Completely at a loss as to what to wear to this event - please help!

[IdLikeToThank]

I've been shortlisted for an industry award (yay!), and have been invited to an event to meet the other shortlisted parties. There are lots of categories, so will be around 100 or so people there.

Its early evening (6-9pm) at a posh(ish) venue, catered etc...dress code is 'smart'

What does this mean? Eveningwear/cocktail dresses? More daytime kind of thing?

I'd very much appreciate some help finding an outfit, I'm a relative newcomer to the industry and would like to stand out (for the right reasons!).

I'm 5'6", size 8/10/dark hair/olive skin and I love bright colours, but not so keen on patterns.

Budget is around £150 for the dress...
Thanks so much!

Maybe something like this with opaque tights and ankle boots?

www.reiss.com/womens/dresses/bodycon-dresses/lena/blue-passion/

i like that dress but wouldnt wear ankle boots with it

Lovely dress.

I really like it, but it is something I would probably wear to work.

Should I be aiming a bit 'dressier'?

No, for a "meet the candidates" starting at 6 I would go smart dress (and like the link) or fabulous trousers and top. Not cocktail or evening dress

This perhaps?

wine colour
blue
blue jewelled
colourful
red
pink love this one

Oh, just seen cutout back of the Coast dress, that's probably a bit much...

Arrrggghhh

Ooooh Faux I think we have a new frontrunner with the blue jewelled one - gorgeous!

I know it's a rubbish way of looking at it, but the men will probably be wearing suits, or a jacket and shirt and smart trousers. So I would take my hint from that, and not go too dressy, or you will look a bit over done.
What about this…

www.hobbs.co.uk/product/display?productID=0214-5222-9845L00&productvarid=0214-5222-9845L00-SIENNA%20RED-12&refpage=dresses

I think the jewelled one is far too formal.

I agree the jewelled one is a bit OTT.

Love Faux's pink one above though! And the plain blue one

Apologies for the slight drip feed, but the industry is quite a creative one in itself and my specific role is design based.

I think I need something a bit more stylish and glam than the Hobbs dress or Faux's pink one, although they would be perfect for say a legal or accountancy type of event IYSWIM.

That said, I'm not really edgy enough for All Saints etc. to be honest, this is a constant battle when I'm client facing, I find it really difficult to be both design conscious and smart/professional too...

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how do i do a link ??

((www.mintvelvet/ink-wrap-embellished-dress/new-in/mint-v/fcp-product/4669))

At that time of day people will be going straight from work. I think evening wear or cocktail dresses would be way ott. What do you normally wear to work? Take that as a starting point and smarten it up a notch or two.

I agree with the above comment ^ Think cocktail will be too dressy.

I think the reiss dress you originally posted would be fine. You could put nice earrings and shoes on and have a nice bag. I think that would be perfect.

You cant go wrong with a little black dress or navy one !!!

www.reiss.com/womens/dresses/copper/lux-navy/

www.reiss.com/womens/dresses/caterina-fitted-dress/black/

www.reiss.com/womens/dresses/aleena/black/

Agree, go for the first dress, good shape and colour. Gives you the option to dress up, smart tux style jacket or dress down, loose flowing jacket/ wrap. Add accessories, that if as soon as you get there you realise are OTT you can take off. Shoes. Not ankle boots as it's presumed you will come from work.

I'd go for black cigarette trousers and a jacket, with interesting shoes. Maybe a leopard print court shoe.
It'll fit in anywhere.