Clever dress required

[DoorsAndWater]

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?

My suggestion is an evening skirt - Jewel toned pleated perhaps, worn with a silk top and heels for the black tie and then a thin sweater, tall boots or fitted blazer / wool coat for the second event. I don’t have an exact picture of what I mean but these are the general look. I did come across a Scotch and Soda dress that is similar and could take a fitted jacket for the lunch ( I’d probably look for an embroidered jacket for my taste and a jewel toned bag)

www.scotch-soda.com/gb/en/pleated-v-neck-midi-dress/161514.html?channable=00beaf6964003136313531345f303030322d585368&dwvar_161514_color=Night&dwvar_161514_size=XS&utm_campaign=ao_uk_search_googleads&br=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Yb5jZzm8gIVG-rtCh127AnTEA0YDiABEgLG3vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

God alone knows why they’ve styled that dress with those shoes 🙄. That dress works well on an hourglass - flattering over the boobs and the pleats don’t start too high up because of the broad waistband.

i think this is possible,elegant with (colour pop)heels,bag,choker etc.
(to be honest nov outdoors would tempt me into a thermal lonsleeve underit)but would work with kneeboots.maybe a colour cardi top done up,coat,; www.yoox.com/item?cod10=15107516&tp=60712&utm_campaign=uk_2067095&utm_medium=affiliation-rs&utm_source=integral&tduid=1a7979333b85aa8cea603d83ffcd9830&epik=dj0yJnU9Q1liVFRFZFZxWnFGVDF5bkZxQlJvRmJ1RTkyYU5KaXYmcD0wJm49aDFZNmt4YXlyNnVualZmWEhKNkx5USZ0PUFBQUFBR0UxTXM0#cod10=15107516AO&sizeId=-1

changed my mid.it is-do-able.but as a start point..if you gony go you gotta look spectacular..im lookin

Bombshell is the make that always gets suggested here for that sort of double hit... IIRC, at full price it would be a bit over budget but there's often a sale section.

maybe www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/rosetta-getty/clothing/midi-dresses/asymmetric-twist-front-floral-print-stretch-velvet-dress/30828384629349219

I’d go for separates in your shoes, I think. A skirt in a luxe fabric like velvet (here’s an example, on sale, so fits your budget) that I’d wear with a silky halter neck top for the evening function, and then with a top and jacket for the day?

www.lkbennett.com/product/CSFREUDVISCOSEMIXBlueMidnight~Freud-Navy-Ruffle-Velvet-Skirt-Midnight?currency=GBP&awc=2246_1630961997_1ba7fc695cce051343e04c95ea630d9d&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=Lyst+Ltd&network=awin&affiliate_id=104504