Can anyone find me a dress for a smart casual afternoon thing?

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Hi all,

I just started a new job and one of my colleagues is having an afternoon event next Sunday - drinks and some food outside. Lots of my new work colleagues (internal and external) will be there and it is my chance to really make an impression. I have to look smart for work and manage this well. But I am rubbish at casual and I suspect that for this event I need an outfit which is professional and smart casual. It needs to make me look like a competent and well put together person without being 'work' smart.

I don't even know where to start. Could prob spend up to 200 for the right thing. I think I am thinking dress - but open to any ideas.

I'd be really grateful for any help!

[FlatsInDagenham]

How about this slightly quirky one?

[FlatsInDagenham]

Or this?

[AtiaoftheJulii]

Saw several nice dresses in Oasis yesterday.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Thanks Flats. Quirky definitely isn't the look I am going for though. I need to feel totally confident about this outfit because I need to make a top impression and I don't want to be worrying about what I am wearing. The second one is definitely better but I wonder if it isn't a bit boring?

But I really appreciate the help!

[FlatsInDagenham]

This is lovely. Could strike the right note?

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Yes that's better. But (realize I am sounding awkward) I don't want a bow over my bum. Or anything that will cling to my bum as it is seriously not my best asset. I'm quite slim (6-8) but my the older I get, the worse my bum looks...

[FlatsInDagenham]

Maybe some stripes?

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

So I love that one. A lot. But it's going to be problematic on my bum. Can't to fitted style in jersey material - it's no good on me at all...

[FlatsInDagenham]

Maybe this might be less clingy.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Yep that one has a better fit but, erm, I don't like it. Sorry...

[FlatsInDagenham]

Ok this is my last shot ... red.

[Snog]

Round of applause for the red dress

[HappyAsASandboy]

Yes, the red one. It's bright but simple. Flattering on the bum, and can be dressed up or down. I like it :)

[polyhymnia]

The red is definitely the best suggested so far - though I don't personally like red. Most of the others didn't really look very classy to me ( by which I meant quality-wise, not that they're it 'dressy' enough). You want to look stylish but relaxed.

If it were me I'd go into Hobbs L K Bennett Whistles Phase EIght and Jaeger and have a good browse.

Also saw some nice summer dresses in Comproit DES Cotonniers yesterday.

[Selks]

The red one is great. Red is a fantastic colour for projecting confidence and presence

[MrsLettuce]

How tall are you? These look very short on the models but they'll be at least 5'8" if not 5'11"

[Allthingspretty]

www.theoutnet.com/product/371514

[Allthingspretty]

www.theoutnet.com/product/370153

[MrsLettuce]

zara

[Allthingspretty]

www.theoutnet.com/product/355195

[noddyholder]

love this

[Allthingspretty]

www.theoutnet.com/product/355487

[StrangeGlue]

Do you definitely want a dress? I often see women who look really stylish but not too done (iyswim) wearing chinos/jeans with sandals, blazer and cami top.

Or is the vibe more 'wedding without hats'?

[AphraBehn]

Love that green Zara dress. Wear it with the Zara sandals linked on another thread!

Although if it were me, I would buy a few different things from a mid price range rather than one expensive item. That way you have a bit of choice if the weather is changeable. A pretty dress is lovely for a warm, sunny afternoon but you might feel a bit out if place if it's cool, cloudy and

[AphraBehn]

...windy/raining.