Realistic fashion advice

Thanks DannieRae, that's an idea.,
They used to put a leaflet in with magazines, haven't seen one for ages.

If there's time

Have you tried Kaleidoscope Jalima? They do some lovely smart dresses and are not too expensive.

Cagsy A bit late in the discussion I know but U-tube do a good tutorial on how to tie big scarves for maximum effect a few practices and you are good to go.
Also ladies who don't do dresses Box2 have some beautiful wider trousers and matching tops/floaty jackets ideal for day time parties/ lunches.

I need a dress for a special occasion, smart but not wedding-type, but I think I've given up the search now.

I couldn't afford to shop at East for day to day items but would really think of looking their for weddings, etc.

In my mind the words fashion and realistic don't really go together. Perhaps a fraction closer than fashion and practical, but that's all. Style is an altogether different fish and can be whatever one makes it, in my case always comfortable, always suitable for my purposes, not caring one jot whether it's fashionable. If I like a fashion and it fits the comfort and practicality requirements, I'll wear it. Otherwise Elsewise (gotta use it once, just to get the feel ?), nah.

I do like the coats very much; what I'd really like is a short kimono style jacket.
When I looked at the East website they were out of stock of all sizes of any of the dresses I liked - apparently they could trawl the country to find one.

It is a bit worrying that they are out of stock online of so much, I do hope they're not going the same way as CC.

Chewbacca don't get me started on linen trousers! There are plenty of baggy ones, tie waist etc but none with zips/straight leg in a more tailored style for 'best'. As for lengths and sizing someone in the ordering department needs to buy a tape measure.

Maw the coats look great. Attractive, comfortable and useful after the wedding.

I've just been to M&S tonight specifically to buy some linen trousers. I tried on 3 pairs; all the same size and same leg length. First pair were a good fit but would have had to have had at least 3" taken off the length. 2nd pair were a good fit but ended above my ankles. 3rd pair were the right length but I couldn’t fasten them up, they were so tight. Grrrrr!

East's Marissa Gudri coat this season

My wedding coat from EAST was called a Tamna Gudri coat. I see they have a slightly different Gudri coat this season. Worth a look if you like this type of thing. Mine was shades of blue with a rich wine-coloured lining which showed when I turned the cuffs back.

My home wear trousers are the wide leg black pull on trousers. I have seveal and wear them everyday in the house. Some have faint pin stripe. I never buy those with a stitched crease down the front. I think they are really ageing.
I suppose I could try jeggings but I'm tall and the wide leg suit me and are so comfortable and easily washable.
If the leg is too wide I sew the side seams in a bit.
Good to hear that M&S will continue exporting, maybe when we have a soft Brexit everything will go on as before.

But I'll stop there I don't want to get back into politics!

Wow Kitty Kettlewell is great and I love the choice by colour season. I haven't got any further yet.

I agree with Cagsy. I also found the advice about jeggings really useful - love them. I am sure we all have our own style and will adapt a suggestion to suit. Someone (I think it was on GN) recently suggested an edge to edge kimono jacket in a light weight fabric for people who like their arms covered. That's one I need to explore.

I think that offering advice from experience is one of the things GN is really good.

I've just seen the neutral ones (not in the shop) so I may order those as well.

www.marksandspencer.com/belted-chinos/p/p22503190?image=SD_01_T57_6983U_NU_X_EC_90&color=NEUTRAL&prevPage=plp
It says 'tapered leg' but they are more straight imo.

I am sure that M&S clothes will still be available after Brexit, they are in Australia and Next has an Australian site too.

The Per Una chinos are quite nice and very comfy MargaretX but would be too hot if the weather warms up (no sign of it here unfortunately).

could that be my problem? Excess water? my medication does cause odoema apparently.
It is always difficult to know what to wear in hospital, not great to wear nightwear all day. I opted for leggings and a t shirt.

After losing 22lb in water in hospital, I am now looking skinny! Sexy ankles now!

More weight has come off since coming home and I intend to keep on when I get home after surgery but I do wear kaftans and I ordered one while I was in hospital and I got some lovely comments on it. It is reds and oranges with palm trees on it, beautiful, and the patients said it reminded them of holidays and cheered them up. Very comfortable too in a hot hospital ward. X

After a long time I ordered a summer top from M&S from the Classic range. Within and hour of it arriving I wore it to go out with a friend and its really pretty, suits me, its light for summer and with 3/4 sleeve.
I live abroad and hope that M&S will continue to trade with the EU after Brexit.

I can't wear the tight fitting jeans. I have a dry skin and the feel of that tight cotton irritates my skin. I shall have to keep with the straight leg cut and anyhow the tight ones have been going so long so that when their grans start wearing them the young will soon want something else.

Biting at the bit to buy some lovely Moshulu sandals but still not found the top half yet

I think I've mentioned this before but all those who struggle with scarves try Moira C.
They are elegant and have a small magnetic fastening that allows scarf to be worn in several ways
It makes wearing a scarf so easy

devongirl most of these shoes and some of the sandals have removable insoles:
www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/?gclid=COvjyO7trtQCFUG4GwodTHgA1A
Other makes must be available such as Dr Comfort but some DB shoes are less 'clumpy' than some makes.

As for trainers, I had to buy a German make (Meindl) and they are rather hard work to wear at the moment! They are supposed to be very supportive.

devongirl I am having to wear them too but, as they have been prescribed and made by the podiatrist (increasingly higher) I found it better to buy wider/deeper shoes with removable insoles and use the orthopaedic insoles in them.

I haven't seen any trainers with such a support built in, but was recommended to wear trainers with the orthopaedic insoles because they are more supportive. They won't fit in all trainers either as they take up too much room.
OK with trousers and not on a hot day!

activerelaxer - thanks for that. I didn't realise.

Maw - your wedding outfits sound beautiful.
Jalima - I had a day like you today. I'm sure the mirror in the Dorothy Perkins changing room hated me. Didn't buy anything.

Re scarves, I have a drawerful but rarely wear them. They always look great on other people but definitely not on me. They make me feel like a bag lady.