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 !!

To the DofE Gold Award presentations ?

Other than hats that were part of uniforms, very, very, very few people had anything on their head any of the times we've been.

This one is gorgeous!!!

Get yourself on vinted! I’ve favourites a few for my brothers wedding and none more than £8!

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc143462561?clickCSR=slp:cannedSearch

I bought this last week - never bought Tu before but was in store and couldn’t believe it was only £20! I bought a 20 and it goes to a 24. Really light and comfy, no gapey tight front bit either.

I had this exact situation about five years ago. D of E gold and I live in jeans. Got a phase 8 dress and a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. It was boiling hot - daughter got sunburnt through her dress. I ended up with the cardie over my arm most of the time. Wore heels (which sank into the grass!) with tights that were a bit too long and ended up feeling like Nora Batty! So from experience I’d say: definitely be prepared for any weather. No-one will notice, or care, whether your arms are bigger than you’d like. Far better not to be too hot than have them covered. Make sure your tights aren’t too long! Pretty sure that hats were actually not permitted. If it’s D of E then be aware that there were 2 (yes!) military bands playing when we went, one at each end of the gardens. And it’s quite busy, but there are quiet paths that you can take a break along if you need a bit of relief .You can’t take any drinks in and only a small bag, but bottles of water are provided. Security is fierce but the personnel providing it were very kind. Try not to be too anxious, and do enjoy it - once in a lifetime opportunity!

Has the op confirmed the actual event? I am sure the Royal Family do not expect you to wear expensive uncomfortable clothes especially when you will be caring for your ds (and tbh do they really notice?!). I am size 20 and always aim for cotton as if it is hot, synthetic fabrics will be miserable. I also abide by my rule - don't scare the horse's! So, clean, tidy and appropriate. Be comfortable so you can enjoy the event. Some will look the pinnacle of style and grace and some dreadful. No help on actual ideas more a way of thinking. Aim for a middle road and have a great time.

I was going to that too with DS but he’s had to postpone as it clashes with uni exams. Will save this thread for ideas! Really hoping no hats as I have a head the size of a bowling ball.

i got a lovely dress from Roman last year

Dresses | Roman UK

How about this from Marks and Spencer’s. I have it in an 18 and it’s super flattering and very comfortable/ arms are generous too. It’s £39. It’s also available in two floral prints which are out of stock online but may be available
in store

OP I would try a few charity shops.

I have seen many dresses similar to the ones that have been posted here in my local shops as well as some light jackets and cardigans for Spring.

I have been to a few events with some members of the royal family in attendance and I always kept it simple (mid length dress and ballet shoes as I don't like heels).

I would not wear anything too short though. I also don't think you need a hat for this one.

I went to a garden party last year. Vinted supplied a dress and jacket - white jackets seemed to be very cheap - I think the jacket was £5 inc postage and the dress was £12.

I wore wedge heels from Tesco and nude tights. It was hot but rainy and there was no shelter at all so if you're in the gardens definitely take an umbrella or two and have shoes you can comfortably stand in.

I borrowed a hat from work friend as it was encouraged for the garden party. Loads of people have hats they only wear once or twice so worth asking colleagues / friends / on FB...

Would absolutely suggest Vinted. Just got a lovely M&S dress, black with embroidered flowers in a size 24 for £3. There are bargains to be had, you just need to look every day as the good stuff goes quickly. Good luck!

This is very nice, quite flattering and comfortable.

Keep an eye out for Sahara on Vinted. They are generous with their sizing and I've had some lovely dresses from them. I'd also consider a nice tunic and trousers . I think black tights in May would be a no for me.

I’m also guessing it’s DofE. I went last May. I’d definitely say wear flat shoes. I made the mistake of buying some wedge sandals and not wearing them in. There was very few seats and they had all gone before our entry time. I was in agony by the end of the day.

Also there is very little shelter if it rains so check the forecast.

I didn’t see many people wearing hats.

If it’s DofE - no hat, comfortable flat shoes.

The day we went (in May) cool and some drizzle so umbrellas out in force so have some flexibility around what you plan to wear. I ended up adding thin top under summer dress for warmth and taking a wrap because chilly when sun disappeared.

Hope you have a great day.

I wore a dress as it was warm so no jacket needed, comfortable shoes (if a garden party you’ll be on grass) I wore wedge sandals.
Some ladies wear hats and look like MoB as did Queen Elizabeth 🤣 Great experience - definitely go! Very well organised and I remember meeting a lot of Hyacinth Buckets, all good fun.

Ps we had to take our passports to prove identity as well as the card invitation.

What you wear isn't important. What's important is how you feel about what you wear. This is a wonderful opportunity that few people get. Nobody will judge your clothes. The fatface dress is very nice and I'd be happy to wear it to such an occasion. However you should only spend money on a new dress if it's going to make you feel good. Otherwise just stick with something you already have. When you look back on it you want to remember the event, not dress stress. If buying a new dress is part of the experience, then go for it, but don't let clothes assume more importance than they merit. Have a great time, whatever you wear. 🎉

Hello all, sorry I kept meaning to come back to the thread and forgetting.......thanks for all the help and advice.

To answer a few questions yes, it's the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Thanks for the very kind offers of dresses but I really couldn't take advantage like that.

The cheeses would be stinky Brie, not that mild stuff. Gorgonzola and Stilton.

I'm still no further regarding dresses, I'm currently panic dieting and sorting out passports.......oh and panicking about getting home because train times for Saturday aren't being released yet which means either a strike or railworks !!

So relieved to have found this thread.

We have an invite for DofE in May too. My main worry at the moment is that I will be arriving by train into Paddington (meeting ds there as he's travelling straight from uni) and am not comfortable about travelling dressed up and in heels (rather than jeans and trainers). Am not going for a hat ... just nice dress and shoes (can't afford anything new) but not my usual travel wear!

Should I get changed somewhere??

Is there somewhere nearby I can do this and leave my stuff?

Buy secondhand. You'll get something better quality than some cheapo new crap.

Could you use national express, it's not far from Victoria Busch station to Buckingham palace.

www.vinted.co.uk/items/4187333311-scarlet-and-jo-black-fuchsia-dress 

This would work with a black jacket or cardigan if cooler and flat shoes

Busch? Coach station!

If you want to buy new, sea salt have a special offer, £15 off dresses £75 or more, and fave cotton dresses that would be suitable, I bought one today (in store) their sizing is generous.