Your suggestions for an outfit please

[SparkleGranny]

I'm a granny in my sixties. In a month's time I am going to an award ceremony as surprise surprise! I have been shortlisted in a national competition I entered. The dress code communicated by the organisers is "elegantly casual" Help! What does that mean? What are your suggestions?

I'm 5' 4, wear flat shoes, and am classic pear shape. Although I am probably the normal shape for a woman who had 4 children in 7 years, I do not like my bulgy tummy, so I tend to wear loose clothes - often trousers or leggings and a loose top or tunic - but I have quite thin legs so I hate wide flappy trousers. If it makes any difference, I have collar-length naturally curly hair that's turning grey. Oh and I never wear make up. I know - I'm a lost cause, amn't I?

Anyhow, I want to look like I've made an effort. I'm prepared to splash out a little, within reason. I had a look in my local clothes shop yesterday and everything seems too formal or too informal which made me think I've not really understood the dress code instruction!

Can I please have your suggestions for what kind of outfit would fit the "elegantly casual" bill and where to look?

Thanks.

@SparkleGranny that sounds lovely!

Hope you 🌟win🌟
Imagine being up there saying thank you for my award! Is it that kind of thing?

Thanks you for your good wishes @heldinadream I don't think I'll win - the others on the short list are more likely I think. But if by some chance I do, then I imagine it will be that kind of thing yes. I'll post back here when I've chosen my outfit if you like :-)

Have a look at Zara and Rixo

A tunic dress just to your knees with a jacket or wrap / scarf

First one is from JL and then the Marciella dress from Hobbs which comes in different designs

@SparkleGranny oh yes do!
No-one ever thinks they'll win - but someone has to! 😉

Elegantly casual would be a lovely tunic, but make sure it stops at knee length - most of those referenced are way too long for you! Your trousers should be leggings or skinny, rather than wide. Wear some gold sandals or trainers. Never mind about makeup if you don't usually wear it, but do slap on some bright red lippy, , tie your hair up, wear a pair of dangly earrings and stick a clutch under your arm - then you'll look the business!

What about this?

Edited to add the actual link 🙄
Here

Or this looks lovely and light!

Dress

Congratulations, @SparkleGranny.

Is this a prestigious award with national coverage? If so (and even if not) I’d get yourself a proper personal stylist with access to this season’s designer (not High St) clothes and accessories.

If you’re not keen to do that, at the very least stretch your £100 + as far as it will go by using one of the excellent dress hire places to rent a properly impressive outfit.

This article might help:

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

Thanks for your suggestions @Aixellency It is a prestigious national award but not high profile. The dress code "elegantly casual" is what stumped me but thanks to the great help here I've a better idea now 😊

https://www.marksandspencer.com/ombre-tie-waist-pleated-midi-waisted-dress/p/clp60618548?color=BLUEMIX#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r12c2|prodflag_As%20Seen%20On%20TV

What about this from M&S, it's in coral as well as blue.

I said I'd come back here and let you know what happened. I eventually found a dress in White Stuff that I really liked. And... I won an award 😊! That's me on the left.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions - they really helped me!

Great update @SparkleGranny
Both re the dress (you look great) AND the award. 👍🏻 How fabulous!!

Congratulations! Well done .

Congratulations OP!

Congratulations 🎉 And perfect choice!

OMG Well done @SparkleGranny fantastic news! And that dress really suits you, great choice. 🤩

Congratulations!!

I recognise that room.

You look comfortable and happy and smiley.Congratulations!