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.

Dress trousers and a blouse.

Sorry, but I think that looks too much like a pair of pyjamas.

This is a bit different and might fit the bill. A cami top or silk shirt would be nice under.

https://www.desigual.com/en_GB/24WWEW521001.html

https://www.marksandspencer.com/satin-draped-detail-top/p/clp61228087?color=DARKSLATE&extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_bau_tier1&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=23464567334&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23459513439&gbraid=0AAAAAD7g6bQ19zUIewh4lYnT7i-WFMkcD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRv9rFiIOeI1qtqDrQlNXrjjQ2TY3DS5QAQfE8QZA9xCuUF1QFJ905UaAt0DEALw_wcB

A tuxedo suit with a silky vest top. A minimalist jumpsuit.

Worn with chunky silver earrings and some wide leg trousers.

m&s silky top

Worn with silky trousers and a clutch - similar to the image

Those trousers look really comfy, I like that!

I need to buy shoes too as the only non-trainers I have are comfy leather walking ones which I guess aren't ok

And if I get bored I could just read my sleeves

Wilson and Carter is a scam tat drop shipping site.

these could work for shoes - dressy enough without being heels (I assume you don’t want heels but may be wrong??) and cheap so if you never wear them again it doesn’t matter! Also closed toe so you don’t have to consider nails etc.

if you are happy to wear heels, spend more and/or sort nails then there are lots more options

I know OP said no jumpsuit but these are definitely the best of anything posted and really fit the bill IMO

What time of year is the event (sorry if I missed it). I’ve worn velvet wide leg trousers with a silk top and beaded jacket. Silky off shoulder jumpsuit (pull on with no zips so easy for the bathroom) with sparkly sandals and bag. Wide leg trousers with silky top and crocheted sequinned cardigan. Have found stuff on Wallis, Next, Monsoon, John Lewis etc. it rolls from one season to another and just never seems to date.

This is a great jumpsuit that’s flattering and stretchy so you just pull it up and down when you need the loo. It’s easy to dress up or down so can be used for a cocktail party or a night down the pub.

www.roman.co.uk/cowl-neck-bardot-jumpsuit-14111508

I googled this. Ok to wear trousers apparently. But they should be silky or satiny material for a more dressed up look. And fuller ones. That sounds about right to me.

I immediately thought of this co ord set
https://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/optic-swirl-wrap-front-trouser-red

I would wear a pair of smart black trousers, maybe wide legged as PP suggested along with a velvet top to make a classy evening wear outfit. Something like this Reiss Velvet Off-Shoulder Top https://www.reiss.com/style/su762988/w61534?utm_content=search&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_search_type=nonbrand&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=11403243063&gbraid=0AAAAADy9EnrlPDwapsagOiTVzWm9TlHHR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRuTBGURd1Ym4conq8rlL9YjdmamJbzMBWq-JrP62oQvqSGCeiwM9ikaAi1qEALw_wcB

I would pick a colour that suited me for the top that was distinct from the black so plum, red or something like that. If it is colder then I'd add a wrap in a coordinating colour and then accessories such as a matching handbag colour and nice chunky earrings

Hope it is a nice event OP!

What is your budget, @Natsku ? For the clothes & for the footwear?

And if you're a jeans-&-T-shirts kind of person, are you hoping to be able to wear everything you've bought again, by integrating it with your existing wardrobe?

What's your colouring (hair/skin/eyes), & what colours do you like &/or suit? And what colours are in your existing wardrobe?

Do you have jewellery/an evening bag/a jacket (if it's possibly autumnal) that will work?

And I presume you want to go try things on in-store rather than order online? Do you have any favourite clothes retailers, not just style-wise but also where you know they generally fit you quite well?

Not sure if you specified your height rather than just "short" - do you usually need to buy from petite clothing ranges?

i have two of these in black and navy - flattering shape and can dress up with sparky accessories and down with trainers. Can wear off or on the shoulder and goes in the washing machine!

I like these a lot too - although Baukjen does tend to be cut for taller women?

The plus side of satin trousers like these - or even just wide-legged satin ones - is that they're not too far removed from what the OP wears usually. And they could fit in with her existing wardrobe. The top she pairs with them doesn't even need to be super-fancy, if she wears some dramatic jewellery (which doesn't have to be expensive - there's an abundance on Vinted).

I forgot to ask, @Natsku - are you fine with sleeveless tops? Would you wear a waistcoat? Would you wear heels or would you prefer flats, if you're usually in trainers (& want something that you'd wear again)?

I love the tux waistcoat style with loose elegant trousers

If the OP finds dresses too feminine & out of her comfort zone, I'm not sure that these are any better? They're very wedding guest-y to me (I also dislike them all - the second & third especially, but that's just personal taste!).

Also, if the OP is short with weight around her middle, the shape will not suit.

Gorgeous jumpsuits.

Look at Halara jumpsuits, they open up so you can have a wee without stripping to the waist!