If the dress code for an evening event says men should wear lounge suits, what would you wear?

[nipersvest]

I need ideas, am going to a do with dh next week at the national portrait gallery and not sure how posh or smart casual I need to go!

Cocktail dress

debretts

Charming frock.
Depends on time of day.

Good link Viva!

I'd say a cocktail dress.
Personally, I'd go for something like this (I'm sure it's possible to find similar cheaper and in different colours - I really like the shape and the lace): www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Shop-Clothing/Dresses/Cocktail/Zarita-long-lace-dress_151-3000459-D7586973E00BPL/?previewAttribute=Brazen+plumb
Along with heels, a bracelet, earrings and a clutch bag.

It's an evening, sit down dinner thing, 7 till 9pm, need to use public transport to get there though as we're coming from the midlands on the train so need to also not stand out like a sore thumb while travelling

Formal, summery, but not full length. Cocktail dress, or possibly very smart trousers and a posh top if you really dress it up or if its very elegant. Think Kristen Scott Thomas.

update - do was last night, it was the bp portrait award dinner. in the end i went in a brown mary portas dress, with a cream shawl and cream shoes. its a dress i already have, love it but don't often wear it. was a bit unsure of my choice when we left home but when we were there it was fine for the occasion.

oh, and i met nigel havers!

Ha I always used to see Nigel Havers jogging - he's quite long in the tooth now. Glad your outfit was ok.

this is the dress it's officially grape but its more brown really, quite plain but classic looking when on, plus its longer in length on me as i'm shorter than the model.

nigel wasn't as tall as i thought he was, very debonair though and still quite handsome!