Help ! Completely out of my comfort, skint......and I've been invited to an event at Buckingham Palace

[TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44]

Did I mention I'm skint ??

Budget is as low as I can get it, I don't dress up ever.

So far I've found this https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/dresses/farah-floral-dress/981918.html?dtm_campaign=FatFace-UK-pMax-All-Eng-All-SE-Google-Brand-XX&dtm_channel=PPC&dtm_source=GOOGLE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_tuuBhAUEiwAvxkgTr_gqqlZ7NJigEjz_emJHsbp_L_IWPTXSEXSI7DqnJTMRC12LjvDgxoCYgQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&glCurrency=GBP&istBid=t%3FglCountry%3DGB&istCompanyId=079d57d6-0fc5-4bbf-a486-373c307934d0&istFeedId=0f8996ab-ce76-4a91-836e-0d1ac8489401&istItemId=llwqiplxx

I was thinking of pairing it with a black, jersey / boyfriend cardie to hide my fat arms (( I'm a size 22 ish but hoping to panic diet as event is in May )) black tights and ballet pumps. Atire needs to be as practical as possible because I'm accompanying ds who is disabled. I need to be comfortable. The ballet pumps I've found are crocs !!

Exciting! For a one off do you have any friends you can borrow something from? The planned outfit looks fine but might be worth a look at at Vinted. I have some great bargains from there.

Like this

No, unless I shave down to a size 8 🤣🤣🤣

I think I'll have a look on vinted. I'm just stressing about what I'm going to wear......was pleasantly surprised by fatface prices tho. I've never really looked on there before.

Like this

What dress code have you been given?

I reckon you'd do better buying something good quality from Vinted or similar than something cheapy.

Do you have to wear ballet pumps or is it any smart flats? Do you need to buy shoes too?

I bought a dress from closet a while ago, and was really really impressed with the quality.

This is all the sale stuff they've got in a 20/22/24 maybe something there?

https://closetlondon.com/sale/?_bc_fsnf=1&Size[]=22&Size[]=24&Size[]=20&sort=priceasc

Have you looked at Yours clothing, they have a sale on at the moment.

The purple kimono and the black shoulder wrap dresses are both lovely from the closet link above. Look more dressy too

I like this one from the closet link.

I actually buy a fair bit from yours but find they can be very hit and miss, I've had stuff that's looked lovely online but when it's arrived its nowhere near as nice so just stick to them for basics.

Outfit needs to be as practical as possible, my ds is quite severely Autistic and whilst I'm pretty certain he'll manage well there's also a chance I may be grabbed or have to make a swift exit. Don't want to be flashing my knickers to the Royals and ending up on the front page of the daily mail ! 🤣🤣🤣

Do you have to wear a hat or anything? That would be my worst nightmare about an event like this!! Well, that and wearing heels.

What sort of event is it? Do they give a dress code?

Sometimes places like John Lewis, Phase 8 etc have a lot of older season stock on sale, but it's not shown in store, just when you search for things and use filters for size/brand etc - if you are lucky, you might find something in the right size that is on sale still.

That ones lovely too op. Wear tights in case of emergency lol. I have an autistic ds too so I hear you!

There are a couple of very cheap frocks in your size in John Lewis if you sort by price.
This wouldn't be my first choice, but for 15 quid it might do the trick.
[[I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/finery-kristen-wrap-dress-kristen-wrap-dress/p110504378?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

Actually, you should have a look at Tu (Sainsbury's/Argos). Their website is down at the mo, but they're surprisingly good for a very low budget. I think they'd do your size.

Does it have to be a dress? Would trousers and a long tunic be acceptable?

Is it indoors or out? If it's out of doors, shoes will need to cope with wet paths and wet grass. And May can be chilly, so you'll want to be quite well covered - tights and not too much bare flesh. Maybe take a shawl or pashmina to wap up in if needed.

If you are worried about your arms, I think a sleeved dress like the one you have picked is a good idea, because with May weather you don't want to be compelled to wear a cardigan on top.

Equally though I would say no one other than you will be worrying about your arms so I wouldn't feel you need to cover them up.

If you’ve got £35 I’d definitely do Vinted - you can get dress, cardi and shoes for that.

What kind of style and print?

I'd avoid a short dress for a formal
Occasion and would go for a midi dress or jumpsuit or trousers and top.

Also great tip is get your shoes first then the dress! Although black croc ballerinas sound like a solid choice tbf for practical reasons.

Is it a garden party or indoors?

Lots brand new on Vinted like this one, and you will always be able to barter on the asking price!

I'm going too! 😀 Definitely check out vinted. I've bought a long sleeved from there that arrived today along with a fascinator and matching bag, all for under £25. Unfortunately i think it's going to cost me a fortune though as I've now got about seven other items in my favourites because they are lovely and cheap 😅

I had a presentation event there last May accompanying my son. I live in jeans so had nothing suitable and not a lot to spend.
Phase 8 search on Ebay gave loads of choices (mid-calf length, wedding guest type dresses). I think I paid around £20.
Linen jackets, there were plenty (general brands, especially M and S) from under £10 to £20.
So might be worth a trawl on Ebay as well?
A few were wearing hats etc but they were definitely the minority.
Dress for comfort as much as you can - and yes if it's outdoors be ready for rain and wet grass. Enjoy it!

I second Vinted! This is lovely https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4118467889-royal-blue-floral-dress-simply-be

This is very cute! https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/2688447474-boutique-bought-pastel-shirt-dress-22

DofE Gold award by any chance?

My son will be there too in May.

Not me not my sort of thing. DH going instead.

In case it’s hot in May then this is lovely ASOS and 100% cotton.

the next clearance sale section might be worth a look too.

Btw a cheap way of tarting up a simple dress - if you want to that is - is to wear a velvet or silk covered headband. You can very easily sew a wee bit of veil on to the front of it. My friend did this for a wedding outfit and it looked lovely. Very clever. She got a really nice handbag from the Red Cross shop too.