What would you wear for cocktails and dinner?

[MrsMilton]

At a bar/restaurant. In London. Fairly swanky place. I'm not sure if a dress might be too much, so maybe trousers/top combo? I keep seeing women in those ankle-length black trousers and patent high courts - is that still a good look?

Please help - I will be in the company of a gaggle of smart stylish women for the first time in quite a while. Not sure my usual SAHM gear will cut it.

I would go with a dress. I know you said it might be too much but if it is a fairly swanky place then I'm sure you won't look overdressed. But if you'd be more comfortable in trousers/top combo then I think ankle-length black trousers and patent high courts sounds fab. Hope that helps!

Bump anyone?

I would go with a dress-I see going out as an excuse to glam up and would never feel glam in trousers. Sorry cant do links but French connection have some nice stuff in. Also Coast have 2 lovely leopard print dresses-I luuurve them but sadly they would not love me!

Could you pull off a tuxedo style outfit if you'd like the trousers? I'm thinking if you're particularly tall and willowy.

If you've got a bit of curve, I'd go for a dress.

Definitely not willowy. 5ft 6", size 10-12, 30FF norks (according to the bra fitting I had this week!) Always feel high necks don't suit me - I like the norks to have a bit of breathing space without looking barmaidy.

Ok, will start looking at dresses - anyone seen anything other than the dreaded wrap?

Definitely a dress you feel fab in, highly unlikely you won't look overdressed and even if you are a bit, then feeling gorgeous will make up for it! Budget?

I would spend up to £100 on something that I might only wear once or twice. I would happily spend more on something very wearable though.

I don't know exactly which restaurant you're going to, or whether it's a formal occasion or a group of friends meeting for a nice evening. But I go to a variety of London restaurants quite often and would say aim for low key but stylish and sophisticated, not OTT.

Don't mean jeans - a great top and ankle length trousers would be good, as woiuld a dress. But I'd definitely say go the wearable route, not the 'special occasion' dress one. Either way, with interesting and smart accessories. I wouldn't personally go for a tuxedo unless it's a pretty formal do and you have lots of confidence to carry it off.

this?

Not too dressy or you'll feel like the country hick who made too much effort. Most bars / restaurants in London have a mix of people, some of whom are there after work (so in work clothes) and some there for a night out, so you get a real mix of styles & ages. Trousers & a special top is definitely a good option. Dress would also work - but just not too "special"!

Thanks all - didn't mean to sound like a hick, am a Londoner myself (well, an adopted one) and used to frequent smart places like this all the time till I stopped working and had my DS. Now Gymboree and the occasional latte are the only things I have to dress up for Really don't want to overdo it, just want to look sophisticated. Will have a look round for these ankle length trousers - they sound like they would pep up my wardrobe and be more useful than a dress right now.

i also have large norks so i would wear a jersey dress ( a have a couple of anglomania ones) or cropped trousers, a top and leopard print heels

but i AM a hick and never go anywhere smart, so what do i know......

- sorry MrsM, I didn't mean to make you feel that way either.

Nor me.