Cocktail Party Dress Code

[andthebandmarchedon]

Hello!
Apologies for the not particularly important topic but would appreciate some advice.
I have been invited to go to a cocktail party to celebrate a significant event with my husband. He is representing his organisation and is a guest of the government - British military dress codes apply.
I haven’t been to this sort of thing for about 12 years so have no idea whether the dress code is as it used to be! Is it still shoulders covered and below the knee equivalent of a fairly typical formal LBD type situation? Or, could I get away with something a bit more modern in this day and age?
I definitely don’t want to embarrass him or be out of place but equally have a ton of dresses and hoping one will do! Though all are a bit more midi/maxi and non standard cocktail so am not sure.
Would appreciate any knowledge on current etiquette. Many thanks.

I’d stay on the conservative side with the cut of the dress and go a bit more trendy with the accessories so you feel appropriately dress but not boring. But hard to say without more context, ie if it is an outdoors event in a warm climate you’d could pick a more relaxed dress compared to a formal setting like a royal residence. If it’s a big event you’ll see all sorts I’m sure.

LBD would be fine.

Above the knee is fine (pelmet probably a bit much)

I'd have something over my shoulder (but that could be a narrow strap) or Bardot, rather than strapless.

Going for the safe option of a decade ago will be fine as well. I wouldn't go maxi, though, for cocktails (but I wouldn't think it out of place either)

Thanks very much for your replies.
Do you think it specifically needs to be evening wear type fabric i.e. satin/silk etc or would it be ok as long as the overall effect is smart? I have something I think might do - it’s a midi and is very elegant but not typical cocktail wear as the fabric is a fine cotton.

Difficult to say. As long as the overall effect (including how you style it) is evening then it should be fine.

There will be people there (probably) who have come from work and who will be restyling fairly plain day outfits to make them more glamorous (rather than changing completely)

Can you find out what the dress code is for the Brit mil invitees? If uniform, which version?

I think that is fine if you style it up with some evening shoes and accessories. In my experience cocktail with military is rarely glam.