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 !!

@TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44 I like the dress you posted, it's also in the sale at the moment (size 22 and 24 still available). I'd wear ballet flats with it (they're my go to with dresses in the summer when sandals aren't suitable).

If you want a cardigan maybe pick a colour from the dress (Primark, New Look etc all sell cardigans). On the website they have it with a bright pink cardigan for example.

I wore my nice clothes but with comfy trainers and put my 'naice' shoes in a large handbag I borrowed from my friend, then swapped my footwear when I got to the palace.

I can't think of anywhere you could get changed.

@NewName24 - oh, that's a good idea. Thank you.

You can hire some really high end stuff for a reasonable price?

I'd start looking in the charity shops...

I have found my thread! I'm going to!! We should all have a Mumsnet flower 🤣

My DD says the invite says small bags only. Is that true as I'd like to put trainers in the bag?

What sort of jacket to wear with dresses? I have large boobies, jackets are a nightmare for me!

I have been stressing since she told me. Also looking for dresses....... And shoes.....

And this is before I have to resolve DD outfit too!

My DD says the invite says small bags only. Is that true as I'd like to put trainers in the bag?

It means handbags only, not holdalls or rucksacks.
They were quite happy with my trainers in a handbag that also fitted our bottles of water, small umbrella as well as purse, phone etc.