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

I wouldn’t go for a pashmina personally, I think that’s very dated. If you wanted a less ‘proper’ look, contrast the dress with a bomber jacket or leather jacket, which I know are supposed to be dated now but I still love.

I don't like the Whistkes jacket, I think it would swamp the dress. The H&M cropped jacket is much better, and the neckline follows that of the jacket. It'll sit more nicely over the dress.

Don’t wear a dress that isn’t warm enough is my tip

Absolutely do not wear a pashmina. It'll take a lovely dress into a bland wedding outfit.

I'd wear a blazer or a denim jacket.
Gold or tan sandals and a different colour bag.

It's a lovely dress OP.

Might have to give Boden another look, having ruled it out for years.

I’d given up on them entirely in recent years. But there are a few nice items on this year. Not quite the amazing quality of yesteryear- but well designed, decent quality and lovely colours.

Surely no one has worn a pashmina for the last 20 years? Especially to dinner in London? I don’t think many things could look more dated tbh. I’d go for a lightweight slightly oversized trench over that dress.

Sorry ignore me!

I think cream would look a bit odd with the dress. I’d go pink or red to tie it in a bit more. https://www.zara.com/uk/en/tailored-cropped-blazer-p02010768.html?v1=351885446&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADqbk7bY_Jbwgs6ukJsTDoz8JCHep&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_-GxBhC1ARIsADGgDjuvsTCiV7_NcPTTLYGkXHBsYTut4a1BXlNF6kaVAlNJgbouidFxDmwaAmTFEALw_wcB

Came here to say - please don’t wear a pashmina! 😅

Lovely dress. I’d be itching to get any cover up off to show it off

What’s that red cardi in the picture with it? Would something like that be an option? Softer than a too weddingy jacket?

Or a biker in a soft beige in faux suede? The ‘make it an outfit’ thing on Boden does link it to green - maybe that would give it an edge? Or a coloured shorter denim jacket?

Very interested to see what you decide.

Lovely dress, definitely not a pashmina or a 'big' jacket or a cropped formal one that is too weddingy.

I like the idea of a bomber jacket which wont detract from the shape of the skirt and when I was looking came across this, which may not be perfect but I think will give the dress a contemporary look- but it very much depends on your personal style.
https://www.hush-uk.com/laurie-zip-up-utility-jacket-stone/010565-0332.html

on the shoe front I wouldn't go for wedges or anything with an ankle strap which would shorten the leg. I'd likely go for a block heel. gold would be good,

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/pernille-sandals/vintage-gold-metallic#size-2

https://airandgracelondon.com/products/dancing-queen-gold-bow-heeled-sandals?_gl=1dkigty_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdW1XYs7hi7SFWmooLqjiiTn_srwKyp1nxRLSFy1tBJvzet8oXT2_6BoCrUQQAvD_BwE

( sorry OP I've just re- read that you can't wear heels - how would a low Mary Jane in gold work for you?)

At the end of the day choose what makes you feel most comfortable and I hope that you have a lovely evening.