Help me find an outfit please.

[LittlePearDrop]

I have an event coming up. It's sort of like a launch event, but family friendly. So a mixture of families but also corporate types. DH is a big cheese at this event and I want to make a good impression.

So, not too formal, but not jeans and a T-shirt casual either.

Parts of it will be outside.

I'm 5ft 3, so midi dresses look ridiculous on me. I'm a size 10-12 (Probably an old school 12 but...vanity sizing etc). I hate puffy sleeves. Pale skin, blonde hair, so jewel colours or black look good on me, pastel colours are a bit no no.

Budget up to £150 but ideally not that much!

Any ideas? Please help!

How about some sort of co-ord set - pj shape jacket and trousers? You could probably find something suitable within budget at Cos, while their sale is on.

These Cos pieces are the shape I mean, but you may prefer a print or a different colour if it’s not a pristine sort of day.

This colour would be utterly stellar.

BTW, who on earth told you that midi dresses ‘look ridiculous’ on you? Not that you have to wear one, but I have almost exactly the same proportions and don’t feel at all restricted in my dressing. (It’s easy enough to have a dress shortened if necessary.)

Thanks!

No one has told me, I can see it myself. They make me look dumpy! Or like a child who is playing dress up in my Mum's clothes 🤣

I'm 5ft 3, so midi dresses look ridiculous on me.

I'm 5ft 3 (thought I was taller until very recently!) I don't look ridiculous or dumpy in midi dresses.

OK?

But on me they look ridiculous and I attribute it to my height. It's just not a good length for my legs

There was a whole thread on here not so long ago of women saying a similar thing... So obviously not just me that has this issue.

I was hoping for some outfit ideas rather than a defense of the midi dress!

Chinos and a blazer? With a t-shirt or Breton type top? It’s smartish for your role as Mrs Big Cheese but you can still get a bit sporty.

Isn't that just everyday clothes? You could do a supermarket shop in that and nobody would notice you.

I can't work out what OP is looking for but presumably a bit more than that?

Palava jumpsuits and dungarees

I usually loathe ubiquitous MN jumpsuit, but think it's a good call for the event you describe, OP 🙂

I’m the same height. I am currently loving beautiful wide legged linen trousers with a defined waistband and tucked in Tshirt. Works with either flats or heels if they are your thing. I have cream, yellow and white stripes and a beautiful blue pair. I feel very put together in them while also being comfortable

Or any of these cropped or wide legged linen trousers and tops
Palava trousers

Tops
Palava tops

https://www.very.co.uk/michelle-keegan-3-piece-suit-corset-stripe-top-beige-stripe/1600931340.prd?cm_mmc=google--PLA+-+Generic---_-__&utm_campaign=Generic_Fashion+Clothing+%26+Footwear+-+Womens+-+PMAX+-+Medium&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1920BhA3EiwAJT3lSQw9PQP8CPQ-p6ChfANgE8HaUVbj1jQlnJL4d3iVmaVoXIZeIJTtbBoCiPsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#sku=sku27493220
Still in stock in a 12 :)

Not really for what she’s described. Too much will be too much.

I wouldn’t even go to the supermarket in that jumpsuit so I guess it’s different strokes for different folks.

Totally hear you OP. I’m quite tall myself but my mum is your height and she knows she can’t elegantly wear long lengths in dresses or cropped anything. She would look utterly ridiculous in a cropped jumpsuit honestly for instance.

What about something like this? Not too dressy and it looks like it would elongate legs.

www.phase-eight.com/product/renae-green-jumpsuit-222411693.html#navAjax=true&imageType=model&is=true&sz=60&start=0&cgid=new-dresses&isSecondPage=false&pid=222411693&pos=14

I know you said midi dresses look ridiculous, but I'm 5'2" and just bought this one and it looks amazing!

mintvelvet.com/products/cotton-midi-shirt-dress?channable=0504cf696400343438303839363437333531333591&variant=44808964735135&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=21354244208&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGOgu8v3jrnldGCvCBfeVfD2lIdW7gWF0wYmuizBTcSZzBsZfQ4f3o0aAjKAEALw_wcB

I'm the same height so I know the struggle. Petite sized clothes are your friend. These wide leg Reiss trousers are a lovely fit, or similar. And a top like this to go with it, the top is still available on the Next site. I know you said not pastels but this could be lovely.

This is nice. Or maybe the red Cos trousers linked by a previous poster and a black waistcoat?