Smart autumn 50th bday

[tostaky]

Hi all,
i am invited to a very posh, think old money, birthday party in the italian countryside. There will be wine tasting, truffle hunting and a stay in a fantastic house.
sounds fab? Yes but I am the only one working class and i also do not have a lot of dispoable income meaning that im always looking very cheap compared to my friend and her friends….
can you help me put together some outfits for that weekend that would look classy enough so i dont stick out like a sore thumb but that i could also re-use in my day to day life (a lot less posh!)
I am UK size 14, almost 50, small boobs, bigger thighs, blondeI will need shoes as well! I only have trainers (adidas and that japanese brand cant remember the name) and two pairs of black chelsea boots (i am ashamed!!) it will also be an occasion for me to smarten up my wardrobe!
i do have a green whistle dress that would be appropriate - can i wear it with my chelsea boots? I bought it and it has been sitting in my watdrobe for a few years unused…
TIA

Have a look at Massimo Dutti, you might be able to catch some nice bits in sales still. Images normally don't do justice to their fabrics though.

When in doubt try monochrome dressing. Navy outfits and cream or brown. Small gold earrings. Spend your money on a good quality handbag, not black.

If the OP is on a limited budget a decent bag would be a sensible thing to rent from somewhere like Hurr, By Rotation, or Selfridges.

Can i ask whereabouts in Italy you are going to @tostaky? Because unless you are on higher ground in the north of Italy, most of the things you are looking at here would be pretty warm in Italy at the end of September. Although the Italians themselves will probably be wrapping up warm!

And I must admit that I also wouldn’t recommend the linked wrap style beige linen top. I think this would be very difficult to style, things that tie round the waist can end up looking very bunched up and sack like, and being linen would crease badly. If you want something you can wear, and wear again it needs to be a bit more of a classic shape.

@nearlylovemyusername good idea - my friend shops there so that would definitely be a good option
@Overtheatlantic beige/navy/white/gold will be very appropriate
@OffToSeaInABlizzard all of my two (!) handbags are black! Ive never tried renting but that would be the perfect occasion - thanks for the recommendations
@ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea i guess you are right, we’ll be in the northern part of italy so it will still be very warm. Maybe not a coat then but just a waterproof jacket - i also have a nice autumn blazer i could use in pale green
i do like the idea of a light fedora hat, and maybe i need to find a nice silk scarf too

Saw this, thought of you, @tostaky. It’s obviously lighthearted but there’s stuff from M&S and JL included.

https://www.cntraveller.com/article/what-to-wear-in-italy

(Honestly don’t need endless essays saying This isn’t how Italians dress!)

Whatever you decide to buy, I'd like to advise you to be yourself. Don't buy anything that isn't authentically you because other people's styles are irrelevant. If you try to fit in with the Italian look, you'll fail. If you try to fit in with the old money look, you'll fail. However, aiming to be your best self will be a resounding success and you'll have clothes that suit you and that you'll wear again. Obviously you'll dress for the occasion and not wear a maxi dress while truffle hunting!

M and S Merino jumpers always get good reviews and don't break the bank at £35. Very rewearable.

Celtic and co have nice chunky socks and NEW15 gives £15 off. Size up though or even buy men's. I'm a 6 and they're quite small.

@MerylSqueak i totally agree with you. Thats why i want to buy things i would be comfortable wearing again dressed down.
thanks for the socks!
@Shetlands thank you! I guess we wont mix up much with the italians, it is more the case of a big group staying together in a massive villa and going to do activities. So these suggestions are spot on!