What on earth can I wear to this event??

[dinosino]

What should I wear to this event? I have no clue! Please help!!

I’m late 30’s, fairly “on trend” I think, 5’10” size 12 with curves. Not got my flat stomach back after pregnancy which I feel a bit self conscious about, and I also have never liked my upper arms. I feel this restricts my wardrobe a lot. Colour-wise I’m a bright winter (light green eyes, dark hair) so I need colours that work within that which are cool toned / bright / contrasting.

Anyway there’s an event I’m going to where a client will be hosting in his home. This is an important client, very wealthy, hosting at his Mayfair home. However, the event itself is “casual” - a Saturday afternoon running into the evening. There will be drinks, cocktail waiters, food but it’s all just meant to be casual. The client himself always wears jeans or shorts with flip flops(!) but he is super wealthy, think tech mogul proportions.

My colleagues are all men and will be wearing chinos and a smart casual shirt from Gant or similar.

What the hell do I wear?!! As it’s in the clients home I don’t want to feel over dressed or stiff. I barely ever wear heels but they wouldn’t really be suitable. Anything too rigid would look awful. In the other hand wearing jeans would be wrong and ill-judged.

Event us at the end of the month in London so weather probably won’t be hot if we are going by this summer so far.

Please help!!!

What colours do you like wearing? Do you prefer trousers rather than a dress (I would wear trousers in your situation). You can essentially mirror what the men are wearing and get some good quality flattering "smart casual" (those were the days!) wear.
Do you have a pair of trousers that you enjoy wearing/are flattering?
if you want long sleeves, you could get a slouchy pastel trouser suit (styled casually). Wearing same colour top and bottom always looks sleek eg. navy silk shirt and pencil trousers or slouchy pleated trousers; or a long sleeve white t-shirt and white trousers/jeans? Shoe wise some suede low shoes - even moccasins (a bit like the popular Loro Piana ones) would keep the look soft.
What is your budget - if high street I would suggest Cos. I will have a similar event in a different city at the end of the summer so this dress code has been on my mind!

another option might be Sezanne

Thank you for these. Colours-wise beige or neutral looks awful on me. I need contrast. White suits me, or things like raspberry, pine, fushia, navy, cobalt or ice colours or acid yellow. Not very on trend colours but I have to go with what suits my colouring.

With waistcoats or tank tops / vest tops I feel
Like as soon as you add a jacket the look is spoilt. I wish I felt comfortable with my arms. Jumpsuits are always sleeveless too.

I really like slip skirts and have a few but generally favour wearing in winter with a long roll neck and boots - thereby covering my tummy. They are not flattering to mum tums.

Yes there will be probably 75% men there I think (some female partners).

Why would you want to mirror what the men are wearing?

Something nice from Reiss or Temperley and you'll be grand.

Wide leg linen trousers, white shirt, nice trainers or flat sandals.

I’d wear a dress like this if I was a bit taller.
https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-floral-tie-waist-midi-shirt-dress-366323#selection.color=26355

This with flats:

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/laramie-midi-dress-electric-blue-linen-cotton/

What about either of these two looks. Smart but comfortable/casual. Stylist is Claire Lopez on Insta.

You haven't mentioned budget- are you in AlemIs/ Liberty territory or more high street- or what your style is?

Have you looked at Brora? They have some bright coloured linen jackets in a denim jacket style and a long sleeved green dress or skirt and top in the Skye section that might be good. Plus large numbers of lovely dresses.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and I've had a look through the links. I think that I might not have been clear enough in my OP and it wasn't an easy type of event to describe, but most of the links and suggestions are much too formal / smart for this I think.

It's hard to explain but I think the very worst thing I could do would be to turn up too overdressed. Better to be veering on ultra casual than being too formal. I don't think jeans are right but I think I could get away with them iyswim.

The weather is such a factor as well because jackets / outer layers like cardi/sweater makes so much difference to an outfit. If it's like it was today I could get away without any jacket but it's unpredictable.

I'm veering towards trousers over dresses as I don't wear dresses much and might feel overdressed unless very casual.

What about Sth from Ralph Lauren? Go for a preppy vibe. Smart jeans in a light colour, one of their knit blazers and a tank top underneath?? Could wear flats or v low kitten heels?

Haven’t RTFT but I immediately thought silk pajama style outfit. Wide trousers, matching top, dropped shoulders and wide sleeves but with a Hermes style print. Flat shoes. Loose hair, minimal make up. Gold or green or whatever colour suits you best. It’s the ideal way to do not-overdressed but “dressed”. And easy to transition from afternoon to evening.

I’d go high-waisted wide-ish leg jeans (the type that almost look like sailor trousers, with a really pretty shirt, sleeves rolled slightly. Don’t overthink this OP.