What to wear to a party where the dress code is cocktail? But not a dress.

[Natsku]

Got a work party to go to and the dress code is cocktail and I don't know what to wear. I don't go events with dress codes, not since my year 11 prom anyway!

I don't feel comfortable in dresses so need non-dress ideas and preferably with picture examples because if someone says something like "a nice top" I have no idea what counts as a nice top (and what's not too grandmotherly as my teenager said about one top I looked at with her) so a rough idea of what looks alright would be very helpful before I looking at the shops in the city at the weekend.

How about a jumpsuit?

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/avril-satin-wide-leg-jumpsuit--10023960693.html

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/giorgia-cross-neck-jumpsuit-221635700.html

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-exaggerated-sleeve-wrap-over-top-jumpsuit_bcc13850?colour=black

@24Dogcuddlernailed it on the first comment

esp love the black and purple

Something like this? You can wear trousers to cover your legs if you’re uncomfortable.

www.maskworld.com/english/p/bloody-mary-cocktail-costume--143319?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18441962576&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRvv2HwqzA01eHrZ_ge0ka3ypIyw9i4q61kVzM5ZIpOxFb2vkNd3Ff4aAoIIEALw_wcB

Jumpsuits look nice but I need the toilet far too often to be dealing with one in the loo!

What is it you don’t like about dresses. If you are able to norrow down what you dislike maybe someone can offer some suggestions

Culottes and a top?

Not sure exactly, don't like the breeze up my legs, feels too feminine for me (jeans and t-shirts are my kind of clothes) and possibly the remains of a childhood rebellion against the dresses and skirts I was sometimes forced to wear.

I’d do a suit or trouser co-ord like the attached

those are really not cocktail dress code attire! Half our casual office is dressed like that today.
@Natsku what sort of size / height / body shape are you? Is it a summer event or later in the year?

I'm short and fairly round in the middle, usually wear size 12/14/medium
Its next which is quite autumnal where I am

Something like this from Never Fully Dressed would work, with gold sandals and jewellery. Glam hair and make up if you wear it

https://www.asos.com/prd/208970924?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

This

Half of your office wore suits and claim it’s casual?

Those look like pyjamas

That style of trouser and waistcoat type thing @MyDarlingRose

If you want more jumpsuit these are more luxurious looking fabric types

It’s fashion, darling 😉

Something like these with a bright or jewel coloured silky top could work. Plus jewellery and smart shoes (flats ok but not trainers!). It’s on the casual end for cocktail but works I think if you keep the fabrics luxe.

Something like this?

Or this sort of outfit (plus jewellery)

I love these trousers. Could definitely work

these trousers could be great - I wouldn’t wear with the matching top (PJs) but with a drapey black satin top

What do men wear for cocktail attire?

For a winter black tie do I just bought a men's dinner suit and wore that with some black patent brogues. It was smart, comfortable, warm and quite flattering, especially the cummerbund.

I think (answering my own question) it's meant to be somewhere between smart work wear and black tie. That says to me velvet jacket and dark patterened shirt/top if it's autumn/winter then satin or other evening skirt or trousers.