Dear god help - the dreaded ‘smart/casual’

[OrlandointheWilderness]

I’ve got a work event to go to - dress code is smart/casual. It’s a nice meal/canapes/ band in a slightly posh hotel. I have absolutely NO idea what to wear and to compound things I’ve lost 8 stone and have no clothes!!
im 5’9, redhead, nothing particularly out of proportion and a size 14. Normal style is country smart, think fairfax and favor and schoffel 😂
please help!!

Good opportunity to add something new to your wardrobe that can be worn everywhere over coming seasons. How about a Justine Tabak dress -

Like this:

Blue dress

or this:

Red dress

Black patent or velvet Mary Janes for this event, knee high boots and maybe a sheepskin gilet or suede / cord jacket for everyday.

Thank you. Definitely a shopping reason!

Oh I’m 41 if that helps 😂

is it an evening event? Those dresses are lovely but feel more like a daytime frock than a posh hotel meal sort of dress to me.
And well done on the weight loss!!

this might suit your colouring? Wear with black tights to dress it down rather that up? Loren Jacquard Dress | Hobbs UK |

Possibly, but the OP’s description doesn’t suggest evening dress? I’d be inclined to buy something I can dress up with grooming, jewellery and accessories.

Massimo Dutti

might be a less ‘country’ option.

Yes @MiddleAgedDread
i do have this dress https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/kensington-v-neck-midi-dress-black if that would work but I’ve no idea what footwear! My DP suggested my fairfax boots but that might not be posh enough 😂

oh that would be perfect if you can get the right footwear! I'm the last person to ask about shoes, my feet live for comfort!

Unfortunately so do mine which is why they are craving the boots!
obviously this is them for anyone who doesn’t know - but are they too casual! 😂
https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/the-regina-tan

if you've got something you really like then isn't the rule to buy it in another colour? (with heel) Heeled Regina Tall Heeled Boots - Black Leather | Fairfax & Favor

😂 I don’t think the budget will stretch quite that far!!

Your dress is perfect but it needs black boots or black shoes

Adding the factor that two days after the event I’m running a half marathon and I don’t want to risk blisters!!

I just got the new Me+Em catalogue and it is lovely. Some really nice things in rich colors that would look amazing on a red-head.

Massive congratulations on your weight loss! And a half marathon too - go you!
I'd say smart-casual means no jeans/trainers, but not a cocktail frock. You absolutely don't have to wear heels.

I've worn my tassel boots with a knee length dress to dinner before - mine are the Penelope Chilvers ones so they are much flatter (and more casual) than yours so think you would be fine. (I was even wearing a pair of compression leggings rather than opaques with them as I'd just done a long run.....).

I have also worn black suede over the knee boots with a short dress for black tie though....

This?

https://www.boden.com/products/marcia-jersey-shirt-dress-chestnut-and-ivory-stripe

@Londonmummy66we’re definitely on the same page 😂
honestly people should just appreciate that I’m not wearing a short tweed skirt, shirt and gilet 😂
they should also be absolutely grateful that I’m not in wellies with a spaniel attached 😂

Thank you @Overtheatlantic that is beautiful!

aww take the spaniel to the dinner, they'll love it!
So work around the brown boots and find a dress to go with them?

What goes with brown boots do you reckon 😂

green polka dots? I really like the liberty print one too but it's more £££ Women's Dresses | Silk Chiffon & Liberty Jersey Styles | Brora

This would be good with brown boots

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/burgundy-cord-finchley-midi-shirt-dress-d254437red?variant=54668557648257&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Nobodys_Child-UK-PMax-All-DT%2BTA-SE-ePmax-Tier+2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19541476977&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIU4NMIBblYS1l1K3ciWUcaaP&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrc7GBhCfARIsAHGcW5UavXRlUlTBr70x_ZZAlkMCskPcbkVK2SGpxb5NEm_NS3-i_wsl8vcaAj__EALw_wcB

I have this and I love it. Can be dressed up and down and really comfortable!
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/belted-cotton-blend-shirtdress-3616536748629.html

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