Work dinner ( hosted at a home )

[earlgreymarl]

Bit unsure about what to wear for upcoming work event. It is a dinner hosted at someone's home and the guests will be visitors ( it's not an office night out situation!).

How do I nail outfit in this situation?

Definitely don't want to be overly formal as there will be lots of other formal stuff that week. It will be a chance to dress up nicely though.

Have seen some lovely wrap midi skirt so maybe an option, do not want anything too short.

I am 5'9" size 10 / 12 & in my 30's.

I'd think the practicalities first. Will there be reception drinks where you'll be standing around while guests arrive, will you be sitting on sofas for pre or post meal cocktails, or will you be at a table most of the time? All done while attempting to conduct polite and interesting conversation with colleagues?!

If you're standing you'll have one hand holding a drink or canape, and maybe your evening bag, so don't wear anything that needs fiddling with, like a low neck top. Wrap skirts to me mean potential inappropriate leg reveal when sitting that you need to be aware of, again with one hand holding a drink. If you're at a table then your top half will be seen most. I'd not go for low cut, or flappy, frilly sleeves. I'd go for a comfortable waistband.

I think something like a silky blouse with a interesting neck or sleeve detail, and crepe trousers in whatever cut suits you, or a midi dress with a fluid rather than body con skirt.

Depends what work environment you work in. I hosted a work lunch a couple of weeks ago - I do not remember what anyone was wearing - I was so busy making sure the food was ok and everyone had enough to drink. But I would not expect anyone to dress up for a dinner at home - in fact it's kind of the opposite, it's meant to be a relaxed affair - business casual if you wanted to play safe.

I would wear a jumpsuit as they are the perfect mix of slightly formal but still casual for a home setting. Something like this Boden one but with nice shoes or Phase Eight or this other Phase Eight frill one (more because i like the colour).

I can't stand the thought of fumbling with the loo situation in a jumpsuit, at least in someone's home the floor would be clean! Also remember that you may be asked/at least you'll have to offer to remove your shoes - so make sure you've got that covered.

True about the loos! I tend to make sure that I have had a good wee before i leave home

OP, you're lovely and tall which is why i went for jumpsuit, but the other 2 options would be a crisp white shirt with black tapered trousers or 7/8th slim fit black trousers. Again, you're tall so they would show your legs off to great advantage. Crisp white shirts have that business casual look about them.

Next option would be same shirt with skirt, maybe a (p)leather pencil skirt.

Finally a knit dress.

And have a pedicure, just in case

If you are bringing a gift for the host - don't bring flowers! The host will be torn between tending to your flowers and tending to the guests...it's not the best situation to be in! If you really want to bring flowers - make sure they are in a vase or something so they don't need any attention.

Thanks everyone! Some fantastic tips, definitely glad I asked. I shall get the pedi and not flowers - I agree, such a faff !

@Blingysolightly the jumpsuit is a good idea that phase 8 one is lovely

Definitely wear trousers just in case you have to sit on a big sofa

Don’t wear a white shirt and black trousers as party may well be catered for in which case this is what the staff are likely to be wearing...awkward if one of the visitors thinks you’re a waitress

Definitely get a pedi as likely to have to Aremove shoes

I would wear a Jewel toned silk blouse and navy trousers with some light but interesting jewellery

I vote for this dress. I bought it on Saturday and it's really nice and the answer to all current sartorial dilemmas

m.zara.com/uk/en/striped-satin-dress-p08100447.html?v1=22064016&v2=1281603

Thanks @stealthbanana and @ThankYouDebbie - lovely dress and I was also worried about looking like the hired help lol. Although do love a white shirt usually.