Chic people of S&B, please help me style this dress…

[CommeIlFaut]

I’ve bought this dress for an anniversary dinner at the Sky Garden. I know it’s not the ultimate in fashion, but it’s good quality and looks nice on me as a shortish, brunette, 46 year old size 12.

I would really appreciate some ideas about how to style it to make a complete outfit. I can’t wear heels, but any other shoe, accessory and particularly jacket/cardi/other warm layer ideas would be very welcome. https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/panelled-bodice-midi-dress-fiesta-and-orchid-pink/sty-d0882-pnt

The dress is lovely as it is. I wouldn't wear a necklace with that neckline. I think it would be too much with the pattern.

Maybe gold shoes and bags. It doesn't need much else to be honest.

Thank you. I was thinking about gold shoes. Maybe a flat sandal? Or with a little block heel?

I don’t normally wear gold but got some lovely gold hoops at the weekend so could wear those too.

I had a look at jackets on Boden but they cost a lot, but this on Uniqlo might do at about half the price OP?

Sites-GB-Site (uniqlo.com)

Gold flat sandals, a gold bag and a pashmina in bronze.

I think the Uniqlo jacket above would swamp the dress. Something more fitted and either cropped or fitted to the waist would be better. I like the idea of gold or bronze shoes etc but for a jacket you could go for a contrast such as electric blue or lime green.

Oh this is lovely! I would style with your gold hoop earrings, some gold flat sandals and probably a short leather or denim jacket.

I'd keep it simple and just add some gold sandals and and a neutral bag. Minimal jewellery!

I agree. Maybe something like this would work or even a denim jacket.

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1156826001.html?hier_id=go_cmp-12796663437_adg-126516123572_ad-516052907428_aud-1281886425330:pla-322343759459_dev-m_ext-_prd-en-1156826001003_sig-Cj0KCQjw0MexBhD3ARIsAEI3WHJ1Q2xYltwi9E3zq-6JHb5jRAcbj89Wie2b1BzrIJzxI-4fmHIfgVIaAlkJEALw_wcB&utm_source=Google&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0MexBhD3ARIsAEI3WHJ1Q2xYltwi9E3zq-6JHb5jRAcbj89Wie2b1BzrIJzxI-4fmHIfgVIaAlkJEALw_wcB

I love it! I’d do gold hoops, small block heels and a cropped denim jacket. I’m a 40 yr old short brunette too- might buy it 😆

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls417236/q70098#q70098

These aren’t too high- wedges often a bit more supportive.

These look comfortable

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su297391/b59384#b59384

I love that dress! Good job. All of the style options suggested are great.

Thanks so much. There are lots of really helpful ideas here.

I think I’d like to try a cropped jacket. Does this one look right? https://www.whistles.com/product/184542.html?cqsrc=google_ads&cq_cmp=20778629898&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20778629898&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26mgybnshQMV9pNQBh11wg0IEAQYASABEgLRC_D_BwE

I will definitely pick up some gold sandals to go with it. Love the idea of trying a little wedge heel.

I'd go with gold sandals, gold jewellery - probably a bracelet rather than a necklace - and a cropped jacket. Something like this Sezane cardigan maybe? https://www.sezane.com/en/product/betty-cardigan/ecru#size-XXS

This jacket is perfect!

Oh I don’t like the jacket sorry! The dress is gorgeous!
I think mybigfatgreek nailed it with the accessories and maybe a pashmina but please don’t drown it with a jacket.

Lovely dress, and I agree with others that gold sandals and your gold hoops will be great. Please don’t get the cropped jacket. On this occasion I agree that a big pashmina would be perfect. Pale gold or cream. The cropped jacket with that style of dress is very dated , just my opinion of course.

I don't like the cropped jackets either. They'll look very dated.

If I had to wear a jacket with that dress I'd choose a tuxedo jacket or blazer in white or ivory. Yes to gold sandals and gold drop earrings.

https://www.johnlewis.com/mango-tempo-double-breasted-suit-blazer/cream/p111621588?size=L&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0MexBhD3ARIsAEI3WHKXkJWLlm3N1drnSptTGsDStms-PlSrOEd-VFcy3rEfEyiRBa_VSPgaApmHEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Definitely don’t go for a wrap/pashmina in my opinion- I think it’d really take the edge off a lovely dress. Waist length jacket in a contrasting fabric so it doesn’t look too weddingy.

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/textured-bomber-jacket-p03046029.html?v1=317782478&v2=2352724

maybe a bomber jacket?

If you're open to trying a heel but comfort is important (and budget is not under pressure) these dancing queen shoes from air and grace are so comfy https://airandgracelondon.com/products/dancing-queen-gold-bow-heeled-sandals

I agree that a jacket could swamp the dress and a wrap might be better. I do like the one you've chosen though and I think you'll get lots of wear from it. If you're worried about being cold is be tempted to wear cycling shorts type pants underneath

What a stunning dress!
I would avoid a necklace as others have said.
These sandals would be perfect with it, and some chunky gold earrings like these which are a dupe of the super trendy Bottega Veneta ones.

I have this, the sleeves are very long, and I’m tall with long arms,I had to take them up. Just a warning.

and great dress by the way,

A little cardi jacket would be so much better than a wrap (very weddings c. 2004).

Ha! Was just going to link to this jacket! Perfect imo, doesn’t take away from the print of the dress and the dainty cropped element shows of the shape and doesn’t swamp the it.