Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Thames boat trip, what to wear, help please.

(58 Posts)
LovingThisStage Wed 14-Sept-22 00:25:20

I need urgent help with what to wear, please! I've lost my shape & sense of style along with it! Size 16 and very curvy.

DH has a company 'Summer Event'' - a thames cruise and
then lunch at a restaurant.

Trouble is, it's no longer very summery, but not cold yet either. Also, the invitation makes no mention of a dress code.

Any ideas, please?

MawtheMerrier Wed 14-Sept-22 19:21:36

M0nica

Caleo was not sending up the OP.

She was merely introducing a note of frivolity to the thread. The picture she engendered was the cover illustration of many a Mills & Boon book or women's magazine story in the 1950s and 60s.

I am sure the OP will enjoy the frivolity of the lovely event she is going on, as for worrying about her size. Has she looked around her at people of all ages in the streets and supermarkets? Size 16 should be defined as slim.

Quote Caleo Wed 14-Sep-22 10:21:22
Take Hyacinth Bucket as your model

If that’s not “sending up”, what is?
Oh the wide brimmed hat and stilettos

A genuine question deserves a genuine answer, .

M0nica Wed 14-Sept-22 18:08:43

Caleo was not sending up the OP.

She was merely introducing a note of frivolity to the thread. The picture she engendered was the cover illustration of many a Mills & Boon book or women's magazine story in the 1950s and 60s.

I am sure the OP will enjoy the frivolity of the lovely event she is going on, as for worrying about her size. Has she looked around her at people of all ages in the streets and supermarkets? Size 16 should be defined as slim.

Norah Wed 14-Sept-22 12:58:43

First, don't think about your size. We come in all sizes, I'm sure you're lovely. Trousers, nice top, jacket or jumper, cute flat shoes - sorted.

I carry a very thin, hooded, black slicker for these occasions. Neatly folded into a small zip bag, inside my handbag.

Amazon "Lightweight rain jacket for women"

Philippa111 Wed 14-Sept-22 12:48:34

Yes, Seasalt or Boden. Both make things that have the ability to look elegant enough in that kind of setting and casual enough in a casual setting. I'd go for a dress and M&S Heatgen thermals underneath. They look like fine leggings , so quite refined but cosy. I'd go for a straight cut style y and nothing with a pronounced waist. Something like this? www.seasaltcornwall.com/cresting-waves-sleeveless-linen-dress
And something warm on top and a smart pashmina. No heels.
Have a lovely time... just be yourself!

HeavenLeigh Wed 14-Sept-22 12:40:47

No way would I wear stilettos, or a brimmed hat! I’ve been on a river cruise , it was all enclosed , when we went most of the ladies were wearing smart trousers and tops a few with shawls,

MerylStreep Wed 14-Sept-22 12:40:06

If you want to go the whole nautical theme I have a Pea Jacket and a Guernsey you could borrow. And of course the deck shoes ?

Chrissyoh Wed 14-Sept-22 12:30:38

Caleo

A light fluttering scarf to blow across the gentleman's face would be a nice flirtatious note

??

Davida1968 Wed 14-Sept-22 12:04:20

Comfortable flat shoes! A nice cardi AND a shawl...

NotSpaghetti Wed 14-Sept-22 11:58:21

Caleo

Stiletto heels and a broad brimmed hat.

grin

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 14-Sept-22 11:46:50

Remember it’s breezy on the river. A fullish skirt could be more revealing than intended. ?

BlueSapphire Wed 14-Sept-22 11:21:39

I like that dress too, but would have to get it shortened as I'm 5ft nothing!

Dickens Wed 14-Sept-22 11:18:22

Germanshepherdsmum

Stilettos on a moving boat???

Quite!

Stilettos on the wooden decking are ruinous, though we didn't ban them on our boats but, more importantly, they are a liability for the wearer.

None of the crew wore ties either - in an emergency they can also be dangerous.

I agree with you - a trouser suit and warm 'top' of some kind or other... dressy and practical at the same time.

Blossoming Wed 14-Sept-22 11:05:21

MawtheMerrier

Are you just taking the proverbial Caleo ?
I believe.OP is asking a genuine question and to make fun of her is out of order.

I agree, it’s nasty.

M0nica Wed 14-Sept-22 10:58:06

High heels are a no-no on any boat. Even on the Thames an inconsiderate small boat going past at speed and causing a wash can momentarily rock even quite a big Thames passenger boat and make it unsteady.

Boats also have wooden floors and high narrow heels are a curse. They pit and damage the deck.

Currently there is absolutely no excuse for wearing heels on a boat. Whether you wear pretty flatties or fashionable trainers, you will be dressed absolutely appropriately.

MawtheMerrier Wed 14-Sept-22 10:41:04

Are you just taking the proverbial Caleo ?
I believe.OP is asking a genuine question and to make fun of her is out of order.

Caleo Wed 14-Sept-22 10:35:09

A light fluttering scarf to blow across the gentleman's face would be a nice flirtatious note

MawtheMerrier Wed 14-Sept-22 10:33:03

Caleo

Stiletto heels and a broad brimmed hat.

Can’t agree with the big hat! (Or indeed stilettos!)
Did you see Nicola Sturgeon hanging on to her hat at Turnhouse yesterday?
I think you would look massively overdressed - who wears a big hat to lunch, anyway.
I might take a hint from the restaurant you are eating at- is it grand? Traditional?? Trendy? Middle of the road?
Think of what you would wear to that, then adapt for a breezy boat. And it will be breezy on the river!
A wrap or cashmere poncho with smart trousers and jacket or top would be my go to, but I know I tend to underdress rather than risk looking like Hyacinth!..

Esmay Wed 14-Sept-22 10:29:59

I agree with Dickens :

I also would wear a loose top and trousers with a warm jacket / jumper -layers that you can adapt .

I'd avoid heels - flats are best .

I'd be tempted with a waterproof mac . I once was soaked queuing to get on the boat .

I've been on lots of river cruises . It can be chilly .
There is no dress code .
You aren't big at a size 16 !

Just enjoy it !

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 14-Sept-22 10:23:58

Stilettos on a moving boat???

Caleo Wed 14-Sept-22 10:21:22

Take Hyacinth Bucket as your model.

Caleo Wed 14-Sept-22 10:20:47

Stiletto heels and a broad brimmed hat.

Germanshepherdsmum Wed 14-Sept-22 10:07:10

My choice would be a trouser suit with a nice top and flattish shoes.

BigBertha1 Wed 14-Sept-22 09:59:19

SEASALT have all their things in a 16 which is not that big its average. Stretchy jersey dresses that are a nice thick jersey but stylish if you accessorise with some nice beads and maybe a chunky cardigan/coat.

Dickens Wed 14-Sept-22 09:55:55

Riverwalk

A river cruise and lunch is unlikely to have a dress code so don't worry about that. The forecast for the next two weeks isn't great, so variable making it difficult to know what to wear for anything.

Have a look at this Boden jersey dress - ignore the tall skinny model(!) they go up to size 22. Comes in different colours

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/long-sleeve-jersey-midi-dress-french-navy-botanic-bud/sty-d0311-nvy?cat=C1_S2_G4

I like that dress!

Riverwalk Wed 14-Sept-22 09:41:17

I live on the Thames, not literally, and these cruisers often go by and I've been on a few.

They are almost entirely enclosed with little open deck space, so you shouldn't get chilly when on board.