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.

Even worse credentials than mainstream fast-fashion brands though. (And definitely not cocktail wear, though I don't think you were intending that!)

https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/halara

I'd rather not spend more than 200, though I can if I need to. I'm going to pass on the clothes to DD afterwards who does like to dress up (though if I do get comfy trousers I might still wear them) so they won't go to waste.

I'm pale, with light brown/dark blonde hair and blue eyes. I like bright colours, especially reds, though also wear a lot of darker blacks and blues. Don't like wearing anything white or very pale, I'm pale enough already and prone to getting stains on white clothes!

I only have some fairly plain necklaces and don't have my ears pierced so no earrings. Don't have a bag that would work, have some jackets but they don't fit so well these days.

I'm going to go check in stores on Saturday but if I find nothing good there then I still have time to order. Don't really have any preferred retailers, the vast majority of my clothes I've bought second hand and just go with whatever looks good and fits well whatever brand it is, though I do find Lindex, Next, and H&M usually fit quite well. I did however find one shop (Gina Tricot) that does a size guide based on body shape with several questions to work it out so I'm hopeful that one might be alright for ordering from if I need to order.

I'm 160cm, with my height more in my torso than my legs so short length trousers fit better.

Sleeveless is ok and quite like waistcoats. Prefer flats though low heels are alright. Unfortunately DD has bigger feet than me so can't pass on the shoes but would be good to have something I can wear again for weddings and suchlike.

That cross neck jumpsuit is absolutely beautiful.

https://www.maison123.co.uk/p/loose-and-wide-trousers-prince-656120938.html
wide trousers with a matching top.

I really like this outfit! Good price too, and there's enough going on that you wouldn't have to do too much in the way of jewellery. I started wondering whether I could justify it 😁

For someone who doesn’t usually wear dresses, I think this is the nicest of the suggestions so far. Simple but sophisticated. Easy to ‘glam up’ with gold jewellery (maybe borrowed from your daughter?)

I’d go for a nice co-ord where you can re-wear as separates.

It sounds like comfy if your vibe so (unless it’s a super fancy event) I’d probably go for something like this https://www.next.co.uk/style/su977559/v42838?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7976629562&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UXPc1-gjQzV_Atzd_f41O031&gclid=CjwKCAjws_DTBhB_EiwAXZknGdvTZPJHYcr_IDEKQWfaWMfgYPpxOEutGsy4bUYOnQ6URPSVaattuRoCHwcQAvD_BwE

I do feel like the world has changed though and it’s much more acceptable to show personal style and go for comfort if that’s what suits you

I think it might be my favourite, looks comfy but fancy enough for this kind of party.

Halterneck top, great pair of earrings, plain well-fitting trousers and a nice pair of heels.

This? Just scroll accross for all the different colours.

www.wilsoncarter-london.com/products/genevieve-layered-set

What you need is a top and trousers which look like a jumpsuit so you can go to the loo easily.

Are all dresses off limits? I am not a dress person at all - I find most dresses hideous but the odd nice one exists.

Hi @Soonbbbqweather . What is the sizing like? I’m a bit squidgy in the middle and wondering whether to size up?

@Keepingthingsinteresting They are pretty stretchy. I bought 10's (slim hips and tummy area but 34DD's) and they're fine so if you have a bit of a tummy then maybe size up. There is a pleated panel over the tummy which would be great for disguise. From memory I think they're pretty easy to return so maybe get one of each size and send one back. They are great value and each time I've worn one I've had loads of positive comments. I've worn with trainers, evening sandals, as a posh wedding outfit with a pashmina and dressy sandals/ bag etc. ETA they're great for loo visits as the whole lot just slides down from the shoulders which can be worn on the shoulder or Bardot style!

Feom what ive read and been knocked back as suggestions, a tuxedo style suit would be ideal.

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-viscose-linen-halterneck-woven-top_bkk29388?colour=red.withhttps://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-petite-polished-tailored-bootcut-trouser_bkk28114?colour=ivoryand these?

https:/www.modainpelle.com/sandals-c29/heeled-sandals-c41/mallorie-off-white-porvair-p17098/www.modainpelle.com/sandals-c29/heeled-sandals-c41/prinia-champagne-leather-p15924

Scam website.

🤦🏻‍♀️

This is a bit over your budget if you bought both top & trousers. But the trousers come in petite, & the deep green would look good with your colouring? The trousers are satin & the top silk, but as they're both Reiss they should match well?

I would wear a different belt - I have a vintage 60s gold chain one, & something of that ilk would work well.

https://www.reiss.com/style/sv123890/v95280?utm_content=search&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_search_type=nonbrand&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11403244488&gbraid=0AAAAADy9Enoy6BLJIwARTKqMHcdK8OZPd&gclid=CjwKCAjws_DTBhB_EiwAXZknGaD05kMxhiLmI97t-s6izl8p23-d1Nl8Xx65rJZhaVoPc-78-11dxBoCIEwQAvD_BwE

Thought so, had a look at the info pages and they were very sus, not giving any real information.

That does look good, and that kind of green does tend to suit me. But would need a jacket or something because it might not be warm enough. What could go with that kind of outfit?

You could also wear vintage clip-on earrings? Lots listed as vintage on eBay/Vinted are actually vintage-style - but they should be fairly easy to spot.

These are on Vinted, for instance, & are genuine.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/9547178355-vintage-sphinx-earrings-fully-marked-genuine-vintage-designer-gold-clips

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/9202833131-vintage-ben-amun-hammered-gold-tone-abstract-dangle-clip-on-earrings-signed-statement-jewelry

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/9563751066-vintage-napier-clip-on-earrings-gold-tone-good-condition

Did you say it's next month? If so you won't need anything heavy to wear on top.

Just a simple smart black blazer? This is out of stock in your size, but it may reappear. Or try Whistles/M&S/other brands that do petite (assume you'd need a petite cut on the top as well as bottom?).

https://www.reiss.com/style/su986651/g76531

Or, you could just wear the green silk top with black trousers & jacket? You'd get more wear out of a black suit?

Also in petite, though not in your size right now. TBH that - with the earrings & cuff, would be fine just as it's shown.

https://www.reiss.com/style/su779538/w71093