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.

I'd wear straight black trousers and a silk blouse from Lily Silk.
There are usually some pretty flats in marks from September.
I have a black sequin bomber jacket that I wore a number of times, again Marks and Spencer.

mesage for AImportantMermaid . I do see where you are coming from as I prefer to wear skirts and dresses but it is still today unacceptable for a man, especially in public. I do not understand why women feel uncomfortable in dresses but not to be a hypocrite I understand, but do you actually understand if you were with a man who enjoyed wearing skirts and dresses? Fashion works both ways not just one way.

Have you been transported here from the 18th century? Please stop derailing this thread.

“Are you lesbian?” Dear god

Sosandar petite range would probably be good for you? They have a sale on at the moment.

I normally buy through the next clearance section. Got a lovely jumpsuit for £25!! It’s stretchy and don’t need to unzip it. Will try to find link

Not just lesbian - an initial caps "Lesbian"!!! They must be terribly exotic where manpretty comes from ...

Couldn’t find identical jumpsuit, but here’s an example, available in size 12 short.
loads more to choose from.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su178307/q99897

I’m size 14, but sized down to a 12. Bought the bronze coloured jumpsuit too, was very flattering for short chubster.

www.next.co.uk/clearance/search?w=sosandar%20jumpsuit&p=1#0

Manpretty is a cross dressing man who likes to come on here now and again and wax lyrical about silky things.

How about this? https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/front-vent-relaxed-trousers-2615017002?variant=55247290270081&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Nobodys_Child-UK-PMax-All-DT%2BTA-SE-ePmax-Test+Tier&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18712845087&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIX7Ju0aFjNjeaKm1tpDMPOVd&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3oi7_fKglgMVHpZQBh3VritEEAQYBSABEgLFxPD_BwE

Thought that might be the case. Quite partial to silky things myself ...!!!

Definitely a jumpsuit. Colour and style will have to be based on what works for your body/looks.
Shops like Next are ideal for this sort of thing.

But she doesn't want to wear a jumpsuit?

Thought it was only dresses. Haven't read the whole board just her original post.

Evening trousers in blavk...either wide leg or cigarette. And a very nice quality cream or white blouse...think silk, heavy crepe, interesting design.....dressy

It might be fashion but it ain't great

I would buy a really good tailored trouser suit maybe in a colour not black and get a sequin vest top or something beaded to wear underneath, then buy sparkly shoes and bag so it looks more cocktail wear

Well I'm going shopping today, armed with plenty of ideas so good chance I'll find something suitable that I like. If not, then I'll order online.

I don't like dresses, just don't feel comfortable and can't wear heels either. If you have a look on Vinted, search for wide legged silky trousers, you can't go wrong with black ones, then search for gold and black or silver and black cocktail blouse, it will give you some ideas, if you wear a sleeveless top see if you can buy a thin jacket to match. Just don't put plain blatbtop with plain black trousers as 90% the bkacks wont be the same shade, team with sandals in silver or gold or whatever colour is in the top. Same with small bags and delicate jewellery. Buy off Vinted if you won't wear them again or keep jic another special occasion. Good luck, hope you get something you can feel comfortable in and enjoy the evening.

You find anything?

Not anything I really like, so much of the clothes were made with horrible feeling material 😕 I did get some things but not sure about them so might just order anyway. Did find out I've gone up a size though so it was good that I went and tried things on before ordering the wrong size.

Good luck

I’d wear a three piece suit, slicked wet look hair and a bold statement lip.

I'd wear a nuce cocktail dress. Hate wearing trousers, especially in this hit weather 😎

No. I would only be seen with a man in dress if it were Danny La Rue and he had just come off stage.

And that goes for most women...no matter what old shite you've been told.

Satin Trousers maybe with a beaded to or corset