Apologies for the length of this post, I wanted to include as much relevant information as I could.
Close members of my family are ‘landed gentry’ definitely not a stealth boast, it’s not my bloody money 😆 I am setting the scene. I would prefer not to describe them as landed gentry, it is the only adequate description for their life.
With absolutely no irony whatsoever they do not enjoy the UK, particularly not the weather. As a result they spend months of the year abroad, returning to the family home for the summer.
As children we used to visit them for a week or two every summer. When we were younger it was great.
For context wrt clothing, it may help if you read my OP on this thread:
previous thread
Happily DH has stopped being an angry bellend.
Since my accident we have avoided visiting the fancy side of the family.
This year one of them has a significant birthday, we have to go to the celebrations.
We are staying at their home, either their main house or one of the cottages, for the whole weekend. Wherever we stay there will be regular food and drink, we will be expected to attend the communal events.
This side of the family are all horsey, think Princess Anne with darker hair, they look amazing in big florals. As I am small they make me look like I am being assaulted by an apprentice florist with a grudge.
Trigger Warning it all gets a bit Downton Abbey from here.
The birthday events are:
Thursday - travel and evening supper.
Dress code smart casual cashmere with a skirt.
Friday - a choice of activities, given the disability I might choose to stay in bed, if I am up and about I will probably have a wander.
Dress code pyjamas or smart jeans, wellies or trainers and a good jumper or similar.
Friday evening - a meal with family and friends, around 50 of us.
Dress code smart dressy.
Saturday daytime - the same as Friday. With the addition of mucking in to do some greeting.
Dress code the same as Friday.
Saturday early evening tea - Dress code smarter version of cashmere sweater with a good skirt.
Saturday evening - formal dinner for around 200 of us.
Dress code very smart dressy.
Sunday - Sunday lunch with my family. A good walk if I am up to it.
Dress code wellies, jeans, Barbours. Smarter in the house.
Sunday evening - another meal, less formal.
Dress code a nice dress, smart.
Monday - just family for the day.
Dress code still an expectation of smart but less than previous days.
Monday dinner - we are always expected to dress smartly, Monday will be less formal.
Tuesday - breakfast then home.
Me
As I can no longer leave the house alone it has severely impacted my weight. It is very difficult for me to exercise safely even though I eat little and healthily.
I feel fat, I cannot rely on my voice to speak. I can get around slowly with my sticks.
My self esteem is at rock bottom.
I’m 5ft 2, size 12 - 14. An hourglass figure.
My main thing is that as I am in peri my bust is larger than ever.
Colours - I can wear neutrals; dark grey, navy, chocolate brown.
Any blue looks good, all the cooler colours also work, as do some brights. Pinks are good, greens are tricky.
I can’t wear orange or yellow.
My family will pay for any new clothes, that’s how they are persuading me to go 😁
Black is not the done thing, definitely no animal print.
Clothes I need
It does not necessarily have to be expensive, it does have to be tidy and presentable. Aside from jeans I can’t wear the same thing twice.
I’m fine for makeup, that’s one thing I can still do.
I’m asking for any ideas & tips on any of this.
• 1 pair jeans - I usually wear flares, currently I am living in Free People pull on flares and I love them, they won’t cut it here.
I need something like NYDJ or 7ForAllMankind bootcut in a standard dark blue wash, I would appreciate any recommendations for this particular fat bottomed girl.
• Although I have some cashmere I will need versatile cashmere jumpers or cardigans + smart tops or casual dresses to be worn on 6 days, it’s ok to repeat a cashmere sweater as long as the rest of the outfit is different.
• I would love one or two smart, jersey dresses. As an alternative ponte would be very good.
• Chambray dresses should be ok & a good investment, heavy denim dresses are not ok.
• I have to be prepared for cooler and warmer days.
• Everything daytime will ideally mix and match.
• No uneven hems.
• For Friday or Sunday evening Nobody’s Child has a lovely print. Maybe a day dress, rather than evening?this print
• I need a skirt or two to go with the sweaters/cardigans, preferably midi length.
• Saturday night is a challenge. Maybe this? Saturday night
• One of the evenings is this smart enough? smart/casual dress?
• Currently I am lusting after most of Rixo too.
Many, many thanks if you got this far.
That’s probably way too much enough information for now.
All ideas very welcome 😊