Glamorous London party - help me!

[andthebandmarchedon]

Hi all,
I’m going to what will be a rather glamorous party in London in mid September with old uni friends. I see them often and they are all absolutely lovely and non-judgemental. However there will be a more extended group going to the party, some of whom are extremely polished and used to moving in celeb circles so always very well dressed and flawless. The dress code is smart casual but the birthday person is wearing a very beautiful satin long evening dress.
I’m not feeling my best - tired, menopausal, and even though I have plenty of lovely dresses, most are slightly on the tight side so not working. I am a size 14, in proportion and 5’ 6” but large bust and hate feeling matronly. I’ve bought a gorgeous pair of gold platforms which should go with most things but reluctant to buy a dress as well.
Would appreciate your advice on what to wear. Dresses are always my fallback but I also have a gorgeous pleated Munthe skirt I could wear. I don’t want to look over the top but want to feel good.
I have this dress but have worn it all summer so doesn’t feel special and not sure if too bland but it fits well and is comfortable https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Shirred-Waist-V-Neck-Dress/p/A04866?swatch=Navy

All advice welcome!

Your Summer dress might be a bit underwhelming for this event.

I’d say this might be an ideal situation for renting something from one of the several fashionable dress hire places. Though I’d clarify first whether your hosts actually mean smart, or smart casual. It’s quite difficult to judge. I’ve just recommended Issey Mistake’s Pleats Please range on another thread and it occurs to me that a high necked top and some trousers might work well. Would look effortless while conveying relaxed awareness of iconic fashion! Top and trousers in dark green would be my choice but you’ll know what suits you. (Also showing a dress if you insist on one.)

Oh dear! Weird typo!

Obviously everyone’s different. Some people might feel their best pairing your excellent sounding gold platforms with a Kemi Telford skirt and a cashmere t shirt. That could also look cool.

Or just sell your car and buy a long plain t shirt dress from The Row!

I hate the term smart casual, it's so ambiguous are people going to go for the smart end or casual!!!!

I like your dress and with gold platforms and a nice bag definitely fit into the middle of smart/casual. Some nice earrings and jewellery and you'll look fab

One more. (Work avoidance.) Thinking of your gold footwear - I absolutely love this Chanel look

https://www.chanel.com/gb/fashion/p/23B-COMMERCIAL-003/look-3/

and think it should be easy enough to replicate in terms of proportions and texture. Though back and white might be too formal? Don’t know.

(BTW how does one get into the Munthe website? Can only get into your link but can’t shop the whole site ..)

what about your skirt with the platforms & a slinky cami of some sort with nice jewellery?

Issey Myake dress is a great suggestion as is Kemi Telford.

The White Company dress is underwhelming.

Just because I love them at the moment I would suggest anything on Klements.

Thank you for all the helpful ideas!

https://www.trouva.com/products/munthe-black-dance-skirt?country=GBR&currency=GBP&gbraid=0AAAAADB-0Nuea-F9V0cemWueNUuKn5VoH&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCtdeENznaXUXJd70U6kZNXRVl3ZO4yh8YUPqvprkE22Q57cjWER_nIaAi23EALw_wcB

This is the skirt. With the right top, it could be good but am not brave enough for a slinky cami. Also arms cannot be seen. 😏
I love Kemi Telford actually and have 2 of her dresses but somehow they don’t feel party suitable to me. I wear them in the day.
As for Issey Miyake idea, love it but for some reason this type of style just doesn’t work for me. I’m better in shirt dress styles/v necks - can be a fluid material and I love Wyse, some Cos / & other stories also but generally, a more fitted waisted style suits me better.

I’ll look at Klements - have not heard of it.

what about a silk t-shirt?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-silk-relaxed-short-sleeve-top/p/clp60489447?extid=psps-pla-pmaxxgglwwwch--UK---bau&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bQMxx5rrV9Q3LKR7KXTNsgMw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCshvn0P4xvroaQzD8bp348YYsSHMQUgwX914Q8G1BCLcFXVuZSt5IgaAlxtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Now that could work!

The skirt is gorgeous! I was going to say silk shirt (I am also large of bust and t-shirts do make me look matronly).

I like your dress and the skirt. You can easily glam up the dress with shiny accessories - and that's a safe bet. Your skirt's more interesting in itself, easy to pair with a black top (silk t-shirt's a good call) and you could add something like a pair of batshit earrings to uprate your artsy cred!

You are all making me feel so much better! Thanks so much. I’ve been trying things on and the skirt plus an old black t-shirt type top (not jersey) plus interesting necklace actually got some positive reviews from my teenagers! Also, a wild card outfit got even bigger positivity - silky very dark navy with subtle pattern pleated skirt and one of all time favourite tops - bright blue with discreet gold bits on the shoulder - plus said necklace, a navy wrap belt and the gold platforms. So, looks like I’ve got some options after all. Phew! 😀

I’m with you I hate smart casual. It really could mean anything.

Ok it may not work depending on weather (where I am it can still be hot in September) but what about something like these with a silky blouse or tank with a wrap? I have them and love them for wish washy is it casual or is it dressy events. Bonus they are the most comfortable to wear.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TIANNBU-Bohemian-Trousers-Layered-Palazzo/dp/B07TC67LTS/ref=sr_1_44?crid=WK56Q1J57GIJ&keywords=silk%2Btrousers%2Bwomen&qid=1692034315&sprefix=silk%2Btrousers%2Bwomen%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-44&th=1

The dress in your original post is absolutely fine and you can accessorise it with jewellery, patterned scarf, bag and shoes. And that way you'll feel comfortable and will have a great time

Wow some of the choices on here are ugly! I thought fashion was meant to make you look good?

Sorry that wasn't helpful to you OP I hit post too soon.

What is your normal style? What do you feel comfortable in - because you need to feel comfortable in an unusual social setting or you'll not enjoy yourself.

Are you a floaty dress type or a cocktail dress type or not a dress but a trousers and top type?

How about a stiffer fitted cotton shirt in any of the colours of the skirt, with the collar turned up and the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, fifties style. Even better if it has big cuffs. I can't find a pic of what I mean - I associate it with Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly but might be imagining that bit.

Shirt needs to be narrow at the shoulder to avoid feeling matronly.

Go bold

Style and Beauty is very confusing these days.Very.

I prefer your original choice in the first post.

I’ve always been a dress person. Have preferred them for years but also love a bold skirt too. Trousers and top definitely not me. I do often wear a skirt and shirt combination as @WinterDeWinter suggested though usually for daytime but think this idea could really work with the right shirt. Am also feeling reassured that the dress could work too - yes, perhaps it’s ‘safe’ but the platforms are quite statementy so it’s still a possibility.

The skirt you've chosen is lovely. John Lewis have some nice statement skirts in and other than the ones I'm linking they have numerous satin slip style ones in a variety of colours too

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-fresia-satin-pleated-skirt-bright-pink/p110510790

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-delanie-satin-pleated-skirt-wine-multi/p109750458

https://www.johnlewis.com/hotsquash-luxury-roll-top-maxi-skirt/inky-navy/p5577848

https://www.johnlewis.com/karl-lagerfeld-mesh-ombre-pleated-skirt-red/p110440958

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-estella-ombre-pleated-midi-skirt-black-cappucino/p109377301

I could go on... There are a lot of beautiful skirts in lots of different styles there. If you go for a busy skirt go for a plainer top with accessories.