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Original poster

Clever dress required

32 replies

DoorsAndWater · 02/09/2021 22:22

Hi - I have to attend two functions for work. One is an indoor evening civic event and dinner - dress code is dinner suits for men and equivalent for women?! I don’t know what that means for women and the second is an outdoor day event incorporating a royal gun salute and awards lunch in a hotel. Ideally I’d like to buy one dress for both but not sure if this appropriate, I was thinking that the outdoor event is in November so will have have to wear coat and tights etc. Can anyone make any suggestions?! I’m a bit stuck - budget is around £200 for both - I have plenty of footwear and coats etc that would work so just need ideas for dresses, I’m not sure if I can wear trousers for the ‘dinner suit’ function or not?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
tolerable · 02/09/2021 22:45

body shape/size?any no/nos?colours?

Original poster
DoorsAndWater · 02/09/2021 22:51

I’m probably hourglass, large boobs so no high necks, 14-16, I need to have at least half sleeve, 3/4 or full length, below knee or midi, any colours except browns and tan colours

OP posts:
ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 02/09/2021 23:21

That's really going to be a challenge! The equivalent of dinner suits for the indoor function is proper evening wear - cocktail at the very least, if not black tie. That's hard to wear outdoors in the daytime in November. Maybe the clever people here can fix it for you though - it's beyond me.

Fozzleyplum · 02/09/2021 23:29

I think it's very unlikely that you'll find one dress to suit both occasions. Evening wear is very plentiful and cheap on ebay, so I'd look for a good 2nd hand evening dress for that, plus a wrap style dress for the daytime event.

Original poster
DoorsAndWater · 02/09/2021 23:35

It’s definitely not black tie but I understand midi dresses or to the ankle are most appropriate from asking the organisers. Thanks for you help - I’ll have a good look, eBay is a good shout for one of them

OP posts:
turnthebiglightoff · 02/09/2021 23:35

I think something in a dark green or burgundy - maybe purple, depending on your colouring. It's a shame the dress below isn't v neck but I like the tie waist detail: (sorry for link fail, please C&P!)

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st906572/T03183

This one is beautiful!

https://www.hobbs.com/product/dalia-floral-fit-and-flare-dress/0121-5894-9045L00-APPLE-ARTICHOKE-6.html?utmsource=linkshare&utmmmedium=affiliate&utmcampaign=pfxNKSnglIM&utmmcontent=15&utm_term=UKNetwork&ranMID=38595&ranEAID=pfxNKSnglIM&ranSiteID=pfxNKSnglIM-kvM5tq42Y3irBRoji4g4aw&siteID=pfxNKSnglIM-kvM5tq42Y3irBRoji4g4aw&PubName=RedBrain&SID=3354356

I'm always happy to help look for more!! Grin

Fozzleyplum · 02/09/2021 23:45

The Pure Collection website often has good day dresses, and plenty in the sale, eg this.

StCharlotte · 02/09/2021 23:51

Good call on the green velvet turnthebiglightoff!

AmorFati · 03/09/2021 00:00

I would go for a dress like this Winser 'miracle dress'.
www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/dresses-skirts/grace-miracle-dress

Easy to bling up or dress down.
I wouldn't wear ankle length to dinner.

There are a few different styles to suit different body types, and a ton of color choices.

stevalnamechanger · 03/09/2021 00:02

@AmorFati

I would go for a dress like this Winser 'miracle dress'. www.winserlondon.com/shop/clothing/dresses-skirts/grace-miracle-dress

Easy to bling up or dress down.
I wouldn't wear ankle length to dinner.

There are a few different styles to suit different body types, and a ton of color choices.

Agree ! Love this
craigsgirlfriend · 03/09/2021 00:05

Can you hire formal wear for the first dinner? I genuinely don't think one dress can do both occasions.

Original poster
DoorsAndWater · 03/09/2021 07:31

Thanks for the suggestions, really appreciate it [enSmile

OP posts:
Miseryisabutterfly · 03/09/2021 09:48

A sleek, long sleeved jumpsuit would work for both. Dressed up with glitzy jewellery for the first event and worn with a smart blazer for the second.

Miseryisabutterfly · 03/09/2021 09:54

Something along these lines

Clever dress required
Clever dress required
Clever dress required
Miseryisabutterfly · 03/09/2021 09:56

…

Clever dress required
Clever dress required
Clever dress required
goose1964 · 03/09/2021 13:19

I know this is sold as a bridesmaid dress, I have one similar and wear it with flats and casual jewellery when I want to be casual but it also dresses up with formal jewellery and heels
www.monsoon.co.uk/tallulah-twist-me-tie-me-jersey-bridesmaid-dress-green-84229107.html?dwvar_84229107_color=GREEN&quantity=1

Palavah · 03/09/2021 13:57

Jumpsuit would be great.

Do you like this?
www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/wrap-around-effect-off-the-shoulders-dress/

I agree their guidance re the dinner is weird. Black tie means dinner jackets, and vice versa, and doesn't necessitate a long/midi hemline

WrinklesShminkles · 03/09/2021 14:27

That Winser site has some nice things! What about this wrap dress, currently available in size 14?
www.winserlondon.com/hepburn-wrap-dress-1

Pinkcadillac · 03/09/2021 15:48

Over budget but something like this? thefoldlondon.com/product/langbourne-dress-navy-crepe/

Carboncheque · 03/09/2021 20:08

Are these annual events? Can you find pictures of previous events online?

bonfireheart · 03/09/2021 20:10

People have previously posted links to sites where you can rent clothes, think that might be an option if you don't intend to wear them again.

Lucked · 03/09/2021 20:14

A Bombshell HQ dress in a colour you can wear with black tights