Posh 40th do dress help!

[Lemonsugarpuff]

My SIL (think rich, beautiful, tall and slim, amazing body etc etc) is having her 40th next weekend in her garden. It’s a 2 part day - drinks, live music, finger food from 2pm, then DJ, catered bbq etc in the evening.
I’m really struggling with an outfit (I like to think I do ok, but compared to her and her friends I always end up feeling frumpy and ugly.
I’ve left it so late to organise an outfit but like the look of the top/ skirt combo I’ve added here but it won’t come in time!

Any ideas??? SIL is doing an outfit change but everyone else seems to only be doing 1 outfit. Most people will be wearing flats! I want my husband to look at me and think WOW!! Which I know he does anyway, but I also want to feel wow!

I’m a size 12, hourglass shape but only 5’2 in height if that info is helpful!

What's your budget?

Isn’t this better? Might need the straps taken up.

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-allegra-aura/

Just seen the price of what you’re suggesting … Not sure it would ever have made you feel glamorous in your SIL’s company.

Boohoo has plenty of skirt co-ords like that which will be delivered on time.

https://www.boohoo.com/womens/co-ords/skirts-co-ords

No, please don't wear Shein or Boo Hoo to hold your own in a rich, glamourous crowd. Even if your budget is low, there are better dresses.

Do you like this set?
https://www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-floral-print-linen-blend-maxi-skirt-orange-multi/p111880038

Or this……
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-paisley-midi-skater-dress/p/clp60652642#intid=pid_pg2pip26g4r6c1

what is your budget and what kind of colours do you like to wear?

I would get something on Vinted, OP. Search for a good make and you'll get a bargain.

I'm afraid that one makes me think of the toilet roll covers my mum used to have.

https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/c/women/dresses-and-jumpsuits_e6bb8705

Would something like this red dress from LK Bennett (on Vinted) for under £40 work?

BRAND new L.K.Bennett flowy dress | Vinted

This is the same/similar and it's silk.

LK Bennett red silk dress size 12 flare midi summer | Vinted

Oooh some great suggestions!

Totally agree about Shein comments not looking expensive enough, just thought the shape of the outfit would be most flattering as it would cover my mum tum but accentuate my waist higher up.

I feel like it shouldn’t be this difficult and that I’m overthinking it!

Colour wise, red would normally never be a colour I’d go for, but for some reason feel it would be a good colour to go from day to evening?

Do you want to impress with your actual body or with your stylishness? The two are not the same.

If the latter I’d look for something very simple and very expensive (maybe pre-owned if budget demands - though you’re short on time). As it starts in the afternoon I’d be looking for something casual in shape but dressy in fabric - and very up to the minute. Co-ords, but not like your red suggestion. Something like this;

https://alemais.com/collections/all/products/rollers-shirt?variant=43932281766105

or

https://alemais.com/collections/all/products/pegasus-embroidered-pant?variant=44876311822553

or a dress like this:

https://alemais.com/collections/all/products/checkmate-silk-mini-dress?variant=44876341674201

(Maybe silk if short or linen if long, so as not to be overdressed.)

I wouldn't go for Shein if you're trying to impress and you won't get your item in time if you order from Vinted now.

Try Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, silkfred.

Style is a very personal thing and I wouldn't wear any of the things posted on this thread so you need to find something you like and feel comfortable in. More than that, something you feel amazing in and want to wear.

You need to get something that suits your shape and flatters you. You've said your SIL is slim and tall but you haven't said what your body type is. I agree with PP that you can impress with something because it's stylish or because it shows of your figure. Sounds like your SIL will do both so maybe you will too.

I think a jumpsuit is your friend in this situation. I'd go for navy over black which is more daytime suitable but will transition well to evening as well.

Something like this: www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/jumpsuits-and-playsuits/culotte-jumpsuits/aftershock-gold/navy-wide-leg-belted-jumpsuit

Forgive me for plain speaking but how is the OP not going to feel frumpy (compared to her SIL, which is the point of the thread) in £49 of navy polyester ruffled jumpsuit?

Weekend. Daytime. Summer. Well off hostess who will be wearing something that’s fashionable this year …

River island silk skirt and lots of matching tops

Boden sale just dropped

inexpensive black
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/racer-jersey-midi-dress-black/sty-d0693-blk?cat=C2_S2

linen halterneck cut out
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/halterneck-cut-out-midi-dress-prussian-blue-tranquil-geo/sty-d0641-blu?cat=C2_S2

maxi plunge
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/tie-back-jersey-maxi-dress-black-exotic-tile/sty-d0605-bla?cat=C2_S2

Form-fitting with sleeves
https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/empire-knot-midi-dress-emerald-night-lily-sprig/sty-d0766-spt?cat=C2_S2

They are good on returns, you could order a couple of options and return if not suitable/ the weather on the day would make them unsuitable etc.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-satin-cowl-neck-midi-dress-372220

@Lemonsugarpuff I think you are on the right track with the shape of the first outfit as I saw a friend with a similar figure to you wearing a two piece skirt and top co-ord and it looked great. Not sure of your budget but there is this from Free People https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/carino-set/?color=060&countryCode=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds0YrP7eyW2EuuYjGNRT9GXC0cnKr1VE_gJT1lOMqLT_xXrzco_DZ-kaAgi_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&inventoryCountry=GB&type=REGULAR&quantity=1
And aspiga https://www.aspiga.com/products/bea-skirt-pineapple-white-red?variant=42632168997044

I have a similar figure and height and have been wearing a lot of off the shoulder tops with culottes or off the shoulder dresses with a wide belt lately and felt really good in them.

I would go classy

this is great for an hourglass

Co -ord. Very dramatic, material is cotton but definitely will carry through to evening.

Klements co-ordinating skirt and top claret

Sister Jane
There's lots of other co-ord possibilities on Sister Jane

Sister Jane

Baum und Pferdgarten