One dress for both these occasions?

[LittleArithmetics]

Two occasions in September, I wonder if a dress exists that could cover both.

First is a work party, it won't be formal or really have a dress code, but I suspect a lot of women will probably wear dresses with trainers or sandals.

Second is a wedding - church ceremony and then reception in a local sports facility - I guess fairly standard wedding vibes.

I wouldn't want to be overdressed at the work party, and would want to wear trainers there, so maybe it's a big ask....but maybe a fairly simple dress could work for the wedding if it was the right one? I'd much prefer natural fibres. I'm size 10-12 and mid 40s.

This is a lovely dress and comes in various other patterns/colours too

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/white-polka-dot-kyla-midi-dress-d255232wht

This is fun. You could wear with flats for the work do and for the wedding, kitten heels with a bright coloured clutch bag.

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/plum-linen-blend-starlight-midaxi-dress

This is a bit more autumnal in plum

Thanks all. I think what this thread has made me realise is I just don't want to be that dressed up or stand out that much at the work event, like I don't want to be right at the dressy end of the acceptable range. Some of the suggestions, while technically suitable for both events, I think fall into this issue. That said, some of the Nobody's Child ones could work, and perhaps one or two others.

I like this, but it's sold out.

This is nice but I feel too fancy for my work event.

Aren't they gorgeous? Pure silk at under 150.
Incidentally you are probably the poster who introduced me to Alemais a while back, I LOVE their stuff, not that I've bought anything from them yet but...😍

Not ruling it out, but finding even one seems hard. I'm between sizes so it's a sort of 50/50 on getting the right size, and I don't think I'm very good at Vinted shopping generally (aside from looking for a specific item which is already known to me/I've tried on).

I do like the style of this, unsure if the colour would suit me.

I actually own this dress (albeit in a different colour, and now too big for me). Agree it would probably work.

Gutted 😔 it was available when I posted the link!

They have other colours of it, floral, pink, blue, brown e.g. with more sizes
www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/the-tommie-cap-sleeve-smocked-front-zip-midi-shirt-dress

I'd wear the blue, but somehow it doesn't look very wedding-y whereas the colour originally linked does more so.

Haha I think the same. Some people do have a higher budget if it’s a special occasion though.

Have you looked at Lk Bennett? Lots in the sale there. I love this one. https://www.lkbennett.com/product/DRCLAUDCOTTONMIXOrangeBurnt%20Orange~Claud-Orange-Cotton-Lenzing%E2%84%A2-Ecovero%E2%84%A2-Viscose-Blend-Dress-Burnt%20Orange

Thank you, I'm not keen on orange. I found one there which might be okay.

There are dresses there that you can rent - so for £50/60 you could have 2 different dresses for both occasions - send them back and do the same next time

I don't think you've mentioned how tall you are? This is a lovely colour and print but I was sadly too dumpy for it. Great quality too - really well finished. I would size down, I'm a pretty classic 12 and the small was fine
www.johnlewis.com/jigsaw-monochrome-outline-shirt-dress-blue/p113066617?size=M&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zNSxez63mu49K_r6CgLH8i_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI15La1ZO1jgMV3YhQBh16nwAuEAQYAiABEgIPYPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The economics of that don't stack up for me - £120 and no dress at the end of the day. The Alémais dresses I suggested are £420 so wearing one of them 4 times is a better option than hiring 2 dresses as I'd get loads of wear out of them.

I don't like "wedding guest/ MoB dresses" because they're so limited as to where you wear them, whereas the Alémais and most of the other dresses suggested are more versatile.

I've just bought this - thank you! X

Oh I’m glad you like it - happy to help!

I ordered A LOT of dresses recently. I kept a nobody’s child starlight but it was quite white so bit appropriate for a wedding and this from ASOS. It looks lovely on and could be dressed up or down.

https://www.asos.com/prd/208182597?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

I always think about the S&B pages when people on other thread try to claim that MNers aren't any wealthier than the average person.

It's true that the OP didn't state a budget and she can in fact afford quite a lot, but it always makes me laugh that high street isn't the default as I've never shopped differently. Before MN I wasn't even aware of things like Boden.

This is why I hate it when people try to have themes or dress codes for their wedding guests. Guests should be able to wear something they already have. I'm not a radical anti fast fashion person, but it's also wasteful to buy a new dress for every occasion.

Something like this. I think it's all about the accessories that make your everyday dress look like a wedding guest dress. Shoes, bag, thing for hair.

https://uk.slipintosoft.com/products/womens-silk-chiffon-midi-dress-watercolor-leaf-print-sheer-sleeve-green-silk-dress

But what high street is there now, @Gwenhwyfar?

It always makes me laugh (actually it make me a bit puzzled and sad) when someone asks for ideas and inspiration and fifty posters fall over themselves to bring her exciting news of the existence of

Next
M&S
Seasalt
Fatface
Personal shoppers at John Lewis
Hobbs
Phase Eight

As if the OP isn’t already aware of them. I’m in my 60s, haven’t shopped in any of those places this century, and am more or less familiar with upwards of 150 online clothes shops (with new places being added every week). It’s possible I spend no more annually than people ordering hauls of £30 dresses from Next.