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.

You also said you liked red - this satin top from Hush would go well with a tux?

https://www.hush-uk.com/satin-bubble-hem-top-fiery-red/014117-1042.html

Thanks, lots of great ideas!

https://mayfairandfinch.co.uk/products/elegant-linen-style-waistcoat-and-wide-leg-trouser-two-piece-set?currency=GBP&country=GB&variant=54881420640585&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=fc473f5606f8&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23752456027&gbraid=0AAAABC6FSvtPo19psfOfTP9KX1co2ZU6V&gclid=CjwKCAjws_DTBhB_EiwAXZknGRLlrfN7SqbKsyDYY7jWs7_jPxceChvgUtQ9ZnVhIydK_Vmw7LZchRoCI2sQAvD_BwE

I have something similar to this and I love it.

Satin trousers and top

I agree, some of the others look far too casual but this one looks great. It’s classy and looks comfortable

Mayfair and Finch is yet another scam drop shipping site selling tat which has to be returned to China. That outfit is also available on Ali Express

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012093425254.html

All these scam sites are one of the reasons I much prefer to shop in physical shops!

There are 1000s of perfectly genuine online only, or limited shop front and largely online, retailers many of which sell more interesting clothes than high street shops.

It isn't difficult to spot these scam sites. The "Mayfair and Finch" site is a field of red flags.

Charity shops are great for evening bags.

Worth knowing! Mine is actually from mango but I couldn't find a link to it (I bought it 18 months ago).

I was looking at this site thinking it looks lovely but low prices ... Now I know why!

I thought they were PJ's! 😂

Any of these?

Wide leg trousers and a top like these?

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/striped-linen-blend-wideleg-trousers-l05060671?pelement=62502021

Noted.

Indeed. Once you've seen one, you can spot others so easily. They even tend to use the same layout, typeface etc ... and the stock photos of the smiley couple that own it & similar nonsense.

It also takes almost zero effort to check. I just type in "Is X & Y website legit?" - & that's enough for a detailed AI review to tell me what I need to know. Nowadays I just use it to confirm what I'm pretty certain of already.

There is a whole section of occasionwear jumpsuits at very varying prices on the John Lewis (and many other websites) eg:

https://www.johnlewis.com/yumi-sequin-wrap-jumpsuit/p114310572?size=8&tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappiosbmV0LndoYXRzYXBwLldoYXRzQXBwLlNoYXJlRXh0ZW5zaW9u

For a cocktail party (or any formal event), grooming and accessorising can be as important as the outfit. A jumpsuit or co-ord that can be casual worn with trainers and minimal grooming can look very dressy worn with smarter shoes, an evening bag, jewellery and more formal hair and make up.

We sometimes go on cruises and I often wear an outfit that I have 'dressed up' for evening events and then wear the next day, toned down for shore visits.

And it's not true that it's hard to wee in a jumpsuit. Only ones that fasten at the back are difficult. Anything that pulls on or has front fastenings is very straightforward.

Agree that lots of outfits can easily be dressed up or down easily. It doesn't sound as if the OP has that kind of wardrobe though. And nothing much in the way of suitable accessories/footwear. Plus I think from her comments she'd like something that she/her daughter will rewear if possible.

I don't generally need to pee a lot (despite my water intake!) - but I still can't be arsed with jumpsuits & would much rather wear separates! Plus with coords it's easy to create the look of a jumpsuit, like the green Reiss outfit above.

@Natsku - another satin top & trouser set that I think would work. Not those shoes though - something like silver mules & silver clip-on earrings? A necklace would detract from the fastening detail IMO. These M&S mules are out-of-stock but you might find on Vinted or something similar elsewhere.

https://aligne.co/products/saffron-knot-tie-shirt-navy

Oh, I love this, so elegant

Looks like satin pyjamas to me.

I fail to understand why you cannot wear a dress. I do not want you to take this the wrong way and in advance, I am sorry if I may cause you any offence but are you Lesbian? That would explain it completely, but what other reason would you not want to wear a dress?

I'm straight but I'm not comfortable in dresses, they're just not comfortable or practical to wear. Been talking to others at work, not the only one who does not want to wear a dress (and one that wasn't sure if it was ok to not wear a dress, was glad to reassure her thanks to this thread that there's plenty of non-dress options)

You know the way you think being a woman is all about wearing dresses and lipstick? Well lots of real women don’t like wearing dresses at all. They don’t find them comfortable or feel good in them. Being a woman is not about wearing a dress.

PS, lots of lesbians love to wear dresses. Your sexuality does not dictate your wardrobe.