Outfit for summer work do

[Cardolino]

I have an evening work event coming up in July that I need an outfit for but I’m at a bit of a loss. It’s a relatively casual event as I work in a media type industry, but I wouldn’t wear jeans.

I am 48, big belly and boobs and wide hips, size 14-16. My legs are my best feature. I find it impossible to buy trousers as any that fit on my huge tummy are too big on my thighs, skirts don’t usually suit me either as they tend to sit too high over my hips and belly and I find it hard to get tops that work with skirts. I don’t like sleeveless or backless.

I like shirt dresses but prefer plain to pattered and not a big fan of florals. Happy to wear heels or flats/ trainers. I really want to avoid looking like a frump/ matronly. I love the idea of a co-ord but can’t imagine finding one that suits. So I probably need a dress. I usually shop in Zara/ H&M/ Cos/ other stories/ Marks/ whistles. Budget is about £100 or a bit more if it’s something I’ll wear a lot.

A few shirt dress ideas, all from JL. There are also a few denim ones which are nice but maybe too casual?

You could have a look at

Batsheva

and then see if you could find something from them pre-owned. Interesting clothes, wide range of sizes. (Lots of their clothes look better on larger size models.)

Another place that might offer something more exciting than those you’ve mentioned is

Koibird

Again, mostly considerably over your budget new - so worth looking for pre-owned iterations of brands / items you like.

Thanks @BlanklyMyDear some interesting stuff on both those websites. They might be a bit too ‘cool’ for me! But will keep looking.

@Defiantlynot41 thanks for these. What shoes would anyone suggest with a shirt dress?