Help with an investiture dress

[FancyKeyboard]

I'm attending an investiture as someone's plus one in May (Windsor). From what I understand, the dresses worn to these are usually smart rather than weddingy, though there can be cross over. But more block colours than heavy florals.

I have nothing in my wardobe. I am short and dumpy and not fashionable. Late forties. Size 16 but trying to lose weight. The way I carry my weight (mostly on stomach, and the fact I'm otherwise petite, means I can sometimes wear smaller sizes. Or sometimes, if something fits my waist, it will look baggy on the shoulders. I probably won't attempt a suit as I hate restrictive skirt/trouser waistbands. I know I need a hat, but think I'll buy a cheap fascinator.

Shoewise, I don't do heels. I have some flat pointy kitten heel type shoes that would fit the bill. One pair mint green, the other black. Otherwise I have wedges from Fly London that I think are smart (black, teal, red), but I have read conflicting things about wedges at investitures.

I have a navy Hope & Ivy tea dress I just got off Vinted. Like this one but slightly different colours. Too floral? https://www.johnlewis.com/hope-ivy-the-ingrid-floral-embroidered-midi-dress-navy-multi/p113294363?

And this Joanie dress I think is too wedding guest? https://joanieclothing.com/celia-birtwell-x-joanie-queen-of-the-night-angel-sleeve-floral-print-maxi-dress.html?srsltid=AfmBOorsJvF_z9sO6sHEaH2XCoujOplWVVTniKgk7GSFYbBQengHMmL2

Help! Particularly if you can find a dress that might go with mint green shoes :D.

It was the most recent ones yes! Letter only came today. We were surprised as we know some summer ones have only just been given out.

I say I'm 5'2 but haven't actually measured myself in many years... I feel short compared to those around me! The Joanie dress is one I already have, so for that example doesn't matter that they're out of business.

On reflection I probably won't do sleeveless.

Hobbs petite are a brand to look at.

The Joannie dress is much nicer than the Hope and Ivy and Phase Eight dresses.

Joanie clothing have ceased trading

What about a jacket like this to go over your Hope and Ivy dress?

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8260597141-hobbs-pink-ladies-blazer

I’ve done this I am older and fatter! Honestly don’t worry too much people all look smart as in not jeans! But huge variety and the focus is on the person getting invested. Ours was at the tail end of Covid so we stayed with our person for hours then it’s all over quickly! Everyone was very nice but there’s not many seats so don’t do what I did and have uncomfortable pointy shoes! I bought a blue dress that I subsequently wore to a wedding and a casual jacket which is nice to have. There is a lot of standing around and the awards are done by status so mbe s are near the end. Dm me if you want to know more!!

Don't over worry about it- I've been to a couple and slightly fancy-smart is fine. You also don't have to wear a hat although I did.

For one of them I wore a wool Cos dress and I wore a purple velvet jumpsuit for the other, with some ankle boots. It's quite fun but there is a lot of standing about so make sure your shoes are comfy.

X posted but similar sentiment on the shoes!

I live in Windsor and dog walks on Investiture days are great people watching.
I have seen hundreds.

That Hope and Ivy navy dress you posted would be absolutely perfect.
Nice accessories and you want flat shoes anyway because it is a lot of walking.

There is a huge range of what people wear-some really dressy and some more understated.
Is the person you are going with going in black tie/uniform/kilt?

It really doesn't matter as much as you think-and that dress is perfect.

*Also if you are driving up the Long Walk please don't speed!!

Have a great day!

At 5”4 I’ve never found any dress in Cos that didnt look far too big and long on me. Just not my cut.

Thanks for that! I've told my friend she 'might' get her letter soon.

Your hope and ivy dress is perfect

Hard agree. You really don’t need to buy anything new @FancyKeyboard. I’d rent a show stopper hat to go with it, fascinators look so half hearted.

@Thistooshallpsss @Dinnerplease Do you think nice wedges are appropriate? eg I have pairs like this that fit me super well, but I have read mixed views on whether they are too clunky or not! My green flats are nice but new to me and very pointy...

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077C56P7X?

And thanks to others too!

I think the wedge shoes are absolutely fine and I did a survey of people’s feet while I was waiting!!

Agree with @BIossomtoes I'd use the budget to rent a brilliant hat. Fascinators so rarely look stylish or in proportion. A strong hat with a brim on the slant will give balance and gravitas. You can rent a really smart hat and if you would benefit from expert advice, get the shop to show you exactly how to position it for maximum éclat.

Many congratulations to your honouree and best wishes for a truly wonderful day, @FancyKeyboard

I think that this would be perfect and the wrap will be flattering on a tum.

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/petite-julissa-wrap-dress-10022240351.html#cgid=petite-occasionwear&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=10022240351&pos=14

That is so dreary imo.

Everyone's taste is different - I think the purple dress looks like it belonged to Obi Wan Kenobi but I get that other people like it..I like the Clarice dress. If you are going to Windsor Castle you want to feel fantastic and confident. I strongly feel one shouldn't wear full length during the day, (even though people have started doing it at weddings)and I believe that's what they mean by "day dress". Can you get to a John Lewis where they have many brands? They often have sales
It's so hard to tell from a photo. I hope you have a wonderful day and that you feel special in what you choose.

I am accompanying a friend to her investiture in a few weeks. I initially panicked at the thought of having to wear a dress and hat as I never, ever wear dresses and would feel ridiculous. So was very relieved to see that the dress code permits a smart trouser suit. Then had a nightmare finding one that didn’t have those blasted wide-legged trousers that suit practically nobody! Let’s hope that trend dies out soon!

Finally found a lovely flattering dusky pink trouser suit at Next, which comes in regular and petite sizing. Suit was £100. I struggled with footwear as I never wear high heels or other ‘girly’ shoes, but found a pair of corduroy trainers/pumps in the same shade of pink. I was initially worried trainers would be too casual but these blend with the suit perfectly, are not obviously ‘trainer-y’ and will be box-fresh and pristine. So I will be comfortable and will also get plenty of wear out of them.

Will wear the same outfit for a wedding in the summer, so that makes the expense more justifiable. The suit and trainers came to £135 and I will wear a shirt I already have.

Remember if you’re only going as a guest, no one will be focusing on you, so as long as you look reasonably smart, you will be fine. As others have said, there will be a wide range of outfits there. Don’t overthink it and don’t spend a fortune on something you won’t wear again.

I also have to fork out for petrol, a hotel the night before, and a fancy lunch after the investiture, so it all adds up, but am resigned to that and just looking forward to a memorable day that I’ll probably never do again.

Buy something you love that fits your waist. Take it to dressmaker and have the top half/shoulders altered to fit you perfectly.

Have a wonderful day

Hi OP - how exciting! I was honoured in 2022, and I agree with one of the posts above, in that there will be a huge variety of outfits there and you’ll probably wonder why you got so stressed about it - I know I did!! Yes, 99% of people were wearing hats/fascinators but as for outfits there were dresses, trousers suits, national dress, wedding outfits, all sorts!! I had 2 dresses on standby for different weather possibilities - one from Hobbs and one from John Lewis, and both would have been absolutely fine for the occasion. Have a wonderful time!

Does Coast still exist? I had a lovely Coast dress for my dad’s and so did my sister.

Do you have a large department store or shopping centre near you? This is the perfect event to use a in store personal shopper. Some stores have this free or for a small fee.

It will allow you to try on loads of styles and colours you wouldn’t usually.

Some shops like Phase 8 will have staff more than happy to help with suggestions.

i had a colleague do this when she was invited to a royal wedding (related to the bride) she needed help to figure out what to wear.