What to wear for a theatre charity gala with no dress code

[HelpMeFeelGorgeous]

I’m off to a theatre-related charity gala which is likely to have numerous celebs in attendance. It’s a lunchtime champagne reception and buffet followed by the matinee theatre show.

I am 49, peri-menopausal and feeling frumpy. I have absolutely no idea what to wear and there hasn’t (yet) been any info shared about dress codes etc. I want to be prepared in case it’s smart (and don’t have anyone to ask about whether these things tend to be). I’m attending alone but might meet up with friends afterwards so don’t want to be all dolled up while they are in jeans and trainers.

i’m 5’ 9” and a top heavy uk16-18. I have had surgery which has left significant scarring on my legs so I would need a jumpsuit, trousers or maxi dress. I’m a bright cool winter in colouring.

I found this when searching: it’s possibly a little more formal than I would like though.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sienna-embellished-maxi-dress-blue-1001128287.html?utm_content=brand&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A21426431457%3A198557365801%3A805447420077&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=pla-2692893077232&nb_mi=12198991&nb_pc=local&nb_pi=1001128287&nb_ppi=2692893077232&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21426431457&gbraid=0AAAAADjtA_GralCbLrbeUfI-v5iWc3C-L&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt9jVBhDXARIsAFSP-6fFKs66z1BQ7roK3GBfHDKfRjPDB-2EsL44unhEYtDiCsWzijz-BXgaAk84EALw_wcB

There’s a navy version of it, or there’s a navy lace jumpsuit which might work?

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/monica-lace-wide-leg-jumpsuit-blue-20004710003.html

Or would smart black jeans and a nice top work? (I already have those!)

Oh crap. This is very definitely a daytime thing though.

That’s s lovely, but again wrong neckline and colour. :(

Can you find photos of previous events online to see what people wore last year? Or would any of your colleagues know?

I didn't realise. Ignore me.

I love this but don’t think the colour would work with my hair (and I don’t really want to change that).

https://www.boden.com/products/women-ruched-jersey-shirt-dress-cool-cocoa-sprayed-leaf-d1770nav this is nice and could be buttoned further down to cover your legs? A bit workwear though maybe

They haven’t done it before.

How do we feel about this?

https://www.izabel.com/products/d180853?variant=62572660228483&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20%7C%20New%20Arrivals%2FSeasonality%20%7C%20PMAX%20%7C%20PN&utm_content=&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=21443698486&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21443719429&gbraid=0AAAAADnHfi__F3HtiwZaUNwEbmRhLhJI2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2t3VBhD8ARIsAK0F6qzws0NhrbT7vb2QeDoqAF71T7-3fv7LL3Y_79Y6SkvBMyvPRnWCmN4aAgVCEALw_wcB#size_modal

I would wear a maxi dress or trouser suit in a dark block colour, probably navy, green or black, so that it would kind of look okay whether other attendees had pushed the boat out or come fairly informally. I might have a change of accessories in the bag just in case I wanted to adjust the look, maybe. Seems to work for me.

I have this; it moulds to the body in a gentle, flattering way and can be dressed up and down very easily. It is also cotton and very comfy when it is warm https://www.boden.com/products/women-saoirse-smock-back-dress-black-d1648blk

Have a look at fairlie curved website, I’ve ordered from them as am also large of boobage and they are nice quality and comfortable. Lots of wrap and v neck options.

It’s lovely, but I ‘d need a breast reduction to be able to wear it. :(

I think this is lovely! It's a great shape and if you know it's the right shape and colours for you I wouldn't hesitate, especially at that price.

I’d opt for no longer than 3/4 length for daytime and is far more practical than maxi if using public transport. I’d opt for non embellished and navy, dark green or burgundy unless i wanted to stand out and flat shoes or wedges again practical for the tube. I have a bottle green velvet dress that I roll out for such things

I keep coming back to this one that was posted earlier. It's what I would choose. Has a v-neck and I think would work with your hair?

@HelpMeFeelGorgeous The Izabel one is a decent crossover from day to evening. It’s slightly dull in colour so you need to lift it with good jewellery, shoes and a bag. I’d look at powder pink but I don’t know what you own. It’s a melt into the background dress and as long as it fits your bust, it’s ok. However I find waisted dresses, when accommodating a large bust, are huge around the waist. I’d try it though.

I love the Izabel. Hits the daytime/formal spot. And it’s the sort jf thing you can wear for other occasions. Go for it and enjoy the event.

Please don’t be afraid to email the organisers and ask for advice on the dress code - I think sometimes we’re a bit scared of formalities, but they honestly won’t mind being asked how dressed up you should be. Their job is to make sure guests feel comfortable :-)

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I’m going to try and go and see one in real life. The colours could be perfect or the blue could be completely wrong and wash me out. Sorry, I did mean to say that earlier.

@CharlotteStreetW1 Yes. I posted that one. It has more personality than the chiffon one. It’s probably longer and is more versatile. Looks great with boots as modelled. Easy to accessorize too.

My hair can be quite bright in certain lights so I don’t mind the dress not standing out. Im thinking bright silver jewellery and a smart leather jacket and bag will work? I have no idea what bags I have in storage so may mean buying one. I guess I could go for something colourful. (I’ve just realised that all the events I’ve gone to post-COVID have been funerals. :(

I’m hoping the colours are the right ones. 🤞

The Izabel dress is the right type of thing.

Just a few more ideas

Maison Noir
Ba&sh
Wild Rose

Maison Noir is a scam drop shipping site registered in the Netherlands importing tat from China. Returns are to China and it has dire TrustPilot reviews.

The dress is available at half the price on Shein and Amazon.