Christmas party dress code and ideas, please.

[Permanentlyconfused]

Dh's work have issued the dreaded Christmas party invitation which includes partners and dh is new to the firm and thinks we should attend. The dress code is posh frocks and masks. He works for one of the big accountancy firms and is fairly senior, if that makes any difference.

I need help to decipher the dress code, I haven't been to a black tie event in 20 years and I have no idea how formal these things are now. Oh and any pointers and links to posh frocks and masks would be really helpful too. I'm size 10-12, hourglass, 5ft 8.

gold maxi
navy one shoulder
babydoll navy or pink
black
halter bargain - size 12 only

millions of masks on this site, search for one to match your chosen dress.

So am I right in thinking posh frocks is full on glamour?

I would think so - I worked at Ernst&Young in the city for a year and wore a long dress to the xmas party but there were lots of cocktail style dresses worn two - is it black tie for the men? Not sure it's possible to be 'overdressed' at a Christmas party tbh.

too not two!

Yes E&Y level firm. Black tie for men, dh is sorted already. I was worried about being overdressed if I went long....

Just name changed

IME for black tie I would always go long rather than short for dressed. I prefer slightly understated glamour so would go for a quality cut where possible so it draped nicely.

Now if you add in Christmas and the reference to masks I think you can go for full on glamour!

Personally I'd avoid a full skirt with netting type fabric below unless you are in the first flushes of youth or it's a proper ball, which is doesn't sound like.

The gold Hobbs dress linked to above looks perfect.

Can your DH do some digging?

I'm in a similar position, DH has always worked in finance in the city, but after years of working at the same place has recently moved.

Last company was glam and long dresses were totally in, whereas have been given a similarly vague dress code for this new place. I've sent him on a fact finding mission which involves working out the level of glam. I expect he will tell me he has found nothing out.

I really want to wear a jumpsuit but don't think it will work so I'm currently looking at these dresses:

www.net-a-porter.com/product/390764
www.net-a-porter.com/product/380265
www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Shop-Clothing/Dresses/Evening/Jewel-halter-neck-fitted-dress_143-3002022-AU206/?previewAttribute=Black
www.whistles.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/clothing-dresses?resetFilters=true#filters=PRODUCT_TYPE!smart+dresses&page=0&product=903000060749
www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446617981&CAWELAID=&cagpspn=pla&site_refer=GGLPRADS001_UK

Am really struggling.

I like the one described as 'black'. the fitted black dress that is nipped in at the waiste.

I'll encourage dh to do some digging, thing is he's not great at judging the person best qualified to give him advice, he has no interest in clothes.

I keep looking at some of the longer dresses and all I see is bridesmaid! Think I need to take a stroll around London and try some on.

I'm liking the Whistles Maxine in Navy, I might be too busty for it though.

The maxine is really nice, I looked at that myself but in the green. I'm a bit short bodied for maxi dresses that don't have a low neck, makes me look dumpy. You're taller than me though so you could be alright. Their customer services can tell you where its in stock if you want to try it on.

Didn't realise the Maxine came in green too, I love dark green.

How about this one from phase eight?