Would this be completely the wrong thing to wear?

[BroccoliSpears]

I always manage to get it completely wrong when we do anything with the inlaws.

The christmas that I wore wide legged red trousers and stunning 4 inch heel, black and white (fake) ponyskin loafers, everyone else was in tweeds and pussy bows.

The birthday that I wore a full tweed skirt and brown riding boots, everyone else was in black and white a-symetric chic.

They are very London and designer and 'on trend'. I have no desire to compete, but it would be nice not to feel like a knobbo sore thumb this time.

Christening in Kent. Church followed by garden tea at country club: I was thinking ankle length turquoise skirt, some sort of brown knitted or crochet top and gold ballet pumps. Yes? No? (The skirt and shoes I have already).

Am shopping tomorrow and it's my ONLY chance to get something. Advise me.

No to brown crochet top methinks, sorry.

dress?

sounds a little fussy - sorry!

do you have a dress? something simple and elegant

Dresses are a bit of a challenge as am bfing a 3 month old.

In fact, I think "no" to the skirt too, unless it really is gorgeous and looks amazing on you. Tell us more about you so we can see what might suit!

Skirt sounds nice, top/shoes possibly a mistake. If you dont get much help here try handbag.com - they helped me find an outfit for a posh wedding I had to go to

In that case, have you got some lovely flattering trousers to wear with the shoes? And we could help you find a top?

Aha - also breastfeeding and dresses not feasible.

So skirt could work with little top and cardigan perhaps?

Are you tall if wearing long skirt?

Could you not go for a wrap dress - easier to feed in?

The skirt is lovely though! It's sort of indian cotton, summery, floaty. And brown really suits me...

Are ballet pumps still fashionable?

Me: I'm a bit overweight post baby (size 14 instead of more usual 12) and very skint so can't really splash out but still want to look nice.

Will prob avoid heels (damp grass + 2-year-old + baby) and my legs are dreadful so trousers or long skirt a must really.

I think the pumps in themselves sound fine - but can't picture them with a long skirt without thinking a bit "hippy" (and I speak as a bit of an old hippy myself at times). Trousers and a wrap top, or cami and fitted cardi would be better I think.

something like this to go with skirt

they also do brown although navy may look nice too

Its just the skirt sounds light and floaty and the top quite heavy iykwim. I wear brown & turquoise together all the time so nothing wrong with the colours - ive got bigish hips so I tend to have the darker colour at the bottom

That's gorgeous Tracey.

Yeah I lurk into boho territory and I thought it sounded a bit hippy/boho...im more of a toe post sandal girl though - dont think ballet pumps would flatter my calves.

That top, black wide legged linen trousers, ballet pumps and a fab necklace - simple, comfortable, yet smart.

I think I am a bit hippy.

Ugh - have to decide what to do with my hair too. It's long and straight and looks best down, but when it's down it gets wrenched out by tiny sticky hands and covered in vom. But up it looks horrible and schoolmarmish.

Oh dear. This is why babies are so cute - to draw the eye away from their mismatched, vom stained, plump, harrassed mothers.

pretty necklace

perhaps with white vest top and just plain navy crew neck cardi (gap have some at the moment for £25)

bit less hippy . . .

LOL I know how you feel, thats why I only socialise with people I am comfortable with now

The top is really nice - take your shoes and skirt when you go shopping they you can try janeites plan b if they dont go. I always use flowing linen trousers as my fallback as they are classy but still feel funky plus you will wear them again.

hair down and i always have sunglasses on head to keep hair out of reach of sticky fingers.

I like that necklace too.

Sunglasses a good plan!

Right. I feel armed and ready. I will let you know what I come home with tomorrow!

how did you get on?

Hmm... not brilliantly, but I have something to wear so at least I won't be naked.

I only had 2 hours in town and had the pram with me so was racing around / waiting for lifts. Dorothy Perks was closed for refurbishment.

I tried on a dress in Laura Ashley but it didn't work.

There is so much choice in town I think I get overwhelmed.

I got a fine knit brown v-neck top with short sleeves, from Zara. Would have liked something prettier but time ran out. Will wear with turquoise skirt and a pretty beaded necklace.

Was reflecting on the way home that I HATE clothes shopping for myself.

All help appreciated anyway!