Too soon but; my first ever works Christmas party, what to wear?

[TooMuchCantBreath]

Ok, first off I'm posting now because I'm short of money so I'd like to sort my clothes early on!

I've never done a works do and I'm clueless! We're going somewhere cold (think barn dance - complete with barn - and four course meal type thing). I'm a bit of an odd shape and so low in personal confidence I'm surprised I've signed up! Please give me some ideas

Ooh, I am a 12 pushing 14 with ok boobs (when wearing my favourite racer back bra) and saddle bags/belly that don't want to shift

I think at Christmas you can get away with thick black tights, which should keep you warm ish. I'd usually go for a nice simple dress with a bit of bling perhaps as it's Christmas, and either clevage or legs but not both (and not too much of either!)

How old are you?

I think also my first port of call would be to ask workmates what they're wearing - it's usually a similar type of thing every year so you should get a good feel for how dressy to go based on what everyone else says.

Best to ask your colleagues what they wear, but you usually can't go wrong with a black dress, black tights, bit of sparkle somewhere. Or dressy trousers and top. Basically, bit dressy but not too skimpy (unless you're on the pull ).

Save your cash until the christmas party stuff arrives at the shops.

I'm nearly 40 (yes I've honestly got to this age without the "work Xmas do" )

Will thick black tights my me chunky? I quite like knit dresses, could i wear one of them? As for on the pull, well, I'm single so who knows

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Midi-Skater-Dress-in-Textured-Mono-Check-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4332357&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Print&totalstyles=3139&gridsize=3&un_jtt_v_frompage=0

Id go for black opaque tights and a pair of black wedges or heels - this will elongate and therefore slim your legs. Then dress wise id go for a smock/swingy type style over the top in a relatively vibrant colour. Ill have a look see if I can see something im picturing....

this is lovely!

Cric, I really like that dress, would it be ok with some type of wrap/cardi rather than bare arms?

Hacked, that's really pretty but so short? At my size and age won't i be mutton?

My secret love is those vintage dresses with the nipped waist, I have a waist but I've no idea how to put these things together!

I'd steer clear of a knitted dress just in case the room gets too hot. You are better off wearing layers which you can at least take off if needed. I know you said barn dance, but they can get quite warm! I would go for a shirt dress like this with black tights and boots

Or this phase right one in sale which you could add Christmassy jewellery to if that was the type of party it probably was

another Phase Eight dress but in wine ? In the sale too

Ooh, I love the second phase 8 dress! How would you dress that?

It really will be cold, it's not actually a barn dance sadly just in a large barn like place in the middle of winter not sure who's idea that was

Layers definitely, black cardigan will be fine, and black tights and heels yes.

If you like 50s style dresses go for it! What's to put together? Find a dress you like and ask for recommendations in the shop or on here on how to dress it up. There are plenty of recommendations for gorgeous dresses in that style on this board

I can't link on my phone but there is a lovely knitted black dress in monsoon with beading around the neckline and cuffs. I tried it the other day - just too short for my hideous knees (I always need knee length or longer)

If it is a barn dance held in a barn and you want to dance you might not want to wear ridiculous heels. In fact, for a barn dace, I would be more inclined to wear some nice jeans with a dressy top.

Will try to link:

m-uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.6/6430610108

I would wear black tights (proper dark, 70-90 denier jobs) and suede (ie suede effect) pull on boots - Next have several different types.

Then black waterfall cardigan (ie open cardigan, no buttons) and maybe a pashmina if vv cold (and coat on top if needed)

Then either sophisticated jewellery (thin ish silver or gold - whatever you have and feel comfortable in) or - and this depends on what type of party it is- tinsel earrings and Father Christmas deeply boppers

I think the wine coloured dress would be quite comfortable to wear - and if you feel comfortable it makes for a much better evening. Horrid to feel over exposed or too hot/cold

Thank you so much everyone, loads of ideas here! Im going to take a proper look tonight. I'm trying to build myself up the courage to wear a 50 s dress because I love them but I'm worrying