Urgent advice needed, what to wear if invite dress code says Lounge Suit

[womblingalong]

if you are a woman?

Cocktail dress/tea dress/ smart day dress/dress and jacket/skirt suit/something else.

Needs to be something I have as function is tonight!

I was thinking of knee length full skirted dress made of black and white cut work flowers -it is strapless, so would wear a bolero cardigan or nipped in jacket over top. Black heels. OK?

Thank very much for any suggestions!

Hmm, that sounds a bit much. I'd got with smart day dress or similar.

Just get my Dubretts off the shelf debretts.com/british-etiquette/british.../h/dress-codes/lounge-suits

Really depends on the function, lounge suit varies so much for women.

As confirmed by Debrett's

"Lounge suits are normal business suits, worn for semi-formal occasions with a ... The equivalent for women is a skirt or trouser suit, cocktail dress or evening..." sorry, not sure link worked, but this is what it said.

Is reception at Lancaster House with Miriam Gonzales Durantez. What do you think? Cocktail dress or more smart workwear?

I think I would go "dressy workwear" rather than cocktail dress, unless it's a very conservative cocktail dress. Something like a shift dress with heels and bolder accessories than you'd normally wear during the day - statement necklace or something.

Obviously depends what you have in your wardrobe but something like this would be perfect I think:

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/L.K.+Bennett+Aniva+Cap+Sleeve+Collar+Fitted+Dress/195275594,default,pd.html

Agree with Plate totally - I think the full skirt, strapless silhouette you describe isn't right for an official reception. You want a conservative silhouette (straightish, on the knee, dress or top and skirt) but bright colours, big jewellery and flamboyant shoes all acceptable.

Don't look at me, I don't make the rules!

Thanks ladies, think is because I am short & plump, shift dresses look rubbish on me. I do have some straight skirted dresses, but all black, and can make me look a bit all boobs and bum. Will have a look, and retire the black and white number.

I agree with Plate, although I suspect there will be a wide range of female attire on display. Having been to a range of these sort of things, a lot depends on the timing of the event and whether there will be women who have gone from work or if they've dressed just for the reception.

More conservative dress with bold accessories and shoes is the safest bet but you could carry off the original outfit if you're confident.

How about black pencil skirt ( on knee) bright green shell top and black jacket, with green heels and very elaborate gold and pink necklace?

Sounds great!

Ooh yes, that sounds super, just right.

Sheer/nude tights or bare legs?

Thanks for guidance too, am clueless with these things!

Sounds perfect. I don't think bare legs are an issue these days, unless you're a minor royal and it's very warm today! If the skirt is on the knee, skip the hose.

Have a lovely time!

thanks for wise advice MNers!