Outfit for an investiture

[NewPhase23]

I'm going to an investiture (my own!) In mid March and need an outfit. I've sort of been in denial about it as this is massively out of my comfort zone, I usually dress very casually and haven't worn anything but trainers in years.

Money is tight so I'm looking for inspiration to guide my Vinted searching - brands, shapes etc. I'm a size 18-20 with a belly (this is why I've been in denial, like I'm going to wake up and be 4 stone lighter if I just ignore the impending date).

Shoes are a particular worry, I don't know I'll be able to last longer than 30 mins in a formal shoe, and I know there's going to be a lot of hanging around.

This should be something fantastic but is causing me masses of stress, both money and having my picture taken.

Any suggestions...?

Shoes aren't a problem. There are gazillions of smart flat pumps or Mary Janes from Tu to Hermès. Set your budget and google "flat shoes" or "flat patent shoes".

What's your budget for what you want to wear? I'm violently opposed to the one off event purchases. This might be an event where I for once wouldn't have something in my wardrobe as I might have to tone down. I might go to Max Mara or Jasper Conran as there are dresses there which are on the dressy, conservative side but which I could incorporate into my everyday life.

Max Mara 1
Max Mara 2
Max Mara 3
Max Mara 4
Max Mara 5
Jasper Conran

Of course maybe it doesn't need to be conservative and I might treat myself to a Kemi Telford or a Sister Jane dress.

I agree about one event only dresses. I like this one, I used to be around the same size as you and found the cut of monsoon dresses 👗 to be really food.

I really like the colour of this one and it could easily be worn again

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sarah-floral-print-midi-dress-red-10002960006.html

Thank you.

I like the look of the Jasper Conran dresses, though new they are out of my price range. Given the one-off nature of this I don't really want to (can't) spend more than £50-60 on the outfit because I also need to buy outfits for the kids, pay for a hotel etc. Seems like accepting an award is only for rich people...

Historically, when I was in a more dressing up phase, I would tend towards single colours or bold, big prints, rather than small florals, which I don't think suit me and I'd never wear again. I prefer an interesting cut or detail over a print, and I don't really like anything swishy, frilly or pleated.

I realise that I might need to compromise on all of that just to get this sorted, but I would like to feel like myself on the day, rather than someone else.

How about wide leg trousers, a top and then a cardigan/jacket?? There is another thread with lots recommended and they look way more practical than a jacket

Thanks, I'll check that thread out.

I think you'll struggle at £50, even at hiring an outfit. There's always Vinted, I suppose. Posters seem to love Vinted but most of the stuff looks so creased and badly looked after.

Does it have to be a one off? From your description of your preferences Kemi Telford might suit. Are you really never going to go another wedding, graduation, birthday party, christening, meal in a restaurant etc, etc ever again? One of her dresses will cover all of these. Or this Tu dress? Surely you could wear that again?

There are several smart flat shoes from Tu.

Kemi Telford
Tu dress
Tu flat shoes

For the children, surely no one could be expecting anything more than what they wear to school?

Congratulations!

Given the budgetary constraint I honestly would rent. There’s slightly less choice above a size 18 - but you have a month.

As it will still be wintery - how about this:

Beulah dress

Maybe worth browsing these articles?

https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/clothing-rental-sites

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g29187954/rent-dress/

There's still things in the sale you shop around like the Joanna Hope range on SimplyBe something like this maybe?

www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/p/dt907

The OP is an 18-20. If she gets the size wrong there's only a partial refund of the hire fee. I don't think if I were an 18-20 on a tight budget I'd risk the Beulah dress.

Congratulations 🍾

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashionrental/

https://www.theprettydresscompany.com/best-sellers-c24/the-pretty-dress-company-hepburn-swing-dress-p282/s5679?utmterm=the-pretty-dress-company-hepburn-pale-pink-swing-dress-colour-pale-pi-colour-pale-pink-size-8-5199&cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&utmmmedium=META&utmcampaign=retarg-social-collection-vs&utmmsource=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAasUkETU6RkBHcig9rix0xYhq5SG9F8Jh3bY8nkh9aWjZpQsAfl4sV7616ccoJ6uBC0Kgaemm2syDlA8YIQaOIIfSkC1OEQ

Slightly over budget but these dresses are great quality if you have any wiggle room financially.

Oh, I wouldn’t suggest taking a risk, @IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle. The OP has plenty of time to identify brands she likes the look of and seek them out to try on. (Whether she feels it’s worth the energy is a different thing.) And obviously she could scrupulously examine the measurements compared to something she has in her wardrobe.

I hoped there’d be a size 20 but there isn’t. But there are other dresses on Hurr, and on the other sites if she cares to look. Just seems a better use of money than buying something very cheap.

Obvs there’s Vinted, I guess.

I completely agree with you about buying a cheap one - off being a waste of money but I had a look at the rental sites and filtered only for size 20. There were very few, even on J. Lewis and most were glammed up evening wear and over budget.

I'm coming round to sankacoolrunnings's being the best suggestion. They're cheap but they could be integrated into normal life.

SimplyBe has these for example. You'd literally have to be permanently house bound not to be able to wear these again.

One is black denim but new black denim can look very smart and could be dressed up with charity shop costume jewellery. I've never been in a charity shop that didn't have stocks of OTT brooches and necklaces.
SimplyBe
SimplyBe

Congratulations!
size 18 jasper conran, plus a cardigan?
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5069699868-jasper-conran-wrap-dress-18

Lovely colours
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/2965658879-jasper-conran-dress-size-20

RL Lauren
https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/5823132270-ralph-lauren-dress

Thanks everyone, I have a few leads to follow now. I never dress up so didn't know where to start, and when I googled investiture outfits it came up with a lot of options that I thought were way too old for me.

Interesting to hear/see what people think is everyday/regular wear. I've been to one wedding in the last 10 years, my oldest child is a good 10 years off graduation, and I don't go out for dinner. You're all clearly having more fun than me!

Thanks for your suggestions.

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think? www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-fold-neck-midi-dress/p111717864?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1lc3NhZ2U=

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?
https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-sketch-floral-print-satin-bodycon-wrap-dress-brown-multi/p111171305?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5Lk1haWw=

Congratulations, @NewPhase23 .

I went to my dh's investitute some years ago and struggled to find stuff I liked and that felt like me especially for a one-off (I was a size 18 then - have lost weight and got rid of those clothes or you would be welcome to them!).

I wore a black and white silky skirt with a small print and a long black jacket with weird fancy edging. I looked fine but honestly some of the frocks on display were so much more formal and dressy (to my eye) that I wished I hadn't even bothered that much and had just worn smart plain wide legged trousers and a nice top, which would have been much more me and would have got more use. There were a lot of military at dh's one and perhaps different conventions apply, I don't know. But anyway pleats, frills and flounces abounded, and I would have been understated whatever I wore so might as well have been myself and comfy IYSWIM. Obviously different for me as I wasn't the recipient.

This was pre-pandemic and I think in general things have got less dressy so maybe have a look for some recent pics of these events, if you haven't already.

I like this style, though it's very different to anything I've worn before, so will have to seek something like that out and try it on. Thank you.

Thank you! I want to be able to look back at the pictures and recognise myself, if more glamorous than usual. After all, I got the award for being me.
Part of me wants to blow the whole thing out and just get it sent in the post, but I know I'd regret that. I hate being the centre of attention!

congrats and all the best

Outfit Ideas for an Investiture (Budget-Friendly & Comfortable)
1. Dress Styles (Elegant but Forgiving)
Look for:
✅ A-line or Fit-and-Flare Dresses – Flattering and comfortable, skimming over the belly.
✅ Empire Waist or Wrap Dresses – These create definition at the bust and flow over the midsection.
✅ Midi or Maxi Length – More formal, avoids worrying about tights showing when sitting.
✅ Structured but Stretchy Fabrics – Ponte, jersey, or soft crepe can give shape without discomfort.
Brands to Search for on Vinted:

• Phase Eight (lots of flattering wrap and empire dresses)
• Marks & Spencer (good for comfortable formalwear)
• Monsoon (feminine, elegant styles)
• Studio 8 (specifically designed for curvier figures)
• Roman Originals (affordable and dressy)

2. Separates (If Dresses Aren’t Your Thing) ✅ Wide-Leg Trousers & a Nice Blouse – Think tailored but relaxed. ✅ Midi Skirt & a Smart Top – A soft pleated skirt with a tucked-in blouse gives elegance without feeling restrictive. ✅ Jumpsuit – If you prefer a modern alternative, go for a soft, drapey jumpsuit with a cinched waist. 3. Jacket or Coat (Since It’s March)

• A structured blazer will elevate any outfit.
• A smart, tailored coat in navy, black, or a pastel will look polished.

Shoes (Comfortable But Formal Enough) Since standing around is a concern, go for: ✅ Low block heels – Stability and comfort (Clarks, Hotter, or New Look wide fit) ✅ Dressy flats – Loafers, pointed ballet flats, or embellished slip-ons ✅ Wedge or Kitten Heels – Offers height without pain Brands to Check on Vinted:

• Clarks (for comfort)
• Hotter (wide-fit and cushioned)
• M&S (smart flats and mid-heels)
• Next or New Look (affordable but stylish)

Accessories (To Elevate the Look Without Costing Much)

• A statement brooch or simple pearl earrings for a touch of elegance.
• A structured handbag (crossbody or tote) that matches your shoes.
• A light scarf or pashmina in case it’s chilly.

@Cupcakes2035 You are an absolute hero! Thank you so much.

Ill admit i had assistance but i thought in this instance the help would be put to good use. All the best and success, just make sure to screenshot or make notes so you have it saved

On vinted there are some wonderful dresses if you put in Adriana Pappel. They design glamorous dresses without a doubt. If my spelling is incorrect it will show the name. It sounds like a splendid ceremony and I hope it really goes well for you. I looked it up as I have only ever heard of Prince Charles at the time having an investiture. Have a splendid day.