What to wear to a wedding 'evening do' when you are normally a scruffy !!!!!!???

londonsurrey

BTW I'm normally a scruffy too. It's amazing what swapping my normal leggings and jumper for a simple piece of material does in people's perceptions. People can be so shallow! But apparently, it's polite to do so for weddings, etc, and that's that.

Pennylane

You are really lucky to be petite so you should be able to pick up a bargain too! Do you have a Fenn Wright Mason shop near you - they're often in larger dept. stores.

Last year I treated myself to 3 items from there - a pair of khaki linen trousers, a lime green linen top and an animal print cotton top. Each was around £80 which is more than I'd usually spend but they have been worn and worn and I mix and match them and they have been worth every penny. They have great bargains in their reductions.

I'd go for some linen trousers, a nice tunic top and a beautiful scarf, pashmina or some funky jewellery. You'll wear all that again & again.

Horace

Another vote for Fenn Wright & Manson here - their clothes are easy to wear and don't seem to date. I have items in my wardrobe that are quite a few years' old and yet I wear them all the time.

Last night I was out and wore dark jeans (M&S) teamed with a Fenn Wright & Manson t-shirt and a Fenn Wright & Manson jacket that I picked up in a sale.

I must admit that I am funny when it comes to clothes and if the item doesnt feel right when I try it on then it doesnt get bought. I have also found that if I like the look of something when it is on the hanger then it never looks right on but if it looks like nothing on the hanger when I try it on it usually looks like the dog's doo dahs and makes me feel great.

Fenn Wright & Manson also have the most divine vest tops which come in a multitude of colours which can be dressed up or down - I wear them with jeans and with smart skirts and trousers. Their sales people also seem to be very honest and will tell you if the item looks right on you or not plus they do offer a free tailoring service if you want the shoulders changed or an item taking up.

Pennylane

I second what you say about their sales staff Horace:) A really nice woman served me and I actually picked the trousers and animal print top because she was wearing them and they looked so nice. Even though she was a different shape to me they looked quite good on me and then she said "the green linen top is actually too big for you, let's go down a size."

OMG I loved that woman then and she was right!!:j The smaller size looked much better. I apologised for taking so long to make up my mind (because other people were waiting) and she just said "it's important that you go away with what you really want and anyway I just love this part of my job."

Emuchops

Thanks to all for your replies. I have managed to get a nicely cut pair of smart black trousers and a beaded/embellished, lined, grey vest top with a floaty, 'V' shaped bottom, both from charity shops for total of £7.80-the gods must've been smiling upon me!. Think I'll finish it off with a sparkly black pashmina as it may be a bit cold for no sleeves.
Does anyone know where I can buy a nice one?