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!

Potato on toothpicks! that is exactly what I am- excellent turn of phrase 😂

Thanks so much for all these great suggestions - just having a chance now to look at them

eek- thanks for the warning. The me&em stuff is lovely...

These are great- especially the pinafore- I've just bought it- thank you! I don't think I will wear it to the day event but I'm thinking it would be great to change into for when we go out in the evening.

I also love the structured cardigan too - and the dresses.

I love this - I worry it might really highlight my wrinkles?! Whistles is a great shout- I had forgotten all about them...

Budget pretty high- I don't really ever buy clothes- and when I do I tend to wear them for a decade - so as long as it is decent quality I would spend up to about £500/600. Feels insane to write that down but it's a pretty big day and I don't want to let him down

Yes (to the Mordaunt trouser suit - you don’t have to vote for her Party or anything) and it being about getting the right colour.

a waisted coat! I had no idea such a thing existed but yes that sounds great - might give me a bit of shape using smoke and mirrors! thanks

Ooh yes, don’t know what I’d do without them. Sadly I’m the same as you, I keep clothes a long time so I can’t advise on current suppliers! Just look at the back of the jacjet/coat; you’re looking for a centre seam then an additional seam either side which normally curves in then out again. Seamed ones can be fastened and still look good, unlike a duster, but seamed or not I’d keep it open to create the impression that your body only exists between the two front edges. A great visual trick! But most importantly of all, live the day and love it, whatever you wear. Your joy will make you beautiful in anything you wear!

I’d wear a trouser or skirt suit as I would do in a work environment.

if not and a dress is needed I’d normally go for very plain or polka dot. This is nice though, well I think so black or navy
https://www.ghost.co.uk/lulu-v-neck-midi-dress-black-spot-floral-d11g065-za1
https://www.ghost.co.uk/lulu-v-neck-midi-dress-navy-spot-floral-d11g062-z74

oh and the spring fashion trends seem to be zipped stuff, pastel blue or pink. No idea why and I avoid trends. Some examples of the trends just from one store. So other people will probably be in the trend styles.

https://www.ghost.co.uk/haisley-light-blue-collared-zip-front-midi-dress-d12g032-k16
https://www.ghost.co.uk/clarissa-blue-spot-tie-front-midi-dress-d12g018-z39
https://www.ghost.co.uk/phoebe-pink-crepe-collared-button-down-dress-d12g031-h44

I think this swing dress would look great on you.

This velvet one would work for the party too!

And I would wear these shoes.

Do you have a John Lewis near you? They have style studios, you can book an appointment free of charge and the style consultant will work with you to find an outfit.

i second a wrap dress, always flattering. But something that makes you feel fabulous and comfortable.

I like Jigsaw, mint velvet, reiss, me&m, the fold. I also really like M&S so worth a look.

Given your budget I feel you ought to have the fun of looking beyond High St brands, @Dressthisapple. Why not spend some time browsing:

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/

and see how dresses around your maximum budget there compare to what you’ve looked at so far? The editorial pages are brilliant for fresh style ideas too - hair, make up, jewellery, footwear. More fun than John Lewis!

For an event like this, I wouldn’t wear anything above the knee. To be honest, even that would feel a bit short — I’d go for a midi dress all the way.

Personally, I’d choose either a midi dress, a tailored jumpsuit, or even a suit.

For your body type, I’d suggest a looser dress — definitely nothing with a belt or anything tight around the waist.

You could look at the brand Ghost. They make beautiful midi dresses that are very affordable but still elegant. I wear them everywhere!

I did wonder if it was a new variation on the Liz Truss/ lettuce theme!

Have a look at The Fold with your budget- they're excellent for tailoring that gives the illusion of a waist. Maybe a dress or a really fab blazer with palazzo trousers

A lot of these dresses are great especially the pinafore. Plainer shoes go for Geox, more glam Esska are good.

I was going to say definitely get some day options if you don’t spend much on clothes generally.

Have you looked at Aspiga. They are reasonably priced, and I have had dresses from a size XL to a M over the years, I am also apple shaped.

My go to is Massimo Dutti. I'd go with a suit but lightweight and modern twist (trouser shape, different jacket shape) but quite sombre colour given it's day and a workplace. I can't see any guidance on colours? I think Me&Em is not good for apple shapes. I love this jacket: https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/flowing-doublebreasted-overshirt-l06013668?banner=true
and matching trousers:
https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/flowing-sarouel-trousers-l05015668?banner=true

@Dressthisapple i think i found the perfect thing! it's absolutely gorgeous and gives the illusion of a skirt suit, plus i think it would suit your shape. i wish i had somewhere to go now

Absolutely this. My experience is a lot of MPs and Lords will be around as a matter of course and will be in dark muted clothes (unless they are a Minister or speaking, in which case a lot of them go for a single bold colour).

My advice is Google the room you're in and look at images xx

Have fun!

I got here by mistake, I thought this was world book day craft or similar 😆

I’m not fashionable but as I’m here, I have this coat and think it makes whatever you have underneath look smart and is also can be reworn.

www.next.co.uk/style/su847150/h97990

As above I am here to see an apple dressed as Kier Starmer so happy for you to ignore my suggestion!

Not sure if this dress might be a bit too long for your preferences but it does have a waist of sorts and a nice flowing silhouette. I'd wear this to cover my roundedness.
https://www.whistles.com/product/floral-trapeze-shirt-dress-40252.html

Perhaps style it with a boxy jacket like this green suede one from
https://www.hush-uk.com/shaw-suede-jacket-lime-green/014923-2159.html

and light cream Mary Janes or ballet flats. Cream bag?

edited: links were not working

You could wear these again.

Nice but I couldn’t see it being worn again.