Help! Ideas for Buckingham Palace visit

[upee]

I've mentioned in another post that I'm going to Buckingham Palace next month with my DD who is receiving an award.

I'm stressing about what to wear. Im plus size 22-24 and very anxious. Definitely not a dress person. I need comfort as we are traveling there and back the same day. So far I'm wearing black trousers, black boots and bought a black bag. I need a nice top to stand out a bit to add a bit of special to the occasion. I'm thinking of a detailed blouse preferably white/cream. I'd like it lose as I have rolls I'd like to cover, and light as I do over heat easily.

Any suggestions? I don't mind spending extra as I don't get treats like this very often.

I'd avoid white with black trousers as it can look like you are waiting staff.

Have a look at Chesca or Gina Bacconi, with Chesca it's worth looking at the John Lewis site as well as Chesca direct as they seem to stock slightly different ranges

What about a flowy jumpsuit? I'm the same size and that's my go to... easy to dress up a bit with some fun earrings/necklace.

I think you can wear the black and white OP but I'd wear a coloured scarf or light pashmina style wrap (it doesn't have to be cashmere -- brand new you can go quite cheap as it only needs to look A1 for the occasion). That would differentiate you from any wait staff (athough I always imagined that in BP they'd be wearing scarlet red jackets). Or some bright jewellry , or a noticeable lipstick maybe with coloured barret in your hair.

Since everything else is black what about a sparky top (in any colour)

Take a look at Laura Adlington's Instagram - she is similar size and does lots of try-on videos from different shops. One of my fav outfits on her recently is a Joules dress (I know you're not keen but it's gorgeous!) will try to link.

Annoyingly I can't find it!!! But take a look on her page anyway - she does plenty of non dress stuff too.

I'd use it as an opportunity to get something tailored or atleast altered. Could be a dress, skirt or trouser suit or if you really want trousers but not a full jacket, a waist coat can be incredably flattering. Just avoid black and white.

Or I've seen long black gowns that cross over the body with long sleeves at places like John Lewis that that choral singers and orchestra musicians often wear and can look very elegant

A couple of jumpsuits to look at
www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-kallie-v-neck-frill-jumpsuit/p109750455

www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-abstract-print-wide-leg-jumpsuit-matisse-black-white/p6135721

If you'd feel more comfortable in black trousers than a softer colour, and prefer a top to a dress, this might work:

• Cream not white.
• Pure linen and cotton, so cooling in warm weather.
• And has pretty embroidering on the arms and lower part.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-embroidered-v-neck-blouse/p/clp60592211

If need be, you could always smarten it up with a lightweight printed scarf.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1433089561/ultra-lightweight-green-pretty-floral?ga_order=price_desc&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=floral+chiffon+scarf&ref=sr_gallery-3-6&frs=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Whatever you end up wearing, enjoy your day and congrats to your daughter.

https://www.johnlewis.com/live-unlimited-curve-pleat-sleeve-blouse/p6424229

Ooh how exciting! What style are your black trousers

I've tried on the two different pairs of trousers and neither fit. One had a crease down the front and back and were just to wide, the other was boot fit but again to wide in the legs. If I go down a size I'm worried they won't fit my tummy/hips and thunder thighs !

Can you wear a dress op?

I'm not a dress person at all.

I went when my ex received an award also in May. One thing I would say if you are inside and having to sit through a ceremony was it was absolutely freezing and Im not a cold person! So if it’s even slightly chilly I’d be prepared for that even if you do run warm ( I wasn’t and it kind of spoilt the day!).

I think it's all outside in the gardens

Probably warmer then!

I've now bought a pink blazer and white top to wear under it.

Just got to find some black trousers that actually fit.

The pink isn't as bright in real life, it has a feeling/look similar to cord. I like the length.

I think that will look lovely OP. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and enjoy the day!

I'm a similar size to you and stress about these dress up events. I went to a garden party at Buckingham Palace a few years ago and they sent all these instructions on what to/not to wear. I was so stressed out, but in the end people had a really wide range of things on and everyone was fine.

Have a lovely day!

I'm glad you've added that colour, as black trousers and a white blouse do (as per first reply) suggest a waiting staff vibe.

One thing I would say if you are inside and having to sit through a ceremony was it was absolutely freezing and Im not a cold person!

The DofE Presentations are all in the garden, whatever the weather. You don't get to go inside.

It is a lovely occasion @upee .
Make sure your boots are comfortable - there is a lot of walking and standing, and very, very few chairs.

Enjoy!

Were there not trousers that coordinate with the jacket, @upee? A pink trouser suit would be a lovely outfit.

I’m afraid black trousers would be my least favoured option. With white; waiting staff. With most colours; naff. Unless expensive; drab, Unless incredibly well cut; unimaginative. Hard to understand why anyone would choose them for a celebratory event.

Black trousers will detract from the lighter spring colours, it'll look like two different outfits.
I know lighter coloured trousers are hard to wear - although trousers to match the jacket would be absolute perfection .
Failing that a skirt to match the blouse would work , something reasonably long in a lightweight fabric.
No black boots either , have you anything in taupe or white ?

Try monki for a statement blouse. Their 2xl will fit.

like this, but there is a huge choice