investiture dress recommendations please!

[poodlemum01]

please help me find a dress, in 16-18 size, for my mbe investiture.
I really like Hobbs except their summer dresses all seem to be out of stock in my size, at least the ones I had in mind. I left it too late now they are out of stock everywhere I look and its just dull dark colours now.
My DM thinks Hobbs is too old fashioned though - I'm 46!
Are there any similar brands I could look at? Any dress recommendations? Ideally a dress, with matching jacket and I could also look a clutch bag, heels (wide fit and comfy!) and a fascinator.
Whilst I like Roman, I don't think they have the kind of dress I'm thinking off. I did have a look at phase eight but wasn't struck by anything there either.

Gina Bacconi https://ginabacconi.com/collections/dress-jacket
The Fold https://thefoldlondon.com/search.php?search_query=Clever%20crepe

There are usually a lot of dresses from Hobb's on Vinted. I hope you find a splendid dress for the event. Sounds fabulous.

Me & Em have nice dresses. They have a good sale on at the moment too - only available on their website though. Delivery is quick and efficient

i've looked on vinted but nothing I like in my size for hobbs. I did look at me and em but didn't feel anything was my kind of style.

I really like kate middleton's style of dress (maybe I'll meet william ha ha) and we are a similar age but I'm shorter and chubbier.

Congratulations!

I really like kate middleton's style of dress

Try
https://www.meandem.com/grand-paisley-print-fit-and-flare-maxi-dress-tie-light-cream-multi

or several others of their dresses.

Maybe this jacket
https://www.meandem.com/textured-peplum-jacket-cream

although there are tons of nice little cropped jackets about, you'll definitely find one to go with the dress you choose.

Ooh, how about this one with the textured jacket?

https://www.meandem.com/textured-stripe-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-ivory

This set from Jigsaw?

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/beige-6

Lightweight linen mix dress

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/7729/fern-linen-blend-dress/NAVY_MULTI

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/7726/val-linen-blend-dress/BLUE_PR

with a velvet coat

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/8651/447159-kaia-velvet-coat/DARK_NAVY

?

Neat, easy and economical from Gina Bacconi

https://ginabacconi.com/products/patsey-mock-dress-and-jacket-sbf7178-nvb

Is it in September, OP? As it's an in-between-y sort of time, both weather-wise & what's in the shops/online.

What is your colouring & what colours do you like/suit? Do you prefer patterns (if so what kind), or plain block colours? And what height are you?

Does it have to be a dress - could it be separates? Or a trouser suit? Or do you just want to stick with a lovely dress?! Something versatile enough to wear afterwards, dressed down? Or fairly fancy/formal?

Do you really have to wear a fascinator ...?? (Sorry, I dislike the majority of them!!!)

I like the Me+Em options & they'd be both appropriate & wearable afterwards. However, if the OP is short I don't think they'll suit? They're definitely cut for the taller woman, IMO. Depends on how short is short though!!!

https://clubllondon.com/products/vicky-red-high-neck-midi-dress-with-puff-sleeves-cl138715100

I think I forgot a critical thing, @poodlemum01 - budget?!!!

Traditional (also comes in petite 16)
https://www.phase-eight.com/product/reanna-floral-pleated-maxi-dress-10023630106.html

You'd have to drape your jacket over your shoulders if cold - or go for a cape/stole, or find one with kimono/ballroom sleeves (difficult!)

Phase Eight has a lot of little edge-to-edge jackets
www.phase-eight.com/clothing/jackets/occasion/occasion

This looks like it would go over the pleated sleeves - hard to tell, but this style usually has a generous raglan sleeve. As a non-traditional choice, it would update the silhouette if worn with that dress. And it looks warm!

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/coatsjackets/jackets/product/double-faced-wool-pea-jacket-ivory-1304724003

Otherwise, shrugs & pashminas are easy to find.

I share Eleanor's distaste for fascinators, though I'm also terrible at choosing hats. On the rare event that calls for headwear, I usually go for a decorative clip. Princess Catherine wears hats.

its in the new year