Cocktail dress?

[herethereandeverywhere]

I've been invited with DH to go to a glitzy TV event/awards evening-type thing. The dress code is "lounge suits and cocktail dresses". Anything I have in my wardrobe from past Xmas parties and the like is too small. I have just shelled out on this:

www.my-wardrobe.com/vivienne-westwood-anglomania/new-drape-salon-print-dress-512718

(which was going to be for my relatively low-key Xmas nights out to wear over skinny jeans).

I have some old but comfy gold heels and clutch or a pair of black Laboutins (classic court style) and little black bag - do you think if I wear these with it it would pass as a "cocktail dress"?

[Amblin]

Link it

[herethereandeverywhere]

sorry! Try this:

www.my-wardrobe.com/vivienne-westwood-anglomania/new-drape-salon-print-dress-512718

[2bayumimum]

I like it, but personally don't think it's a cocktail dress, it more on the smarter side of smart casual....For the same price or even less u can get more cocktail type dresses....

[DeafLeopard]

Agree with 2bay - it is a bit too casual for cocktail dress code.

[herethereandeverywhere]

Pants! Am I going to have to wear some shiny thing that makes me look all pear-shaped? What IS a cocktail dress?

I really don't want to spend money on a dress for a few hours. I'll wear the VW one loads as can dress up or down, chances are will never wear a "cocktail dress" again!

[Curtsey]

That isn't a cocktail dress- I don't think it will look quite right for the event. A cocktail dress doesn't have to be shiny or glitzy...elegant and black would get you plenty of wear again.

[prelim29]

I've linked this in a previous thread but this def sums up 'cocktail dress'
www.toast.co.uk/product/dresses+and+tunics/C1AJ8/TIE+BACK+SHIFT+DRESS.htm?categoryref=%2fcategory.aspx%3fcategoryid%3ddresses%2520and%2520tunics%26seoterm%3ddresses%2520tunics%26&pcat=dresses+and+tunics&adimage=&clr=C1AJ8_black

[notMarlene]

Try Mango, bet you'll find something suitable there for small money.

[notMarlene]

Or maybe hire one if you want something more high end - wish want wear have a good reputation

[ceeveebee]

I got a knee length velvet dress from mango with a sheer panel and sheer sleeves for £23 last week which I wore to our Xmas party, dress code cocktail dresses. I thought it worked well for the occasion!

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

I like your dress, but it isnt a cocktail dress, sorry.

It doesnt have to be shiny or fru fru, the Toast one is nice, but a bit plain.

jenny packham
or this

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

as it is a tv award, it doesnt have to be ankle length btw. Semi formal is what they are asking for imho.

[herethereandeverywhere]

Thanks for the suggestions but they all look like something that someone in their 50s or 60s would wear, except the coloured one which looks like a bridesmaids dress. (I'm 36). I don't want to look so dated or that I've raided the racks and racks of "every Xmas we roll out the same old occasion wear". I could spend more if it's going to get some more run outs but it would have to be something I'd want to be seen in not something worn under sufferance of dress code.

Gah, I know I'm sounding mean and moody - sorry, I should be excited about this. Will have a trawl and see what I come up with.

[notMarlene]

I've no idea of your size, shape, height colouring. So stabs in the dark really, but:

art deco

LBD

This could be quite versatile


this (with these and your gold bag) almost certainly isn't your thing. Love em.

natch

can't go far wrong with a wee red dress

Any of that anything like?

In any case, you really shouldn't be matching shoes and bag. Is dated, ergo aging.

I think your VW job could well work, the quality of the cut and drape makes a wee bit of added glam go a long way. Have you tried it with some of your accessories?

[notMarlene]

much glam, no bling required, add seamed stockings. like this more actually, same deal. Sorry, one last one, also in black.

[herethereandeverywhere]

notMarlene, really like the style of all of those! Thank you I'm 5'3", size 10 on top, verging on 12 on the hips. Good little waist, 32 D boobs (that need a bra due to bf deflation) very saddlebaggy thighs, slightly wobbly tum, chunky arms although this is not terminal. Dirty blonde hair past shoulders (highlights) and brown eyes - suit the natural browns etc in the salon print VW dress but black and navy looks fine too. Red isn't really me.

You are so right about matching shoes and bag, I think it's a comfort thing, I automatically go for it. Love the studded shoes - so me back in the day but not sure if I'm confident enough now.

I had a little surf on the Harvey Nicks website and came up with these:

Too tarty? I secretly love this

Bit shapeless?

too much like office wear?

The black VW one you linked to is the black version of my dress. If I say so myself the salon print looks great on (the pic I linked to doesn't do it justice) and goes fine with the black courts and gold bag - just concerned it didn't look traditionally "cocktail" as confirmed by others upthread.

Got to go to bed now, will pop back tomorrow - thanks for listening!

[notMarlene]

You know I fear you'd risk looking provincial in traditional cocktail without any sort of edge or twist. LOve the black and I bet the blue is stunning IRL. Could you order both and return?

The KG shoes would be fab with the black job (did you see the silver version, possibly subtler. great with the blue). If you love em it'd be worth giving the a shot, you'll only end up wishing you'd made more of the last remnants of youth your 30s

[notMarlene]

But, please don't discount your VW dress. Can you get hold of any photos of previous events?

[DonaAna]

Your VW dress might work for an award thing - people will pick items that maximize visual impact.

I go to a lot of cocktails (next one tonight), they are more conservative than your ceremony but here are the rules:

1. To fit in, wear knee-length black. Many others will too - it's the safe look. The simpler cut, the better.
   
2. Wear a standout color. In the parties I go to, this is often cream, nude, red, cobalt blue or any jewel tone. You can wear something more adventurous to your party if you wish.
   
3. Most people avoid pattern - it can look busy and dodgy in photos.
   
4. Pashminas, cardigans, sequins and ostrich feathers are provincial unless expertly done - better steer clear. Big swarowski crystals on designer dresses are fine, but anything that says office Christmas party is not.
   
5. Pick shoes that you can actually walk and stand in - I've ruined too many parties with shoes that hurt.

[DonaAna]

Of your dress choices, the two first ones would work (I like the blue although I'm not into sequins - it has great clean lines and good visual impact), the last one is a bit dull and unflattering, could look ageing.

I often wear color rather than black for cocktails. Black is fine for blending in but color gets much more attention.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

I agree with donaana The blue sequin one would be my choice for you. Or if you can get into Harvey ??Nichols or Selfridges Victoria Beckham dresses are very nice and I saw some beautifully cut cocktail dresses when I was in a few weeks ago.

Doesnt have to be black - but should be knee length or slightly above not a mini.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

sorry, wasnt finished! The blue one, although short would work - following the boobs or legs rule and I think would be very flattering on you.

The black one with chiffon is nice, but bit shapeless and the last one is just dull imho.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

found this www.harveynichols.com/womens/categories-1/designer-dresses/cocktail/s439758-chandelier-print-satin-dress.html?colour=PEACH

I know you like patterns.

[JaxTellerIsMyFriend]

standard cocktail dress
or this
or DVF

[cathyandclaire]

That blue one is absolutely stunning! Surely you could wear it again it is wearable but also fabulous...
Feeling a bit I want to go to glam TV awards in blue sparkly dress!!!