What to wear? Tasting menu posh restaurant but daytime

[KitchenDancefloor]

Help, I've been invited to a celebration meal at a vair vair nice restaurant but I'm confused about the dress code.

It's smart casual and daytime so I don't want to overdo it but I also want to look like I've made an effort.

Requirements:
Not too tight so I can enjoy the food and not have to breathe in all day
I prefer to have shoulders and legs covered
Can't really do heels (espadrilles are okay)
Suits hourglass shape (so going braless is not an option!)

I'm happy to buy new or on Vinted, but I just don't know where to start.

My usual wardrobe is either home and scruffy or smartish for work.

Any general advice, brands to consider or specific recommendations with links greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I'd probably go for a maxi dress with 3/4 sleeves, a nice belt, flat sandals and a nice long-chain handbag. What's the budget?

If you were me - a pelican bib! (Sorry!)

Am probably v v old fashioned, but I'd wear my best (as in really good quality fabric) jeans that suited my shape - to hell with what's fashionable - and again good quality dark blue or brown leather sneakers/loafers/other flat shoes plus a longer length navy blazer (or similarly properly cut). My best blazers come from Viyella (real fine wool, if you can find them) or German/continental sites via EBay or charity shops or similar. If you want new then posho sites -eg Holland - are aplenty. But budget versions are possible.

Underneath, a really simple but good quality cotton or linen tee/knit shell from LandsEnd or SeaSalt or Rapanui (a relatively unknown and sustainable gem IMHO). Or a simple silk shirt of your choice - but I can't be doing with the creases on those and the associated animal welfare issues, either.

All the above a is TOTAL cliche. But the point about clothes is surely to be comfortable and to feel free from worry about them. I feel that I could meet almost anyone on the planet wearing the above. And I'd be - fashionwise - very very very boring. But that's rather the point. My aim would be to listen to them/let them listen to me rather than to worry about how I - or they -looked.

For those who have a cultural/religious way of dress, then just perhaps the same rules apply. Something simple/classic/tasteful/good quality and approachable. Whatever that means to you.

Thanks, midaxi dresses are my summer staples so the suggestion is bang on. It's the accessories I can't do as it's usually just smart trainers, a jacket and laptop backpack with the dress for work. You've given me somewhere to start.

My budget is high street but I don't mind spending more if I'll get more wear out of it. I'm breaking even on sales and purchases on Vinted so I haven't actually spent any money on clothes yet this year!

Not old fashioned, you sound classic and classy.

I've looked into Viyella on Vinted (other online retailers that rinse me for money are available) and my goodness there are some bargains to be had for clothes made out of good materials. £3 for a wool skirt suit! That's the kind of hint I was looking for.

Rapanui is another good find so I'll sleep on it and get online shopping tomorrow.

But my takeaway is I really do need another good quality pair of jeans so I'll be investing in those anyway.

I’ve surprised myself by wanting this for my imaginary invitation to your lunch. It’s possibly dressier than you intended - at first glance. But the cotton makes it more t shirty, you could push up the longer sleeve at the table and, most importantly, you’re going to be sitting down for a long time so you want an interesting top half in particular. Flat mules or knee high boots depending on the weather and your mood. Un-dressy hair, no evening jewels - keep the rest of the look really casual:

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.draped-asymmetric-midi-dress-black.1229639001.html

(Essay courtesy of Pimms and coke at 2 in the morning …)

And on a Monday night too, you're living a life I dream of 😉

The sleevage would definitely suit my perimenopausal thermostat and it could work with a pair of pointed ankle boots that I have

In summer I would go for a nice understated self coloured dress and sandals and if autumn I would maybe go trousers and jacket/blazer.