What is formal daywear, please?

[fridayschild]

I've been invited to a reception between 630pm and 830pm by a client. Princess Anne will be there (oo-er missus) and the invitation stipulates formal daywear.

Does this mean

• no trousers?
• hat?
• gloves?

I have time enough to go and buy something if I need to but this is not an every day thing for me so with all due respect to HRH, I'd rather not!

I don't think it means hat and gloves.

I've been to functions with Princess Anne in the day before,

I'm rubbish at knowing what to wear though...

I would just look smart - as if I was going to a job interview maybe - dress and posh cardigan or little jacket, and nice shoes.
Definitely not a hat and gloves!

I think traditionally you are supposed to wear a hat...but who wears hats these days?

Apparently you shouldn'thave bare shoulders or spaghetti straps.
and your shoe should have a heel, but nothing which will make you sink into grass, which could be a disaster.

Ohh, will there be canapés...?

hoping for canapes . Avoiding the bare shoulders will not be a problem!

It is inside, so no grass.

I do actually have hats. Possibly not ones that go with the most obvious frock. But wearing hats inside has always struck me as a bit odd.

You really don't need to wear a hat and gloves. Please don't - you will feel ridiculous.
I go to work functions sometimes with royals there. Last one I wore a black suit from LK Bennett (black wool, diamante buttons on jacket) with a pink top, and smart black shoes. It was fine.
If you wear a nice dress that will be fine too!