Inspiration for art gallery brunch

[LadyHester]

I’ve been invited to a launch party at a high-end art gallery. Other guests will be international and I suspect quite jet-setty: I’m imagining lots of Loro Piana cashmere worn in a ‘this old thing?’ sort of way.
I don’t think a floral midi dress will quite cut it. I like the idea of a big slouchy trouser suit, but at 5’4” and size 16 with enormous boobs I fear I’d just look dumpy.
Any suggestions, lovely wise people?

What'a being launched? Is it a corporate event for you or a social one?

Budget?

Social event for me but it may well be useful networking for a project I’m developing.
Budget up to £500.

Launch is for an art exhibition

Not enough information about what you like. With a budget of up to £500 if I were you I'd just go to the likes of Matches, Net-a-Porter, Coggles , Max Mara, Egg or Casey Casey look under "dresses" and pick something I like.

I wouldn't be looking at stuff I really don't like, like Loro Piano or slouchy, oversized trouser suits just because that seemed more "suitable" and I certainly wouldn't discount a floral midi dress if those sites had ones I liked.

You might find this 'tips article' helpful, OP.
Written by a fashion editor, frustrated at lack of wide leg trousers for women under 5ft 5.
https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/best-wide-leg-trousers-for-petites

Maybe you could focus on getting really wonderful slouchy trousers, but wear with a flattering-for-your-generous-bosom top, rather than a suit jacket?

If you can find this type of petite Vince satiny trouser reduced anywhere, they're pretty spectacular.
(but not at a ridiculous £395!!! 😮)
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/vince/clothing/wide-leg/recycled-satin-wide-leg-pants/1647597288164831?cm_mmc=LinkshareUK--2P555SNI1Kc--Custom-_-LinkBuilder&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=UK_3254725&utm_content=UK_Who+What+Wear+UK&utm_term=2P555SNI1Kc-2Rd3z23av9_c8.UxL8frqA&ranMID=24448&ranEAID=2P555SNI1Kc&ranSiteID=2P555SNI1Kc-2Rd3z23av9_c8.UxL8frqA&siteID=2P555SNI1Kc-2Rd3z23av9_c8.UxL8frqA&linkshare_siteID=2P555SNI1Kc-2Rd3z23av9_c8.UxL8frqA&linkshare_affiliate_mid=24448
They're so lovely and fluid in the model's clip.

These petite slouchy ones are also nice, and many colour choices.
https://www.thereformation.com/products/petites-mason-pant/1306084KHA.html?dwvar_1306084KHA_color=SLA&quantity=1

Also, wearing muted colours not brights are preferred, so as not to detract from the artwork was something I once got told by a gallery director! Makes sense, but I'm not convinced many abide by that!

That is a ridiculous price for nondescript brown, polyester trousers.

I agree, hence why I suggested 'this type of and (vastly) reduced'.

Net -a- Porter has just told me I need these.

The Erdem dress is an 18 but Erdem can be small. It would be perfect for a gallery launch.

Erdem dress

The Cefinn one would be fine too.

Cefinn

I keep coming back to this; something about both colour and shape. With your choice of trousers, or whatever.

Though this is more serious. Too extravagant to be sedate. Very generous sizing so the 14 would almost certainly fit. Other colours available.

This one would be amazing in the pink, but the navy photos are better.

Something relaxed and crunchy, with Phoebe Philo era Celine earrings and pre-pandemic Bottega Veneta heeled mules …

There are some really great suggestions here - thank you all so much.
I love those big shirts in theory but think I might end up looking like Dawn French. But the Phoebe-Celina and pre-pandemic Bottega is exactly the look I was trying to pin down.
Loving the two dresses. My arms are wobbly so I’d want a jacket with the Erdem (stunning though and brilliant reduction) - might order them both and see.
Off the read the article…

Celine, obvs

Morning,

Have a look at this woman's style, it might not be your thing but she wears high end dresses, curvy figure.

instagram.com/styleidealist?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

I always think of Regina Pyo as fashion for the art gallery crowd! They also have petite trouser sizing, plus are currently on sale.

https://rejinapyo.com/collections/trousers

I'd probably go to Cos, and try a lot on - always best with them. Minimalist, a bit funky, and much worn by arty people with limited budgets! You could then spend the remainder on a pair of really stylish shoes...

Liking the Cos idea! If I went for this
Cos dress what shoes do you think?
Also seeing things I like in Jigsaw - might just go along to the King’s Road store and try things on. What do people think of This (as suit) or This?
Rejina Pyo has sold out of pretty much everything in my size, alas.

I like both the dresses. The green trouser suit is simultaneously hideous and dull.

@NatashaDancing No, but what do you really think? 😉

I would go with the black Cos dress and pair with some flat mules, something like these
https://www.malonesouliers.com/collections/sale/products/maureen-emerald-satin-flat-mule

Love those shoes but need a bit of height.

I’m afraid I find the Cos dress screamingly dull in design and fabric. (Sorry!) Modal + polyester isn’t what I’d want to be wearing in the context you’ve outlined. I think you could do better in terms of buying yourself something great to wear. (The Erdem dress above is a stupendous bargain - lovely garment even though quite far from my own style, and more dressy than I would choose for the event.)

But if it’s the thing that you think you’ll look best in …

The Jigsaw dress … It’s very horrible.

Neutral on the green trouser suit. I guess at least you could coordinate with the Malone Souliers mules Though they’re too dainty for a brunch. Or an art gallery.

Well. Having a rootle through the wardrobe I put together a possible outfit of a black Ghost slip dress with an old vintage linen Dries jacket customised with gold brocade. Wear with suede kitten heel mules and my trusty Chanel 2.55. Gold hoops and some layered gold chains.
What does everyone think?
Obviously I might have to buy the Erdem dress anyway. I have a few summer events coming up…

How about a jumpsuit? https://www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/jumpsuits-1/products/pieced-bodice-jumpsuit-in-wild-cherry-silk-velvet

Vintage Dries = very Art Patron! Sounds like a fun outfit, though perhaps more evening-y than brunch-y. But you’ll know the context better.

(And the Cos dress might be Summer uniform for the gallery staff.)

I go to these kind of events but in a different European capital so don't know how alike they are but over here it's quite casual. Your scrambled together sounds fine, if a bit dressy, although I'd probably switch out the shoes and bags for something more low key, but tbh, there's no right or wrong here, just whatever makes you comfortable. It'll be a variation of looks, it's not that prescriptive IME.