What to Wear to the Palace

Hi B If I were you I would just wear something comfortable and just be yourself and enjoy the day

We could have our own Grans' Honours List:
Any suggestions?
I was thinking along the lines of variations on:
CMG = Call me God
KCMG = Kindly Call Me God
and GCMG= God Calls Me God
so maybe
CMG - Call on Mum/ Granny
KCMG- Knitting/Cooking Marvel Granny
GCMG - Granny Carer for Mums and Grandchildren

But I am sure you will all have much more inventive suggestions

Interesting point, anno! I have been to a garden party in my own right, that's all.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I feel much better now for all the friendly support. Off to try a few websites!!

Quite a number of our grans have had this dilemma, Greatnan. Haven't any of you had it in your own right?

I love the title of this thread - it makes it sound as though this is a common dilemma!
I am sure you will find exactly the right outfit and have a lovely day, Barbara.

I think you are right there, harri. I felt just right in plain, simple colours - black dress, coral short sleeved jacket etc.

The information sent out for the investiture only suggests what recipient should wear. For DH's investiture I wore a black Basler suit with a fuschia silk bouse and carried a fuschia handbag, I also wore a fuschia and black hat. DD wore an Armani suit in dark grey with a silver silk blouse but she did not wear a hat. Nobody wore anything too fussy, ladies seemed to settle for elegant and understated.

We were invited to a garden party at the palace last year. I booked myself a free appointment with a personal shopper at John Lewis and it was brilliant! She provided so many things for me to try, based on the info I had sent beforehand. She got me looking at all sorts of things that I wouldn't have considered and the outfit I eventually bought made me feel like a million dollars (but it was not expensive, honest!)

I had never tried a personal shopper before, but it was perfect for me. Life here is lived in jeans, jumpers and wellies, so if I had tried to do posh on my own I would have ended up looking frumpy, I'm sure.

I told her I 'couldn't do hats' as I'm only 5'2". John Lewis have a 'hat consultant' and she proved me totally wrong. I learnt a lot.

You will have a very special time - enjoy every moment of it.

Go as yourself. Wear something you enjoy and feel comfortable in (not jeans, naturally , then you'll look and feel confident and happy.
Top tip - Don't over-do it.

But, as ever, there was still a queue for the loo!!

I wore a dress and jacket with a hat for an investiture. Most women seemed to wear hats but I don't think you have to if you don't like them. Think of it as a posh wedding and you won't go far wrong.

Enjoy the day. Don't forget to go to the loo so you can use the original Victorian toilets with the pull up handles lol. There are some stairs so if you're unsteady I'd get in touch with them to see if there is a lift.

Don't forget to wave to the tourists who assume you must be famous if you're going into Buck House and video you lol.

its always pearls or diamond isn't it, with 'er maj

A blue frock and pearls, I think..

Come on then ariadne what did the queen wear?

No, Jess it was Theseus' OBE.

Box 2

BarbaraAbbs, if you like long, less structured things that are still well made try Sahara...they have a web site

That was a garden party ariadne? I am thinking this is an indoor award ceremony?

I did go for A HAT! With a smart dress and matching jacket, but as I am 5ft 3ins that is not a lot of help to you, Barbara! Said dress, by the way, is the only one I own. I know another GNetter wore trousers, so either is acceptable.

It was July and very, very hot, but an interesting experience, to say the least.

We'd love to see a picture gracesmum but I suspect we'll have a long wait. I seem to remember V Westwood wore a full skirted creation and then treated the press, outside, to a twirl and a half - look! no knickers guys!
I agree re the outfit. I assume men will wear lounge suits. So smart separates. No need to go for a mother of the bride look. Could do non tailored trousers (drapey) if the right top. Or a floor length dress with a jacket. Business wear. Bit of jewellery (pearls?) or a scarf to brighten up and make a more dressy look.
Do you have such stuff in your wardrobe? If so, no need for new, as it is not you getting the gong (this time). Unless you want to.
Have a look at a photo of the queen doing her presenting at one of these events. Guess indoors she would wear no hat, tailored dress.
Do not, repeat do not, try to out do her.
Is it soon?

Seriously........................................I would imagine smart dark trousers and a jacket (not to match - too suit-like) would be perfectly acceptable. You do not need to wear a hat (or indeed a crown)
For my father's investiture in 1982 I wore a Thomson tartan (grey, red, black and white) kilt and a black velvet blazer with a white pie frill blouse. There is no need to emulate my 80's rig-out, but I felt I looked the cat's proverbial pyjamas!!![sile]

Click on the link and scroll down to the Union Jack; lots of websites to browse. Hope you find something special.
www.tallwomen.org/clothes/

I think jeans and a tee shirt will be fine BarbaraAbbs

I imagine they send out a dress code with the invitation. Have a great time.