Smart/Occasion outfits for multiple seasons

[Allthegoodnamestakken]

Hoping the S&B members can save me here! I am headed to Eastern Europe in November and expect it to be cold. The people we are travelling with are much more stylish and also wealthier than me and I always end up feeling like the groups potato sack. I need some clothes for a fancy dinner out, a trip to the theater and also day to day sight seeing (this one is easiest). However in a country where it doesn't really go below 20 degrees in the day so I want things I can wear with tights and boots and a coat but also with sandals/bare legs/heels so I can get more than a weeks use out of them.

I would prefer dresses for dinner/theatre I really don't suit formal trouser suits. I am 5ft 8 and a size 10, don't like anything to skin tight. I wear mainly bright colours, once had my colours done and was a light spring but I don't love pastels. Black really makes me look ill but I can get away with navy and emerald as darker colours.

Would something like the dresses below look really silly with tights and ankle boots?
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/hope-lace-trim-dress-with-lenzing-ecovero--blue-54270732.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/ava-embellished-wrap-dress-in-recycled-polyester-pink-44125010.html

Sounds an interesting trip! Is it work or leisure?

If you want to look wealthier and stylish it might be better to pick simpler shapes in natural fabrics - plainer things with day / evening flexibility. The dresses you link are a big ‘little girl’s party dress’, rather than sophisticated.

The fabric is too thin. I would go for something more substantial.
The choice for me also depends on where are you going in Eastern Europe ( how far north) and how are you going to travel between places: walking, public transport , private car.

@Aixellency A mix of work and leisure, I see your point, do you have any suggestions where I could look? I am very much a summer dress from the local tailors or Jeans and a tshirt covered in animal slobber usually so very out my depth here.
I am not necessarily to bothered about looking wealthier i'd just like to feel good and not like a child who has raided her mums wardrobe for dress up.

@pizzaHeart I was thinking thin fabrics I could wear a vest under and then they would still work at home, the issue with thicker fabrics is I just won't get wear out of them again unless I take another trip. We are going to Poland, Hungary and Romania. Mainly will have hire cars as transport, but some walking to sightsee.

That’s too far east for me to have any worthwhile opinion I’m afraid!

@Aixellency shame, I don't mind looking like a tourist! i'd just like to look neat and not have to spend a fortune on a winter wardrobe when I live somewhere we don't have a winter

Are you restricted in how much luggage you can take?

Will you have an opportunity to change between daytime and evening activities?

You want a simple 3 colour scheme that everything fits into. You can build this around navy, pink and white, for example.

How do you feel about wearing jeans during the day?

Something like this would work with a slip and tights and boots, or bare legs and sandals

Also, do you have a decent coat that you can feel put-together in?

My approach to cold weather usually : trousers and tights underneath, shirts/ tops and wool/ cashmere cardigan over. For a dress I didn’t mean wool just a bit thicker fabric and a cardigan on top for outside as an additional layer. I usually do cashmere cardigan ( navy or grey) as they are thin and light. You might opt for a not so formal jacket, I personally is not good with jackets due to my shape.

The problem with colder countries is that outside is cold but inside is warm due to heating so the extra layer for outside (cardigan) should add warmth substantially.

@Whataretheodds 23kg of luggage and I will wear a coat on the plane, I don't have a put together coat and I can't justify buying one to wear maximum 2 weeks a year but I do have a very warm dark khaki down coat in good condition that I will use. Most of the fancier occasions will be inside and probably have cloakrooms so if I look put together once inside only thats fine.
Jeans in the day are great, I own plenty in a variety of colours and will be able to change for the evening most days.

I couldn't see a link attached sorry

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/maxine-belted-shirt-dress-22075035114.html

Oops! Sorry!

So during the day you either weslar the jeans you have or a new smart pair with socks and boots, and layers on top. A nice silk or silk mix blouse. A wool/cashmere/mix jumper or cardi. Vest underneath if needed.

Repeat that pattern for daytime.

For evening, one or two dresses, with vest and slip and tights and boots. Cardi/jumper or wrap scarf if needed.
glam up with jewellry and makeup.

Would you get shellac nails in a colour that works for your outfits - it will make you feel smarter and more put together. Also think about what bag(s) you'll need.

I'd also recommend getting a cashmere or cashmere mix large scarf in a colour that lights up your eyes. Pale pink would be good with a khaki coat! You'll be able to wear it throughout the trip and when travelling, and indoors if chilly. Matching hat and gloves? They don't change style the same so uou can keep them forever.

@Whataretheodds all good advice thank you