Help! Need new clothes and don't know what to buy

[Toffeefudgecake]

Am going to a friend's birthday lunch at a smart restaurant next week, then a birthday weekend away which includes a picnic at a beach the following weekend. Have nothing to wear and don't know what to buy.

Is this suitable for a girly lunch?

I really want a summer dress, but can't find anything. I like sleeves, nothing strappy. And maybe a skirt or long shorts for the picnic?

Have been wearing jeans and tee-shirts for so long that I don't know what else to wear anymore. Am 45, 5'10" and slim, btw (if I breathe in )

The link doesn't work Toffee - try it again x

The link worked this morning, but the dress has disappeared off the website. It was in the sale, so I suppose it was snapped up. Never mind, now I'm thinking about this, but wonder if it's too short for me, bearing in mind I'm 45. I'm a youngish 45 and have decent legs, but don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb.

Or [[http://www.whitestuff.com/RENE-SKIRT-P27552/ this]

Advice much appreciated!

I mean this

I like the skirt. But what about these for the picnic?

I do like the dress but I think it is quite casual if it is a smart restaurant

what about this for the restaurant- too stuffy?

or this?

this is lovely

It's a bit of a struggle to find a dress with sleeves at the mo but...

How are your legs? Topshop short tunic dress.

This tea dress (Also in navy and black) doesn't have long sleeves but definitely couldn't be called "strappy".

Are there any colours you particularly like and what's the budget?

Thank you all for taking the time to help. Prosecco - I like the trousers from Boden for the picnic, but not sure about the Monsoon dresses. You're right about the dress I chose being too casual for the restaurant. It would have to be for the beach weekend. LovelyJudy - I'm going to Fat Face today, so will see if they have that dress in stock. Amandoh - particularly love that tea dress, but budget doesn't stretch that far. Will be spending about £150 in all, at most.

I like dresses/skirts above the knee, but now that I'm the great age of 45 , I suppose I have to be careful not to go too short. I have decent legs, though. What are the rules for a 40something?

Am going shopping today, about midday.

Just back. Bought this, this and this, as well as a new leather shoulder bag. I can wear the first skirt at the restaurant and the second (denim, about an inch above the knee, so ok for an oldie like me) at the beach. Sadly, I couldn't find a dress and now I've spent all my money, but I suppose skirts are more adaptable.

Thanks to all those who took the time to post suggestions.

As you are tall and slim you could look fab in a maxi dress, with some chunky ethnic jewellery, big bangles etc. Get a light little shrug or cropped thin shirt to tie under your bust if you can't find anything you like with sleeves.

Thanks FN. I have seen a maxi dress that I love here, but felt self-conscious about wearing it as I haven't seen anyone else wearing one. I worry about wearing skirts that are too short and then I worry about dresses that are too long - ridiculous! Maybe I should think again....

For 'I haven't seen anyone else wearing one' read 'I haven't seen anyone here wearing one.' (Maybe I should get out more?! )