What classic, timeless but smart jacket/cardigan to wear with this dress?

[Oneearringlost]

What would go well with this dress, I need a skirt or jacket. Im 5'7 size 10.
It is for a smart but outdoor party in mid August. I have some classic flat shoes but am at a loss as to what to wear on top of the dress if it's chilly.
Thank you

Sorry, photo following.

Oh, it's not sensitive at all! Its just the photo of the dress.

When you say smart, how smart are you thinking?

Its my husband's 60th birthday party. It's in an Cider Orchard, so possibly soggy underfoot, hence the smart but flat shoes.
But it could be glorious weather, so wanting smart. It could equally be awful weather. Ever hopeful.
I was thinking about a cropped jacket to not cover the waisted belt area. Any ideas?

I don't mean a skirt, no idea where that came from...a jacket or cardigan.

I think that I'd go for something kimono jacket like. A cardigan is probably going to dress that down, so maybe something like this shape, that you can just chuck over, and probably get more wear out of if it's not needed on the night?

I think a Chanel style jacket might work or a very long light coat without a collar that matches the length of the dress.

Hmm, two good thoughts i hadn't considered...i'm going to have to get something, as i think you're right, Arabella, a cardigan would dress it down.
Thank you, both!

Kimono style thinking there's quite a lot going on on the front of that dress with buttons and belt, so nothing that will fight with that. Have fun!

Are you absolutely sure about the dress? Even with the V at the back it looks rather like office wear. I can’t imagine it at a party in a cider orchard!

You may be right! But I really don't want a floral dress, and I really don't like the tiered or peplum look, or 'floaty', too fussy.
But you do have a point...I'm going to have to rethink, aren't I?

Hmm … There’s nothing wrong with a floral dress in the right context!

Did you not like this?

https://www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-slash-neck-mesh-maxi-dress-blue-floral/p114884438

(Assuming that’s your preferred brand?)

PS - I’m so relieved you aren’t annoyed!

This was on another thread talking about a similar type of event - no flounces or tiers. Admittedly more expensive:

https://www.frenchconnection.com/collections/womens-dresses/products/printed-dori-maxi-dress-multicoloured

@SeditiousPam the more I look at it, the more I think you're right...its, well, office wear.
Oh goodness, I'm not annoyed...I'm rather relieved you've probably saved me from a bit of a disaster.

Oh Golly, the JL dress, I'm not sure I could that off! But I'm rather seduced, I must say...
That's certainly a floral dress.
Oh, I'm tempted, so what would you wear with it, if its chilly?

Hmm, not sure about the bold design...I'm really considering the JL one though.
What to wearwith it, though?
Im looking it up now....

@SeditiousPam Oh Pam, you ARE seditious! I've just bought the JL dress now.
Look what you made me do!

Tell me what to wear on top???

Ps Thank you! I'll think of you every time I wear it. X

😂😂😂

Why are you so obsessed with the weather? 😅

Surely if it gets chilly your husband simply offers you his jacket? (Or just borrow his chunkiest bit of knitwear if you must plan ahead. There’s absolutely no need to buy something for this specific purpose.)

@OneearringlostA short jacket will expose the tie and the big pockets. I rather agree that it’s work oriented.

Long dresses are not designed for jackets really. You will have to shove the flounced sleeves into it. Maybe a wrap jacket with wide sleeves?

Oh, i really feel the cold.
It's a cider orchard in Dorset...could be wet and cold...
Yes, husband's jacket could be cool, but if anything crops up to you, do let me know, oh style guru x

Anything from here:

https://www.plumo.com/collections/coats-and-jackets?page=1#bbbbb5d8d13c4ba7f5bbcf4da83eede5

But if either of you already has a beaten up old trench coat or Barbour that would be the chic-est thing.

Yes, i know what you mean...it's like lovely dress and wellies, can be chic, if you're in the right place for it, an apple cider orchard is...I'll just need an old labrador, and battered volvo!
I've certainly got an old trenchcoat...and lots of cagouls.
Ta!

I think this is really cute: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/zw-collection-cropped-short-sleeve-blazer-p07179051.html?LTKLID=6Hb3nRcXWbdsImHWJ1BXWQ&clickref=33cfe6ad-6a75-11f1-a951-51e0499a50c8&v1=545465850&v2=2420942&aw_affid=136348&awc=32887_1781718705_61dc2dc98c170520f2adde665adbb7e1&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=136348&utm_content=LTK&utm_term=32887_1781718705_61dc2dc98c170520f2adde665adbb7e1

I would def go with something cropped and fitted, you willlose your waist otherwise

deleted as double-posted