Posh hotel trip outfit help!

[sunsu]

Hello! Can anyone please help me find an outfit for a fancy date night in a posh hotel?? I am also looking for some nice daytime outfits for the same place if anyone has any recommendations.

I’ve put on weight recently and I just don’t know what suits me or how to dress my shape. I’m 5’5, size 12 with big hips and bum. I have an average sized chest. My waist is smaller but I do have a little tummy that I didn’t used to have. I was a size 8 for years and years and knew what worked for me but now, I have no idea. I’d like to look nice but also feel nice!

I tend to wear layers and cover myself up. I have lots of clothes but just nothing that feel nice enough for the location. Most of my clothes are well worn and just a bit sad! So my wardrobe needs a wee update.

thank you fashion gurus!

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcM0_qkPR7xthVW4S2MO0OtNYeOxiqqYOhKaE4Nsg_Kd-BFqrEh69FQUp1keS3Z0OppmqOa_GqqRvT9ubgvsEgrMxR3thulRmtL1fTDVdOp1IqiHwBbs8GGPNb

I don't think I would ever take style advice from someone who thinks "slutty" is a useful adjective.

That Max Mara dress is lovely.

look at the Lauren Ralph Lauren range for something a bit more affordable. I’ve got a Lauren evening dress that was discounted in Flanneks and it’s very flattering (I’m 5ft 4 size 12 with smaller waist but a tummy)

In the Strathearn restaurant I would wear a dress and heels/heeled sandals or wide leg trousers and a silk or silk cotton blouse. Would carry a clutch.

In the rest of the hotel dark jeans and blouse for dining, jeans, trainers and cashmere for everywhere else.

As a pretty casual person, I find silk shirts and Mary-Jane ballet flats useful for this kind of thing. They're more dressed up than I usually wear day-to-day but don't make me feel uncomfortable.

I'd also take a cashmere jumper or two, a chunkier boxy roll-neck (I have a lovely silvery-grey one that looks more expensive than it is), smartish barrel-leg jeans and some cords. I'd wear these with either brown Chelsea boots or nice trainers.

A few starters for ten:

Cutwork Zara blouse (probs more daytime)

Useful (New Look) short-sleeve knitted/crochet cardigan

I like a v-neck cashmere cardigan

I've fallen down a cardigan rabbit hole haven't I

Boden shirt dresses worth a look?

I'd definitely wear a shirt dress for dinner but personally I think it's still a bit cold and wet for linen. I like a short-sleeve cropped broderie or lace-edged shirt/blouse with wide-leg trousers. I also like a satin midi skirt although I suspect others have moved on 😁

Totally agree, I have a few of their dresses, very flattering and I’m a similar shape, size 12, 5’ 3” with curves and bumps, 🤩

I was going to say this OP.

I've been to Gleneagles and if you don't feel comfortable in a dress, you really don't need one. Smart trousers will be absolutely fine. Maybe a slightly silky blouse to make it a bit less everyday. Or slightly soft, flowy trousers also gives a more "dressy" vibe.

But you really do not need a dress, and in fact I often think they look less "at ease" in those sorts of environments - a bit like a little girl "putting on my best dress"! Wear what you think you will be yourself in. Gleneagles has a smart casual vibe.

Ah here we go… 🤣🤣🤣

I like this look in the blue. Would wear with nice ballet flats.

www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/skirts/midlength/product/twist-detail-jersey-midi-skirt-navy-1327027001

If I didn’t have massive boobs I would wear this.

www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/rosie-silk-blend-midi-dress/W273DE-5.html

Like this too

www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/shaela-floral-frill-maxi-dress/W110DE-10325.html

I think you’ll find by day most people are jeans/trainers/casual dress wearers depending on the weather.
evenings is a bit dictated by the restaurant and might have a dress code to adhere to.

those who look most comfortable in posh hotels look like they’re dressed for brunch in their own kitchen! & look very casual.
people who dress up tend to look awkward & like they’re trying too hard.

do you & enjoy yourself. Don’t think about others. The vast majority won’t care what you’re wearing as long as it “appropriate “.

I have this skirt in a few colours for the day. But others with experience can advise on the wisdom of wearing ‘kilts’ to Gleneagles!

https://www.celticandco.com/product/midi-celt-kilt?cat=2151&colour=723&type=1

Maybe invest in some new nice cashmere jumpers which make you feel good and are ‘luxurious’ without being showy. Uniqlo and John Lewis have affordable examples.

Monsoon have dresses that are similar in style but more modest in price, most are circa £100. But I’ve been to Gleneagles and was wearing jeans and a chunky wool sweater plus ankle boots. Think county vibes in the daytime eg perhaps a wool skirt, blouse, thick tights and ankle boots plus smarter cardigan if cooler, summer dress and sandals if warmer. Different spaces did have different dress codes I think but I was in the section children could be

I tend to go for a jumpsuit or wide leg trousers with a silk top if dressing up for dinner. Gold shoes, either esska heels or flats.

For other occasions go for a smart version of your usual - jeans/trousers/blouse/nice tshirts/cashmere knits.

I really like that black linen shirt dress. MaxMara is usually a safe bet but that spotty concoction is not attractive. The Reiss dress is amazing, good on you if its in your price range (its well out of mine!).

i am a similar shape and size. I would go for either a silk shirt, or a fine knit, with wide-ish trousers and either loafers or leather pumps. Belt, and nice jewellery. Get a blow dry beforehand if you have that kind of hair.

Omg I can’t believe you used the word slutty .
wth?!!!!
@sunsu so many lovely things suggested here.
I adore both the Ralph Lauren dresses, way out of my price range but either or both of them would cover day and night depending on accessories etc.
I hope I find them in a discount sale asap

I agree. It is an expensive hotel, but quite family oriented, and most of the guests have spent the day on walks, bikes, or golf etc and don't get too fancied up for dinner.

As a pp said, sometimes lower-key looks more at ease. I think it sounds as though you aren't sure what suits you dress-wise at present op so I'd go with a lovely pair of trousers and feel more like yourself. Perhaps treat yourself to a lovely new piece of jewellery instead of a new dress?

The second two dresses are nice and classy, but honestly I’ve never seen anything in Batsheva that would look good at Gleneagles. Unless you’re into the goatherd look -😂
not sure what it is about Mumsnet Style and Beauty that always has a fascination with this brand

DH and i have started to treat ourselves and go to stay at a v posh hotel for long weekends a few times a year instead of xmas/birthday/anniversary presents to each other.

The first time we went i was overdressed for arriving and daytime mooching about! 😳 All the guests with obvious pots of cash (you can tell by the cars and the luggage) were dressed right down in comfy clothes. Jeans, trousers, cozy jumpers, blouses, trainers or flat shoes.

For dinner in the evening it was more mixed, more dressy yes, but nothing wildly exciting.

The really wealthy set just mooched about looking comfy and like they didn't care and the 'wish we were wealthy'ers' (us) showed themselves up by trying too hard! I know now - just chill out !

It's possible that I might have worn a Batsheva dress there - can't remember. They were selling Vampire's Wife dresses in the shop when I was there so perhaps a Batsheva dress wouldn't have raised eyebrows.

I wasn't being entirely serious posting that link but as the OP hadn't given any indication of price or preferences, then why not.

I would so love a vampires wife dress. I don’t have mumsnet money but I can dream

Exactly this op!

Decent and quality but not "dressy."