Where for a cocktail dress

[taybert]

I've got a work function in a couple of months and I'm struggling to find something suitable to wear. I'm one of the directors of the organisation so I want to look sophisticated but at the same time I don't want to look boring. I'm struggling to find something that falls inbetween club wear and things that seem too conservative. Any ideas for shops? I'm size 10, 5'2", hourglass/pear (need a bra), mid 30s. I saw a couple of things I like one reiss but they seem very expensive for 100% polyester.

What's your budget, and is it just cocktails, or dinner and dancing afterwards?

Monsoon can be great for party wear, especially now the shops are building up to Christmas.

Most of my recent dresses are French Connection.

I'd pay £150ish, wouldn't quibble over a bit more. It's cocktails, dinner and dancing. I'd not looked at Monsoon as the last few times I've looked there hasn't really been anything. I'll look at that and French connection. There doesn't seem to be much in that vein on the high street, I wonder if it's because all the Christmassy stuff we'll be coming out in a few weeks.

If you don't want to look too bling, but very stylish and 'Director', what about this Raoul dress on the Outnet?

Alternatively, black with a flash of pink, and a bit more party this black one from Milly?

Both dresses could be worn again, and could easily be glammed up with some heels, and jewellery. The Outnet has some really interesting dresses coming in all the time, and some are at good prices. Another benefit of course is that you probably won't see another like it at the event - always a risk when you buy from Coast or Phase Eight.

What do you think?

I just hire from Girl Meets Dress. You get an expensive dress for about 60 quid, send it back, doesn't take up space in your wardrobe.
Winning.

I like the first outnet one but the colour isn't really me. I might keep an eye on the outnet for the next few weeks and see what comes up. It would be nice to get something there's little chance of anyone else wearing! Girl meets dress sounds interesting too.

What are good colours for you OP? (God I've spent so much time on Mumsnet today - supposed to be doing my admin instead - much prefer a bit of virtual shopping...)

Hmm, I'm not really sure! I'm pale with pink undertones with dark blonde/light brown hair. I tend to wear quite a bit of black, navy, sometimes dark green, very dark purple. Not sure how good they are on me though! Pinky stiff doesn't tend to be right.

Stuff, not stiff. Pinky stiff sounds quite rude

Hmm, not many dresses on the Outnet in those colours at the moment. If you're not sure what colour really works on you, go and have a rummage in your wardrobe, and pull out pieces in the colours that speak to you and look at them against your face - but you need good light for this. Maybe if you have a helpful DP or friend, they could tell you which is the best colour on you. In the meantime, keep looking on Outnet - they have free returns, so you could always order something to try it out, and then return if it doesn't work.

Having just attended a super smart function myself (and ordered off the Outnet, chosen by MN!), I am up to date with what needs to be done....so can I also recommend a) booking a hair & nails appointment beforehand (good hair makes an outfit) and b) get that gradual (fake) tan going about 2 weeks in advance. I can guarantee that whatever you wear will look better with a light tan!

just got a Phase 8 cocktail dress on Ebay for £15!! Bargain.
Try charity shops too. The dress I got most comments on (I go to a few black tie things with work) was midnight blue, heavily beaded dress which cost me....£6 in a charity shop. People ask me which designer it is

Have already looked in whistles? I've seen some lovely occasion dresses and there's also still plenty left in the sale. Also I think their 20% off offer is about to start.