Too scruffy for the Connaught…

[MarshmallowValentine]

Title describes me perfectly. Maybe not scruffy but never dressed up…I just somehow never looked groomed even when I used to try, so now I don’t try!

I wear cargoes or jeans, t-shirts or jumpers and birkies or boots. That’s it. I don’t like dresses and skirts. I’m 58, short and wide (size 18 bottom and 20 top) with a big bust. I am proportionate, carrying my weight all over, so I can’t dress to hide a larger stomach while showing off my great legs - if you see what I mean.

Invited to the Connaught for lunch and, while I’ve been to lovely hotels before and am also aware that I don’t need to dress up hugely, I’m struggling for what to wear.

Appreciate all advice and suggestions. Links gratefully received.

Top half is all that really matters for lunch, maybe have your hair blow dried at a salon or a fresh trim.

That ASOS set looks like a prison uniform designed by someone who really fucking hates women.

How about some black wide leg trousers, a heavyweight T-shirt and a kimono top (All Saints often have nice ones)?

Or a jersey blazer over a plain dress with boots?

All of the above could potentially be useful additions to your wardrobe for more day to day wear too.

Sorry - just a remembered you don’t like dresses. I’d be looking for some thick jersey wide leg trousers or a new pair of dark smart jeans in that case.

As a fellow big busted woman I could never go out to eat wearing a white top without it getting covered in multi coloured speckles!

Do not wear black trousers and a white top you’ll look like a waitress.
Well fitting brown tweedy type trousers and a warm mustard or orange knit top would look great 👍 Team with Chelsea boots or brogues and be fabulous.

@Halfhardy this is indeed the curse of the ample bosom white tee combo!

@allmycats ooh brogues…I like the thought of that. Any brands you’d suggest? I’m a standard width 6.5 but I do like a chunky shoe.

@Candlesandmatches I’ll check out my local JL for stylist sessions - thanks. It’s v close by.

That is truly hideous; it's giving padded cell chic.

Have you looked at Cos? I think you sound like you'd really like it. Some of my most complimented outfits have been from there. I go for slightly quirky things from there and they are roomy and fun and not too expensive either.

@WorkingItOutAsIGo I’ll definitely check it out - thanks.

Is this even true? I've worn variations of white top/black trousers/skirt for the last 20 years when having lunch, mainly work ones - I love clean, plain lines. I've never been mistaken for waiting staff.

There are usually more reliable clues as to who is staff and who is a customer than wearing a white top!

A black blazer is really useful. Looks quite cool with jeans and a t shirt so you won’t feel too trussed up and will wear many times again. Can find ones with a bit of stretch which are comfortable- John Lewis has a few. Flattering too. Can see this working with jeans, Tshirt, boots, jewellery

JL would be a good shout, lots of things come in your size. You haven’t said a preference for colour or pattern but here are a few that would look great with black/dark navy/burgundy or dark green trousers

Clarks do a flat lace up brogue shoe in black patent and black and brown Matt leather.

Bang on some red lippy and a big flashy pair of earrings. Always seems to work for me! A hat and a pair of sunglasses can add extra mystery!

Poetry makes nice clothes. I’d buy something like this and pair it with wide leg trousers.

Sahara too.

More reasonably priced Seasalt.

The size of the bust, in my experience, has no bearing on that.

I have a friend with a shape like yours - she wears a lot of drapey black clothes, sort of boho style but all in black, stylish boots, big bags, and her hair and makeup are always great.

Exactly my reaction! Gosh. Hideous and stupidly expensive. But mainly hideous.

@MarshmallowValentine can you tell us a bit more about the occasion for lunch? There’s a world of difference between being invited for lunch as part of a group celebrating an occasion/event/someone and being invited to a one on one lunch in terms of making you feel like you’ve dressed ‘properly’. I was in the Connaught for drinks a couple of weeks ago and was in jeans/jacket/heels and didn’t feel out of place. But if I’d been invited to celebrate a someone’s special event I’d have worn something different if you see what I mean?

One Hundred Stars has some beautiful kimonos that can be worn over black trousers. They really elevate an outfit and make it look polished.

That Karoline Vito website is very odd. While it’s good to celebrate curves especially on larger ladies, many carry their excess weight on their torso/midriff - the exact area these clothes aim to flatter.

Are clothes that appear to have been inflated with an air pump the 'in' thing now?

Some suggestions are taking the piss. They are forgetting that op is 58 and isn't a late twenties/ early thirties fashion blogger.

Look op, just turn up in some smart full length jeans in dark denim or black unfaded, no rips, just a classic, clean denim, wear any closed toe heels you can walk in or smart leather or suede boots and a blouse that has a darker print. If you go for silk try to choose patterned as plain ones will show pit stains easily and cling to bra/backrolls and show everything so have a statitic spray and wear a vest to stop it sticking. Accessorise sensibly and do your hair and make up well.