4 hours in central London to find perfect outfit. What? Where? Help!

[CheeryPenisBeaker]

Fashion emergency!! Any advice much appreciated. I have four hours in central London on Friday to find the perfect 'bridesmaids' dress for a winter wedding. It needs to be black and not sleeveless. I am in my late forties, 5'4, size 14, apple-shaped. I'm not into anything too flouncy or fussy, but I don't want to be frumpy. I'd prefer it not to be long. I'd consider a lovely trouser suit, but I'd like to take the jacket off (for dancing!), and all the suits seem to be styled with sleeveless or tummy-clinging tops, which I refuse to do! I also love the look of jumpsuits but have never found one that works with my apple shape. It's my brother's wedding, so I can go up to a max of £350. I'd be so grateful for any outfit suggestions and also recommendations of the shops/department stores I can hit in central London as I'd rather try stuff on than buy online. Where should the older, tummy-blessed, flounce-adverse bridesmaid go to find a frock?

I would go to Oxford St and hit up John Lewis and Selfridges. Might even be worth seeing if you can get a personal shopper appointment at either.

Maybe try John Lewis. They have a wide variety of brands and you could book a stylist who will pick things out and help you. I might also have a look at Sahara or Poetry.

Totally echo John Lewis on Oxford St and the personal shopper... will save lots of time. Perhaps nip across the road to Uniqlo too - a very fashionable friend swears by their trouser suits (and they will shorten trousers).

John lewis personal shopper or get an appointment near to you if necessary

Where exactly in central London? John Lewis is a good idea but if you aren't by Oxford St there may be easier options.

Have you got time to do a bit of research online beforehand? You could filter black wide leg trousers/suits on John Lewis or Selfridges for example and just see what comes up?
might save trudging around fruitlessly on the actual shopping day.
if you like a classic style Reiss may have good options although at the top end of your budget.

A smart t shirt style top could look good under the jacket for dancing later. Something in a more ‘luxe’ fabric. Add a nice necklace maybe?
Erica Davies does really good outfit building posts on instagram if you like her style.
Have a lovely time!!
I just had a quick Google for wide leg velvet trouser suit and this came up first. Kind of top I was thinking of perhaps?

www.next.co.uk/style/SU304795/B16908

https://www.finerylondon.com/products/jeanne-black-velvet-wide-leg-trouser
or this kind of vibe?

Oxford St depresses the hell out of me, I'd go to Marylebone. It's close to the centre, compact, easy to navigate in 4 hours and from memory (happy to be corrected) they have branches of Me & Em and Agnes b who I think are both pretty good at minimalist but dressy stuff (although they might stretch your budget to the max). There's also a Poetry and a Toast although the latter might not be to your taste and don't do much black. (Plus good, if pricey charity shops if you're very, very lucky!)

I get you about wanting to try on but I'd check them out online first and then, if you see something you might like, phone a couple of days ahead and ask them if they have it in stock or can get it in. Good luck.

My first thought would be Phase 8 or Hobbs. But yes to John Lewis or Selfridges.

Def John Lewis Oxford St - loads of nice concessions - and also the big M&S at the Marble Arch end, though with that budget you can get nicer than M&S maybe.

Echoing Floisme -* *those of you suggesting Oxford Street must be either cruel, or haven’t visited London since 1982 …

I’m not sure you won’t find Marylebone a stretch, in a rush, with £350. I might also suggest Covent Garden - assuming Arket, Cos, Agnes B, etc have survived the year.

You lot are amazing, thank you. I'm at work at the moment but will check back later!

That's lovely - I love the top!

Reiss?

River Island

Have to say, if I had a very limited time to find an outfit with fairly exacting requirements, I'd be ordering a load of stuff online to try and return what didn't work.

Far better odds of getting the right sizes available.

Have a look at Ghost online. They have beautiful clothes and a wedding/wedding guest section. Then you can go try on in a London branch.
Liberty is a good call too.

MandS has a gorgeous trouser suit atm that may work.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-velvet-straight-leg-trousers/p/clp60689941?color=BLUE#intid=pidpg1pip48g2r1c1%7CprodflaggAs%20Seen%20On%20TV%7CprodflagplpptsQPP_100

Style with a Sezane blouse

www.sezane.com/en/collection/Tops

I’d have a look at what John Lewis have online and get some options delivered to store so you know there’ll be something to try. A lot of the clothing in store is day wear rather than occasionwear.

Oh good idea! Thank you.

I've got a meeting in Bloomsbury at 3pm but other than that I can go anywhere where there's some choice!

Oh that's lovely, thank you. Still a bit scared of the trouser suit option but I will try one and see.

I agree with @Floisme. Oxford Street is horrible and the John Lewis there is pretty uninspiring. DD and I went on the other day for something and the womenswear offer was a bit depressing. However, ten minutes away, Marylebone Hight Street has super shops- Sezanne, Joseph, Rixo etc. My favourite is Agnes B where the staff are really helpful. They have got great outfits together from scratch for both me and (very stylish) MIL. And there are lovely cafes (and Daunts) to help along the way.

If you're going to be in Bloomsbury then go to Covent Garden. Hobbes, Agnes B, Arket, Nobody's Child.

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/norma-kamali/clothing/maxi-dresses/tie-front-stretch-jersey-maxi-dress/1647597316104991

This was mentioned on another thread about black dresses in style and beauty. Do you like it? I love it!

Fabulous black dress needed http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/5183857-fabulous-black-dress-needed