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!

Damn it is sold out. Ok, scratch that.

That top would’ve been good for a large bust, you’re right. It’s strange now I don’t have to worry about having big boobs it’s liberating, but I do feel for everyone who has to always take them into account.

I'm thinking the same! The "Bohemian" trousers and Issey Miyake top are no way party attire!

Ooh @MotherofGorgons look. They have the top !! https://thefoldlondon.com/product/lorne-knitted-top-gold/

Once you have your outfit, if you possibly can take yourself to a branch of Rigby & Peller fir the perfect underwear. And stand up straight.

Those two together Mack such a difference to how any outfit looks.

All the best.

This is a nice dress from Debenhams it comes in loads of different colours www.debenhams.com/product/jolie-moi-priya-frill-dipped-hem-dress_p-3334dd97-6c93-49a4-be5d-2abd3f978d17in all different colours to

It’s literally this 💃🏻

I disagree with It’s much much easier to take a fairly plain, well cut dress in a decent fabric, and dress it up etc etc

Unless the jewellery and/or shoes are OTT it just looks like a plain dress trying to be dressed up and usually failing.

I have now gone down a White Company rabbithole after OP's original link. I very much like plain dresses with fabulous jewellery.

The shirt and giant yellow skirt combo looks like something Carrie Bradshaw would wear, skipping across the road to buy some milk...do normal people really dress like that?

https://www.debenhams.com/product/jolie-moi-priya-frill-dipped-hem-dress_p-3334dd97-6c93-49a4-be5d-2abd3f978d17

What about this? It's very arty, IMO. Poetry - Printed Fuji silk dress (poetryfashion.co.uk) Poetry has a lot of arty Londony stuff. As does Theory.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/jolie-moi-priya-frill-dipped-hem-dress_p-3334dd97-6c93-49a4-be5d-2abd3f978d17

Yes, some of the time. Not full length like that but often far closer to that than the MN uniform of "jeans and a nice top"

Where/what is the venue OP?

Well, am completely overwhelmed by all the responses! There’s a lot of variety in your opinions for sure, but am very grateful for all the lovely and warm-hearted comments and suggestions. You’ve given me confidence in my own clothes actually so think I am going to go with the pleated skirt and a black top most likely. I will get nails done and a blow dry. I have some ‘proper’ jewellery including great cocktail rings which I never wear usually so will see if it’s ok or too much. The shoes are Esska for anyone interested and are totally divine as I used to love heels but haven’t really worn since Covid. They are stable and comfortable but feel nicely high. I think the combination will feel dressed up enough but stylish and also not boring so happy with this! Many thanks to all for your input - much appreciated!

I think that will be fine. The skirt is lovely and arty.

As you like dresses what about Rixo?

[[https://rixolondon.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrfymBhCTARIsADXTabl9-6e4Q-OU5JLp-R18uy1_jCeqMATpj2819ZPMxuOsK5H9p7aJ4rwaAk1OEALw_wcB

I'm old, and short at 5.2, but do have an occasional look in on their King's Road store - the staff are very charming and helpful, and the dresses are gorgeous!

I think the dress you posted is absolutely fine and that subsequent posters must clearly have missed the smart casual dress code.

I like the skirt. I’m not as keen on the top. But maybe it will look great on you. What about this black blouse? The L is a 12/14 and more of a relaxed fit. I imagine you’d wear with a deepish v. https://sophiecamerondavies.com/collections/tops/products/classic-silk-shirt-black

i cant see a top

If anyone is throwing their 2 cents
Advice from a Londoner here
-Totally against the dress, it s lovely but it s too summer/beach vibe and mid-September is too late in the season, you ll look out of place/underdressed
-The skirt with a crisp white shirt like the Herrera picture or the black top your teens like, that s hitting the brief!! I wouldn t go for the double silk/satin, too dressy, a simple top, even a very basic shape/fabric can make for a stylish contrast
-I d let the accessories do the work of upping it a notch: heels, but no basic stiletto or courts, something fun, colourful, same for handbag and accessories, with a sun kissed makeup and your best hair, you should look crisp and vibrant

@nfkl Have you swallowed a Marketing handbook? “Crisp white shirt”, “sunkissed”, “crisp and vibrant”. Please no! The OP has decided. There’s nothing wrong with the dress for September and a white shirt looks like a barrister who has just taken off the black jacket in the pub. It’s too close to workwear - crisp or otherwise.

Excuse me, random, but what is your business/right to intervene like that?
OP asked for opinion, I give mine, forcing no one to do as I say ... your domineering, unsolicited fashion policing is way ott, let the OP decide for herself

And the dress is still full on summer in the Med and it will be past Labour Day in London ... there s a time and place for everything

But you obviously don t get that sort of things

If you have fabulous hair (treat yourself to a good blow dry or updo depending on the outfit), your dressy shoes, great makeup and a good bag (not a big mummy bag) you’ll be fine in most things. ( Apart from those ridiculous Miyake trousers.)
Class and confidence go a long way.