Hi ,

My OH is taking me to the Beating Retreat in London in June and has said it's smart wear - he's wearing a suit! I've no idea how smart it should be and was hoping someone on here could give me a clue! :) Ladies suit , or just top/trousers sort of thing etc

We're then going on to the D-Day trip in Normandy so need other smart and casual smart outfits for the ceremonies but have no idea what's appropriate here either!! ( flippin useless )

Am a complete novice on this sort of thing , so any help very very gratefully recieved!!!

kate x

Don't know if it helps you but OH is on local Boro council and I have been to various 'Civil Functions' with him including one when Charles and Camilla were guests. I NEVER wear a skirt but have a couple of 'trousers and matching/toning jackets' that I wear and they seem to blend in fairly well with everyone else. You always get a couple of overdone 'posh frock, killer heels and ascot hats' but they seem out of place for that sort of event, plus I would guess that I am far more comfortable than them.
Chris
edited to add Normandy will prob be quite a lot of standing/walking so pick footwear with caution :-)

Can I suggest whatever you wear take a comfortable pair of flatties in your bag cause what you are doing sounds heavy on the feet!!!
My mum was Mayoress and she had some lovely skirt suits with a long jacket, then she could add a pair of trousers to that long jacket for a different look.
Example she had a red skirt suit with a blue and gold trim, she would then wear the jacket with a navy trouser and a gold trimmed top.
Me Im a trouser suit type and then change tops to move onto the next trip and always carry a spare pair of shoes and a roll on deoderant in case its really hot!!

Thank you both - trousers , top and jacket it is!

Must remember the flat shoes and deodorant , otherwise i'll be the hobbling smelly one!! :)

Im having a panic I have won a competition to have lunch with Kevin McCloud from Grand Designs on Saturday. Ive just spent out on new shoes have the clothes but what if it rains, I cant go in my trusty wax cotton jacket or just an umberella and get splashed.
They could not fit in liposuction so Im going as is, I would say warts and all but I haven't got any of those.

Congratulations whistler :)  OH is a big fan of GS - I like the start and end, no patience for the in between stuff.

Any chance you could get a taxi door to door to save weather worries? (I appreciate may not be practical for costs, distance or even access).

Failing all of that, could you wear something more weather-proof to the venue, arrive early enough to have a change and 'fluff up' and then hey presto, it's down to the serious business of fluttering lashes and pouting lips over the appetisers ;)

Teri Im 54 on Thursday Im taking young Helen with me to do the pouting!!!

Ach, 54 is just a number - you pout for all it's worth hun (he aint no spring chicken anyway LOL)

> Teri Im 54 on Thursday

p-sha! (snorts laughingly) tis the new black don't cha know- look at Kim Cattrall! (and happy birthday :))

have a lovely time. perhaps some manner of large warm shawl depending on what else your wearing? my sis just got a gorgeous one for her MIL from debenhams and they dress up or down very nicely and are cozy!

Ive got a beautiful pair of trouser's in brown with a pale blue stripe sounds naff but its nice a blouse with autumn colours brown, khaki, autumn leaves colour orange with a brown velvet waterfall jacket. Shoes in a deep deep red. It looks v. nice I must say. But Im very dark haired (still) with only two or three grey hairs quite short with v. little to no make up as I chew lipstick off. But Im at the beauticians tomorrow to have my brows and lashes dyed (dark brown to old for black). Now if I could have lost three or four stone I'd be happy but Im working on it.
Keep your finger crossed I dont drop something down my front, I already know I will waffle lets hope he's as nice as he looks!!

sounds like a lovely outfit! have great fun :)