I’ve been invited to a luncheon at the house of a graduate of my prep school. Googled her property it’s got a horse ring and several horses. I usually feel reasonably comfortable about what to wear, but for some reason this time nothing it the closet seems quite right.
This type of thing is often what prompts me to go shopping. 
Are you looking for general advice, or links to possible clothing?
Can you tell us a bit more about the event? Is it a large or small group? A cozy group of old friends getting together for lunch, or a large charity event?
Also, could you give us a few examples of outfits you are trying to choose between?
(It’s funny, but of all the posters on this site, you are probably the poster for whom I have the most clear mental image for some reason! It could be totally wrong, but for some reason I picture you looking like the mystery writer Louise Penny. Is that an accurate image? If so, I’d say anything you have will look great!)
^^^ Funny how we develop these mental images of other posters - now THERE’S an interesting thread idea!!! 
I also wondered what part of the country weather wise. Are you open to skirts/dresses or do you only do pants???
I “know” mathmom 
, and she has a great figure so can wear anything!
As a “lady who lunches” I would wear a nice pair of black pants ( trousers/ponte pants) or nice jeans w pretty shirt/sweater and nice boots or flats. If it is a charity luncheon I’d stick with black pants.
I’d like to look as good as Louise Penny! Looking at her makes me think maybe the first thing I should do is get a haircut. (It’s fairly long and perpetually pulled back into a pony tail or chignon or in a clip.) I have no idea how big the group will be. I’m guessing anywhere from 12 to 50. We are talking about NYC suburbs, but Greenwich is upper crust. Weather with any luck will be crisp and fall-like.I would guess there will be a fair number of older women who know the hostess, but I think anyone who volunteers for the school and is in the area is invited. But given that it’s lunch I’m guessing the crowd will trend older, I can go because I run my own business. Anyway I’m 5’-6", currently weigh 145 or so pounds, small boned. Very pale, used to have freckles. Hair is graying, but usually colored a reddish brown Won’t wear heels, despise buying shoes, which often makes pants a better choice. My better pants have gotten paint on them from some job site. I usually wear jeans or chinos with scoop or v-necked t-shirt and dress it up with a blazer. Have lots of arty jewelry and earrings, but don’t swoon around in arty shawls and flowy materials though I like them on other people.
I dress like this a lot but I think this is too casual: http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/television/201202/23/01-4499138-les-romans-de-louise-penny-seront-adaptes-au-petit-ecran.php
I agree with emilybee, but would add that you might use the opportunity to wear some of your better, or more interesting, jewelry, if you have some and enjoy wearing it. Nice jeans and a simple but elegant blouse or sweater with a “statement” necklace, bracelet or earrings would be typical from my group of “ladies who lunch.” Another option would be a pretty scarf, especially in cooler weather. (How’s your weather?)
Any particular black pants recommendations? I never seem to like what I buy except for the NYDJeans which fit perfectly.
I immediately think of anything Ralph Lauren!!! He’s big on “preppy horse back riding styles”…yeah, eb’s description of what to wear is probably what I would also choose…do you have nice boots to tuck your pants in? Do you wear or like that look? Definitely a solid Fall looking shirt or blouse with pretty jewelry.
If you like NYDJ…
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nydj-billie-stretch-twill-mini-bootcutpants-regular-petite/4107704
And a ponte version:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nydj-michelle-stretch-ponte-trousers-regular-petite/4027717
I also have some very pretty but casual long sleeved dresses that I wear with tights and boots. And pretty jewelry.
For black pants I like Theory.
“I immediately think of anything Ralph Lauren!!! He’s big on “preppy horse back riding styles”.”
chcocchipcookie nailed it! I checked Nordstrom - not too many current complete “looks” are offered… Will keep checking!
Mathmom, your link in post #6 is incorrect - I was curious what style of dress you liked!
If I wasn’t sure of the crowd, I would probably lean towards the black ponte option rather than jeans. I personally would feel awkward to wear jeans if I wasn’t certain that someone else would also be wearing that.
The ladies who lunch in back country Greenwich will not be wearing jeans, but I think the Nordstrom suggestion is a brilliant one. I never shop there, but I think they will be able to help. Nordstrom’s is about 15-20 minutes from Greenwich.
Dress with tall boots (too much shopping involved) or black pants with cardigan or blazer over button-down shirt. Still a bit of shopping…but could wear own shoes.
The notion of dressing differently to go to a luncheon because there are horses present is intriguing.
Let’s say I am a house husband who (wrangled ;)) ) an invite, somehow. Should I go Western, with the big rodeo belt buckle, or English, with the little helmet that makes you look like a British Dragoon?
mathmom:
Do you have a crisp white long sleeve shirt? Pair that with nice pants, nice boots and pretty statement jewelry. I agree with cardigan or blazer.
If it was me, I would consider wearing an Athleta type dress (solid) with black tights and black booties with a very slight heel. So put together, but not fancy.
Is it a charity luncheon? It doesn’t seem like just a group of friends getting together. If it is a mixed group of old and new money and older and younger women, I would not wear jeans. You could always go with the black point pants, dressy ballet flats, (satin or patent), and a long, soft top. Your complexion sounds like the browns and creams may work better for you.