Which dress for ‘posh’ do?

[LivesInPyjamas]

Do any of these work for a ‘posh’ do? Not black tie, I’ve been told ‘wedding type attire’.

I’ve lost my sense of style since gaining a lot of weight (although have lost a couple of stone in the last few months) plus approaching 40 so not sure any of these suit me?

Apologies for the bad photos, I will be wearing better underwear on the day 😆 All the dresses are just below knee length. I’m not used to wearing patterns so unsure of the flowery one. My favourite is the navy dress but it’s too short in the body and arms unfortunately. Think maybe the khaki dress is too casual? The event is Wednesday so will have to dash to the shops tomorrow if none work. What do you think?

I think thr khaki one is best and is very flattering, with your nice shoes and hair and make up you will look very elegant.

Thanks again everyone. I do really appreciate all the help. I’m already thinking beyond the event, once I’m at target weight, of trying to be a little more well dressed by taking the advice on board. My style has always been quite plain, I suppose I’m aiming for elegant. I took all my dresses and going out clothes to the charity shop last year as I didn’t think I’d get a chance to wear them again. Regretting that now!

I’m between a size 14 - 16 atm but mostly struggle with length as I’m 5’11.

Not sure what these ones would look like in real life but they may be suitable.

M&S
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

Next
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

This one comes in a tall size:
Next

@LivesInPyjamas
The floral ones look like day dresses. The check one definitely. Would look great with a denim jacket but that’s not the look you want. Checks like that are never posh. You seem to like navy or navy with sprigs of flowers which is a bit boring.

I’m now not sure what you mean by posh. The Ghost dresses from M&S look far better then a tablecloth check. Look for some embroidery, more expensive looking fabric and maybe an overlay of lace. Look for copies of what Princess of Wales wears. Up/down hems - never. There’s a lot of choice at very decent prices but try and avoid workwear.

I think the thing is, if you’re aiming for pared-down and elegant, you need a really good fabric and cut to take it out of everyday. And you have to spend a lot for that.

@LookItsMeAgain, thank you, I really like most of those - I was actually looking at the last one as well.

If I could get away with it, I’d only wear black but I opt for navy if I’m trying to avoid the funeral look 😆

Here are a couple of suggestions from Karen Millen:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3

@LookItsMeAgain the checked dress is in what looks like quite weighty silk, and generously cut, so could look very grand. However it’s part of MS’ Jaeger concession and costs considerably more than other things suggested on this thread. It’s also fairly unlikely it’ll be readily available in a local store. (More likely that one would have to order specially for it to be delivered there - but the OP might be lucky.)

I do think it would be an easy route to a glamorous outfit though! Swept up hair, pearls, decent bag and shoes …

@LivesInPyjamas I’m sorry but the navy dress is depressingly dowdy and wintery.

Do you have any other local shops? We could look online and suggest their best offerings?

We have next, m&s, new look, matalan, Sainsbury’s, river island - I think that’s it. The event is an awards ceremony for charity work which is why I’ve been invited.

I meant the original navy dress!

Here are some others from Long Tall Sally:

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

Again, yes to the navy. Looks so good with those neutral courts. The skirt length and sleeve length are super flattering- I think it looks elegant and tailored but not at all stiff and uncomfortable,

So I just had a mad dash round the shops and couldn’t find anything suitable - it’s all casual holiday type dresses or work wear. I did find this one in matalan which is the closest to the brief I could find but I think I still prefer the dresses I’ve already got. It was great to have all your advice informing my decisions though!

Thanks so much @LookItsMeAgain for finding all those - if I had more time to shop, I think I have a better idea of what I’d be looking for now. I particularly like the black lace dress from LTS.

The yellow Matalan one is not good, sorry.

The navy looks better with better underwear. It’s a bit dull but smart enough, I think. Have you got a necklace that can sit over the dress and glam it up a bit? Maybe some more interesting shoes too?

Dont think any of them look particularly wedding dressed up.

I think I might be a lost cause for fashion sense I’m going to go big on hair, makeup and accessories which will hopefully elevate the look a bit. Thankfully I kept some of my costume jewellery but charity shopped most of my lovely shoes.

You could have sized down in the yellow dress it looks big on you just.

If you are out of time keep the navy. What makes it posh is the accessories actually. The little handbag that goes with the shoes and the hat, or hair accessory. With perfect hair, nail, and makeup you could get away with it.

cross posted. Spot on.