Lunch with old schoolfriends

[lunchingwithladies]

Attending a lunch with a large-ish group of old-school friends in September - most of these ladies are quietly glamorous in an unpretentious sort of way. I'm out in the garden most of the time, generally low maintenance to the point of sartorial squalor.

What on earth should I wear??

I'm on the wrong side of 50, size 10, budget £250ish

Sartorial squalor sounds like the next big thing!
What kind of lunch is it? Casual? Posh?
Have a look at Cos? You could get a full outfit from there but depends on if you already have shoes to match. Wide leg trousers and top, smart trainers or kitten heels and subtle jewellery?

What do you already own? That's a healthy budget, but I'd probably look at spending on a bag and shoes if you already own a suitable outfit. You'll get more use out of them.

If I was going for a lunch I'd probably wear a blue and white striped cotton shirt (tucked/tied at the waist) with light coloured wide legged trousers and maybe the Hermes oran sandals dupe (there are lots around). Or a slip skirt with basic top? Or a cotton/linen black midi dress?

They’re glamorous and you’re in the garden? AKA they still have to work but you’ve retired early?

They’ll be too busy envying you to care about your clothes …

Jeans and a white shirt is my go to for most situations. You can style however you like for the company and restaurant.

Not retired, no. My work involves being in a garden

What clothes do you like to wear when you're going out, or see other people wearing that appeal? Go for that, be you.

(P.S. can we stop saying there is a wrong side of 50/40/30 whatever. Pleaseandthankyou)

Spend some of your budget getting your hair and nails done beforehand,

Even luckier! Now I envy you.

New season Cos is definitely the obvious solution.

Adolfo Dominguez

is less obvious, but rather appealing.

Or if you want the glamour of not needing to be glamorous:

Colenimo

might fit the bill.

Those Adolfo Dominguez broderie dresses in green or black are beautiful and exactly what I would wear.

Do you have enviable toned arms/shoulders and a nice tan?

But this:

jacket with the trousers

and the thinnest most luxurious silk / linen / cashmere t shirt (depending on the weather) with substantial flat leather mules - and at least one quietly impressive piece of jewellery?

😍

Ha - actually yes!

Looking at Cos, I am mildly tempted by the waistcoats.

That would look great. With some wide-legged trousers.

What colours are best on you?

These are great suggestions, many thanks!

And what's your hair like?

I'd be inclined to spend some of the money on a neat cut and blow dry if your hair isn't already well-groomed

I have an unruly greying blonde bob

I’d go for some flattering high waisted, wide leg trousers and a linen shirt, plus a necklace and earrings that are to your taste. That screams casual elegance to me! You could wear flats or heels, whatever you prefer. To look glamorous, the shoes and the bag have to be good quality classics.

Arket often have some lovely things. Here’s a linen dress that isn’t the outfit I suggested but is beautifully understated and classy, and could be styled many ways!

www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/dresses/product.linen-vest-dress-beige.1238967001.html

A waistcoat and wide trousers would be perfect if you have lovely arms. And definitely get a nice hair cut and blow dry