enough to go over my arse, the waist would be at least 4 inches too big, and I'd have to pull it in with the drawstring, leading to the full sack of spuds experience...

There’s a White Stuff shop on same street as Mint Velvet. Cos is just round the corner. You could also try And Other Stories, which is on St Anne’s Square. There’s a big M&S there too. Some of their dresses are quite nice, and they also have a few brands on first floor. I tend to do most of my shopping on line now though

@Pigletpoglet I know that wasn't supposed to be funny but it cracked me up. MV has some nice dresses in, hopefully you might find something that works.

I was in Cos, Arket and &Other Stories a few weeks ago and nothing grabbed my eye, or it wasn't in my size.

You could always try somewhere with next day/48 hour delivery maybe Asos?

www.cos.com/en_gbp/search.html?q=evening+wear

Would a high waisted shirt dress work? Not fitted or full. With a waisted jacket.

John Lewis

Ooo, Jigsaw have some velvet jeans... here
Do you think these might work? What would you wear with them? (top and shoes/boots)

@jeaux90 I am happy to laugh about the size of my arse! If I get it right I can look at least a size smaller than I really am. A shirt dress could work if it was fairly structured. Legs are on the blue side of pale though, so would need thick tights...

There’s Zara and And Other Stories at the end of Market St near M&S- I’d go for a midi dress & chunky boots.

There isn’t one in town, only Trafford Ctr or Stockport.

My friend just purchased a gorgeous black velvet blazer and silk shirt along with a silver sequinned pencil skirt. (Shortish) That would be perfect for your do. She bought it all from M&S

What's your budget? As offers have said there's a good Zara, plus Reiss, Ted Baker, & other Stories near M&S on Market Street. Plus King Street has some boutiques?

Forgot to show you photos. Would be fine with tights and boots.

Definitely go in House of Fraser! They have lots of different brands. It's my go-to shop for when I'm in a rush and need to buy something to wear. Floor 1 (the just above the beauty counters) is the best one.

M&S in the Arndale have lots of nice concessions upstairs now. It's worth a look.