Please dress this apple for Parliament!

[Dressthisapple]

I'm hoping you gurus can help me to find something to wear for an event I have to attend

My lovely brother has been given an award and to celebrate there is a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament with a drinks reception after- all taking place in the day time on 30th March.

I haven't bought anything to wear for about a decade- body has been wrecked with having 3 kids- and I have no idea where to start.

I'm 46, 5'6 and weigh 150lbs- apple shaped (no waist, big tummy, slim legs, previously had a decent figure but it's definteiy tipped into matronly now). I look awful in maxi dresses.

I don't want to show him up. Generous budget as whatever I buy I will wear again

Please help!

Now concerned that people will skip by this thread, assuming it is some sort of weird school project like the one where schools ask parents to put a costume on a potato for world book day...

I'm not a potato!

https://share.google/Gu0PvKKTfvqzFuhXy

Perhaps this wrap dress from Debenhams? It would draw attention away from your waist and show off your slim legs.

The colour would obviously depend upon what suits you but I think there are other colour options.

Well done to your brother. Have a lovely day.

Exciting! How lovely for you all. I’ve been in Parliament lots of times - not the question as you asked but leave more time for security than you think you need!

Can you tell us a bit more about your shape? Is there anything you like to wear and feel you look good in.

That's lovely - thank you- that green is a good colour. Might be a bit low cut though on me, for this event. I don't want too much cleavage out...

That's a great tip thanks. I'll be in charge of his two kids on the day so helpful to know that.

Re body shape- I tend to wear a size 12/medium/36C

I have lost my way in terms of what I like to wear- have fallen into the trap of very smart for work and very scruffy when not at work!

I prefer skirts/dresses, I don't really suit anything that relies on a belt to give it shape as I don't go in at all at the waist (even when I was really, really slim)

thanks for your help!

help on accessories also very welcome- I have wide feet- would consider investing in a really nice bag and shoes

and I would LOVE a suggestion on a coat to wear over the top- something knee length and an interesting colour- the kind of coat/jacket you can wear inside if you see what I mean?!

Ive been to a few of these over the years. Dont dress up too much, its a work place for many and smart casual is as smart as it gets. The PP dress is lovely, but you'll want a cardi!
General HoP are cold and drafty, so layer. You'll be walking for what feels like miles, so sensible shoes. And its airport style security, so keep that in mind for bags and accessories.

You dont have to wear a dress. It wont be warm in march. Im an apple id wear wide leg trousers a nice top and a blazor.
Id also get my hair done.

Thanks very much- I definitely don't want to be over dressed- that's a great way to show him up!

A friend who went to the same thing a few years ago said the vibe was very much "very smart city wedding" with the women in dress/coat combos. Where do people buy these things?!

Great tip with the draftiness and walking- helpful to know for his kids too

Karen Millen had a coat dress section. Think smart workwear rather than mother of the bride though!
As a fellow potato on toothpicks, I love a twist front dress, not fashionable, but flattering.

Parliament security is heavily armed with big guns, just in case your DC are inclined to be frightened (or to want a go!).

Coat Dresses For Weddings | Karen Millen IE https://www.karenmillen.com/ie/shop/coat-dresses-for-weddings

Twist Front Dresses | Twist Front Midi Dress | Roman UK https://share.google/PbAdz41mZi878CstB

Don’t even consider Deb**ms. It’s not even a real shop.

You could take a look at the current, lively Me and Em thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5497604-meem-swooning?reply=150894714

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/candice-zip-swing-dress-222260693.html

My ‘work wardrobe’ that used to include meetings in places like HoP and the LGA comprises 80% trouser suits and plain tops or waistcoats for underneath. Ankle boots with a small heel, shoulder bag/briefcase. Hair swept back off the face, minimal makeup.

(Penny Mordaunt for example had the same look*, and this was for about five years, before she started to veer toward frocks again after Boris demoted her.)

Anyway my favourite suit is a pinstripe. I yearn to wear it again soon. You can’t go wrong with a well-cut trouser suit - it’s honestly considered a timeless look around parliament.

*I’ll try to find and post a photo.

Might take a minute to be approved.

A brighter, lighter colour might be better for a happy occasion obvs. Hope you have a wonderful day.

I'd go for a dark widish leg formal suit, with a bright or white t shirt and boots with a small heel. But that's my go to for everything 🫢

I have wide feet and find Geox shoes, especially their heels, really comfortable

Some of those Karen Millen dresses are gorgeous.

I like the idea of this French Connection structured cardigan over the top of a navy dress.

This Navy Hobbs dress looks like it would be flattering and easy to wear again.

If you’d prefer a jacket, Hobbs also have some lovely wool jackets in the sale

If you want something more colourful:
Pretty green dress
Another green one - this might really flatter your figure
Ghost abstract floral
If you’re feeling brave, this burgundy pinafore would look amazing with your slim legs, with a blouse underneath and opaque tights.

That is literally what I thought it was!

Shift Dress

This style maybe

Tailoring is the answer; trouser or skirt suit, or dress and coat.
Men can look fabulous in dj's/suits because tailoring covers a multitude of 'flaws'.
It's confidence building.
I love Lanvin.....perhaps second hand?

Me + Em would be perfect.

That M&S dress looks nice but you’d be in tricky territory with your tights and shoes, assuming you don’t quite want to look like you’re at work.

I think a good trouser suit à la Penny Mordaunt is a good call. Make sure you get a colour that really suits you though. Reiss has lots.

What's your budget?

Me and Em have some lovely dresses at the moment e.g. https://www.meandem.com/midi-shirt-dress-navy which could be combined with a blazer as per their pictures

My first instinct was trousers and a neutral top, with an open duster coat. Even better if the coat is waisted. It will give you a waist even if you don’t have one!