Chicken bald back

[AJuff]

I love casual clothes, outdoor wear and trousers for work as I work with young children. They are comfortable and I don't mind paint glue etc on them.

 

At weekends I like white stuff skirts, tops and cardis.

 

For smart I like Hobbs.

 

I need a 'smart day dress and hat' to wear to the Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral next Tuesday. I'm a bit broke so I bought a nice secondhand Hobbs brown linen dress with cream ovals on, a Hobbs brown linen linen jacket and Hobbs cream slingbacks on ebay. I have purchased a new cream Radley grab as a treat. All I need now is a cream hat! I think I need to try hats on . . . I've left everything a bit late!

 

Now I'm having second thoughts about wearing brown in June. Plus a friend of mine has given me a long speel about it being such an important event with the Queen, all the Royal family and prime ministers from around the world that I need to be kitted out by a personal shopper and go the whole hog. Super dooper smart. Mother of the bride kind of smart. I'm very uncomfortable about all this.

 

Am I being naive thinking I'll be in a far flung corner, TV cameras no where near me and not a glimpse of the Royals. Will I be out of place in brown and cream? Should I stick with what I'm comfortable with or start again with a personal shopper at huge expense for a one off service? It's got me very stressed, especially as I only have Tuesday night after work or Saturday to get my outfit sorted.

[Couperwife]

I think brown and cream is classy

[patsylabrador]

I think that what you have chosen to wear sounds lovely. It's my opinion that women overdo it quite a lot at the moment and lack style.

I think understated but impeccable is best. Look at Kate Middleton, never brassy, her clothes are actually quite simple but she outclasses all the other women.

[patsylabrador]

Plus, DD has been to a few events involving Royal Family and tells me about the over-dressed mother of the bride types. Not flattering. I would say keep it simple, stylish and what is best for you. I'm sure that you will have a better day wearing clothes you feel good in. It doesn't really matter how other people choose to dress providing you comply with the dress code.

I would take my cue from the RF and the dignitaries. For the most part they wear classic smart clothes in simple colours. A fashion commentator at the Royal Wedding said that fascinators have their day and it's better to buy a hat.

That's my contribution to a fashion discussion, someone who is rarely out of casual clothes!

Edited May 28, 2012 by Guest

[Looney]

I think what you have chosen sounds great

[Alis girls]

Sounds lovely - love brown and cream - also you want to be comfy esp if hot. I agree with patsy - women go way over the top these days and look frightened to move in case their hat or summat falls off. Pics please

[Egluntyne]

Go what with what you are comfortable with. I wouldn't be minded to send a couple of hundred pounds if I was already satisfied with what I had. Brown and cream are very classy, and as you say,all eyes will be on the Queen, not you, unless your skirt is accidentally tucked into your knickers.

 

Have a wonderful time. x

[chickencam]

I love brown and cream as a combination. I would concentrate on looking for a lovely hat that suits you and leave the rest of your outfit as it is.

 

Have a great time, relax and enjoy the moment.

[Tweety]

You will be absolutely fine - your outfit sounds lovely and it is a complete waste of money to buy something for this one occasion that you probably won't wear again.

 

I have been to a couple of royal occasions, once at The Palace and once at Winsdor Castle, and worried for weeks about what to wear. I need not have worried - people were wearing all sorts of outfits, and I was glad that I hadn't spent a small fortune on something out of my comfort zone.

 

Have a wonderful time!

[ClaireG]

I agree with everyone else, the main thing is that you are comfortable. Your outfit sounds really lovely.

[Olly]

I share your pain, I loathe dressing up and am always happiest in jeans and trainers in the garden. I've been 'invited' to Ascot this year with work (refusal is not optional!) and my immediate thought was 'oh no - what shall I wear'!

 

I do recommend the personal shopper service for anyone needing to buy an outfit for a special occasion though, or indeed for any occasion, I've used Debenhams one several times and they are very helpful, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Since Kate Middleton has been seen in high-street brands I think your Hobbs combination will be just right.

 

Your outfit sounds perfect, and I agree - the Queen will be the centre of attention!

[Willow]

Surprised by your friends advice

 

Your outfit sounds lovely and the idea of spending lots on a personal shopper outfit for something you wouldn't feel comfortable in and may never wear again when you already have what sounds like a lovely outfit is madness

 

Ignore your friend, trust your original plan and enjoy yourself !!

[Seagazer]

I think your outfit sounds lovely too. Hobbs is a good brand and I always think their clothes look very classy without being over the top so I'm sure you'll look absolutely wonderful.

 

Have a great time.

[Guest]

I love Hobbs!

The most expensive dress I have ever bought came from there!

They are good quality and I am sure you will look gorgeous!

I'm sure the Queen will be happy that you are there and that you haven't broke the bank to do it!

[AJuff]

Thank you for your comments. I just hadawobblethat's all. I tried my dress and jacket on again today and felt better with the combination. I'll take it with me hat shopping tomorrow. Will post pictures when I get fully sorted.

[pips_pekins]

Just caught up with this thread. I love the sound of your outfit, cream and brown is such a classic combination and being linen, you will feel more comfortable if it gets hot. Looking forward to seeing the photos.

 

You've probably thought of this but I would suggest you spend a bit of time in the shoes if they are a height/style you are not used to

[newcountrygirl]

I probably wouldnt splash out on a hat - I would go for a fascinator - not so much trouble to keep on your head and lots of places sell them quite reasonably - even ebay.

[Couperwife]

Thinking about the hat...what about a 'do'?

 

Get our hair put up (if it's long enough) and have a clip/slide/thingy that is pretty

 

Cathy

X

[Willow]

I love hats just wish there were more excuses to wear them

[The Dogmother]

I love hats just wish there were more excuses to wear them

 

I do 'utility hats' but not pretty ones; they just don't suit me.

[craftyhunnypie]

Matalan have some nice dresses in at the mo for £25. They are great as you can dress them up or down easily! Tone down with a little coloured shrug or dress up with a fancy wrap / shawl type thing. They are nice quality dresses too.

I'm a hat girl too - love them!!!

If you can - get some of that magic wrinkle / iron spray for your linen stuff - as linen creases terrible!! Presume your outfit is sorted now, but thought I'd still post about the dresses!

 

Emma.x

[Charlottechicken]

I also love brown and cream, your outfit sounds lovely and I'm sure you will knock spots off everyone else as they will all be matching in pink, blue and yellow!

 

Have a lovely time