Dress code ‘CHIC’ - help needed desperately

[Onanotherhealthkick]

I have been invited to a party (in 10 days time). Dress code is Chic. I am not a chic person at all and actually am not entirely sure what passes as chic nowadays.
It is going to be in a marquee - dinner and dancing. Age range will probably be about 50s-70s.
I’m 5ft 10, a size 10, sometimes 12 and in my early 50s. I have a pair of pale pink sparkly sandals from Dune but no dress!! Colours that suit me - pinks, purples, teals/warm blues, yellows.
Budget isn’t massive (please no Vinted options as I would like the option of sending clothes back). I like Boden, Seasalt, Adini, M+S for my general every day shopping.
Any links or inspiration would be fantastic.

Chic is, IMO, what makes you feel good. Like your best self. If you're not comfortable, or dressed up in a way that just isn't you because you think it meets a pointless vague dress code, then I don't think you can really look good. Might look completely different for you, me and everyone else.

That is nice @newrubylane

But it’s so incongruous in a country garden …

Coast Floral Dress

A floral option

You can get chic floral!

I think this is very pretty, but simple. The pleating on the side adds some panache.
Yellow Soft Tailored High Neck Pleated Midi Dress | Karen Millen

The pleated dresses are great - knife pleats are modern but also feel light and garden-appropriate.

OP, I like your shoes but I think the rest of your outfit needs to be quite simple to land on chic (which to me means a refined/elevated version of the dress code for the place).

would you consider pants? wide leg palazzo pants and a flattering top (or a shirt if you’re up for it) would look amazing

Gérard Darel blue or pale green pleated dress

Gérard Darel draped dress - blue, pale green or ecru

They only really work in the day imo. I don't think floral works for evening even in England in the countryside.

Karen Millen colour block dress

Also has black and white option

I think they could work. I shuddered at the description but they are better than I thought!

I rather like that.

The Reiss dresses are fab.....BUT.....I would only buy something that you can and will wear again. It is such a waste to spend money on a beautiful dress that stays in your wardrobe as it doesn't suit your lifestyle.
I stressed so much about a family wedding last year. I bought and returned at least twenty five dresses. I ended up with a nice dress that will never see the light of day again. Even worse, I ended up with two dresses as I couldn't make up my mind and was so stressed about getting it 'wrong'.
A garden party suggests a day dress. A day dress is a dress you can wear again.
I would not buy a dress that fits the criteria for this party but doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Chic is a stupid description anyway as is the word elegant. As this thread has already demonstrated what is chic and elegant to one, is frumpy and ugly to aother person.
Buy a dress that suits you and your personality. Embrace your personal style. That is what makes people feel individual rather than clone like. And your individual style is what will make you feel stylish and at ease with your choice.

Gosh, I'm honestly grateful I don't move in the kind of circles where one is invited to an event with a dress code like 'chic'. I'd be simultaneously sick with worry that I wouldn't get it right and furious at such a stupid concept as a 'dress code' that isn't even particularly clear. I much prefer 'come as you are'.

There are a lot of very creatively used floral prints (and appliques/embroidery) now. Boden has a beautifully-shaped dress in a Farm Rio-esque print. As it's sold out in size 12, Google suggested this one which I think also works for a "Holly Golightly Goes To A Garden Party" effect.
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-pocket-structured-satin-placement-print-midi-dress_bcc12082

IMO the dress code is so silly and ill matched to the venue that people will wear a very wide variety of clothes. It will be light until very late so the day / evening difference is less significance. I would worry less about the code and choose something you like and will wear again. Lots of people will be wearing something they have - and most probably won’t meet the strict criteria of ‘chic’ and will interpret in all sorts of ways anyway.

Do you know the hostess well? Perhaps ask her what she will be wearing to give you an idea of what to go for.

I think you’re absolutely right.

Thanks for all the links and help. I’m going to sit and have a good look this morning

I'd wear a chicken costume and say I was dyslexic

😂😂 Nice one.

Sosander do some dressy dresses (don't know how to link). But beware their 14 day return period - I was caught out badly by assuming I had longer to return. 🌷

@offtodreamland People hosting have a vision for their event though and they are paying! Unless it’s a charity ball. I think these days, a drink down the pub is “come as you are” but if hosts have gone to considerable expense, they would like guests to make some effort too. Attendance is not obligatory and if you don’t went to bother, then don’t go. I’d hate people turning up in shorts if I really wanted evening wear.

I love those options.. I’d allow you dress me for ANY occasion, if these links are anything to go by.

You can only wear those with a strapless bra. They don’t suit everyone. Me for one! They are elegant looks but not everyone 50 plus would feel ok in them.