Henley - short and fat - what to wear?

[PicaK]

First trip to Henley this summer age 50. Lovely mates treating me.
Am size 20, thick waist and 5ft 3. Not where I want to be - but post menopause it's a slow job to shift the weight
Would like any pointers to anything that will match my post divorce joie de vivre without looking foolish.

Is it for the regatta or the festival?
If for the festival it will need to be smart attire - no trainers, for example.
If you google 'Henley festival dress code' it gives you a decent idea of what is usual.
I'm 5'1" and wear flats because of the grass and also take a light jacket for when the sun goes down.

Oops- the Regatta.

Do you know if you are in a particular enclosure? They have different rules and vibes!

Not stiletto shoes as they get stuck in the grass.

It's got to be a lovely floaty floral dress I'd say, and sandals with a slight wedge or platform for glamour.

Depends on where you are going. Stewards has strict dress code so have a look online first.
It depends on the weather, if it has been wet and weather isn’t brilliant wellies are a must. You can still wear them with a dress.
Comfy shoes otherwise since you will be doing a fare bit of walking.
The rowing fraternity are really not that interested in fashion, and there is no ladies day equivalent. Stewards is usually full of old rowers who know each other and just drink. Lots of multicoloured club blazers and rowing talk.
The hospitality venues are not there for the rowing and are entertaining. Most people who are not in Stewards will be dressed for the weather. Expect a lot of drunk young rowers, it’s like party time for giants, they are all generally over six feet and lean.
I was disappointed that my DS chose rugby over rowing at school. I would have loved to have seen him row at Henley. I did watch my BIL compete every year for 10yrs though. I even competed at Women’s Henley many moons ago. There is still time for DS, he has knackered his shoulders so rowing may yet be an option. He has the perfect physique for rowing, tall extra long legs and lean.

"Stewards" is what they said.

Ok so the biggest rule is skirts/dresses below the knee. Not many people will be in big hats etc although obviously some will. A nice midi or maxi dress (think summer garden party/wedding) with a neat blazer or jacket over will be perfect. For shoes, pretty flat sandals or a block heel. If it's wet, as PP says, pack your wellies and a brolly but still wear your nice dress! Usually if rain starts you just see folks popping up their umbrellas without skipping a beat and carrying on!

The rowers themselves will often have been camping (if spectating) or bunking down in shard accommodation (if racing) so the vibe is more hearty and outdoorsy than necessarily perfectly groomed! In other words - don't stress, just have a lovely day!

Try some Mounjaro and you could be a size 16 or 14 by Henley. Just saying. I’ve gone from 29 to 14/16 in that time and will be at my first Henley and, shallow or not, I feel so much better about it and there is
more to choose from

Stewards has relaxed the Ladies dress code a bit.

It's a long old day with a lot of walking so comfy shoes a must-you are walking on a lot of grass and uneven surfaces and it gets very crowded.

Some ppl do wear hats but very, very different vibe to something like Ascot.

@PicaK what are you most comfortable in?

You can now wear flowy split trousers in Stewards which is very exciting!

Something like a midi/maxi dress and blazer or cardigan is ideal.
Weather is wildly unpredictable so layering a good plan.

20! Not 29

https://www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-billie-printed-high-low-dress-with-tie-belt-navy-multi/p111695395?s_share=jlappdroid

How about this? I have found GB work quite well for me (short, 18, thick waist). This might have too much material though, would need to see it in the flesh.

https://www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-misha-v-neck-midi-dress-dark-green/p112518325?s_share=jlappdroid

This one could be better.

I would order at least 10 dresses from JL & have a good trying on session at home.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I was definitely thinking more Ladies Day so it's a relief to know it's not quite so formal.