We've been invited to a ceremony in London in May that calls for "morning dress." The Queen of England is supposed to be present, so it's important to look respectable!

Here is the dress code: "Dress is Morning Dress for gentlemen and day dress with hat for ladies. Gentlemen not in possession of morning dress may wear a lounge suit. Ladies may, if they wish to, not wear a hat."

Apparently Morning Dress for men is very strictly defined. It's basically what Prince William is wearing in photo #1 below. (I think President Obama is wearing a "lounge suit" which just appears to be a term for a normal suit, possibly with waistcoat.) However, it's a lot less clear what it means for women. I figure Kate Middleton is a good person to copy here! This site has some guidelines (and it's where the first 3 pictures come from):
http://funaone.blogspot.com/20.....dding.html
I think basically it's something like dressy dress, not black or sparkly (so, not evening-ish), relatively modest, often with a jacket or coat.

I'm not really sure I have anything in my closet that will work. Most of my formal wear seems to be garden party/wedding or else cocktail/opera/evening type things. I have tried a couple of dresses I own in photos 4-6, along with my black and white jackets. I could wear either jacket with either dress. The shoes HAVE to be the black kitten heels in the photos (the only closed toe comfortable dress shoes I own), and I will wear with nude hose for warmth.

It's in May in London so probably still a bit chilly. The dress in #4 is rather thin and sleeveless. I would probably wear a black bandeau slip underneath for warmth and to cover up a bit of the low neckline, but I'm still concerned it might be a bit cold. The dress in #5 has sleeves at least but I am afraid it may be too casual.

I do not mind shopping but I'd love some suggestions for what to look for! Bonus if it will also work for the afternoon wedding I am attending during the same trip. (On that note, I'd prefer to bring the black jacket (in 4) rather than the white one (5) because I could use it for the wedding as well. I'm still a little leery of wearing a white jacket to a wedding.

Maybe I need a dressy coat????

(And yes, I would LOVE to wear a hat. However, I think I'd have to shop for it IN London once I get there, and I have no idea if I'd find one in time.)