I've got an awards ceremony coming up, 'business attire', late afternoon rather than evening, but at a learned society, so I'm thinking a dress rather than separates, especially as I'm one of the awardees. I'm late thirties, generally a size 8, pale skin, dark hair. Most attendees will probably be older, as mine is one of the more junior awards.
I'm generally best with something that has a bit of shape to it; oversized or boxy just makes me look like I've lost my suitcase and had to borrow someone else's clothes. I've also got quite soft features, so the current full, gathered sleeves and ruffles risk making me look like I'm an extra from a period drama, which is not quite the effect I'm after. So I'm thinking something fairly classic, probably a dark colour, green, purple, teal, red could all work if they're fairly dark. I can wear black or navy, but would prefer a bit more colour. Something for under £100 would be good, but up to £150 would be okay, especially if it's not likely to date too quickly.
I like https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/bethany-ponte-midi-dress-chatsworth-green/sty-d0761-sgr, but perhaps a bit too much cleavage? The model wearing the navy version looks fine, though.
I like this one too, but is it a bit too casual? https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clean-midi-pop-over-dress-emerald-night/sty-d0748-grn
Either of these would probably be 'fine', but I can't say I'm excited about them: https://www.johnlewis.com/inwear-alano-long-sleeve-dress/p109493763 or https://www.johnlewis.com/finery-lillis-a-line-midi-dress/purple/p111199386.
What do you think, people less clueless about style than I am? Any hope for any of those, or other suggestions?