What on earth do women wear to parties these days?

[AllTomorrowsParties]

We've been invited to a party - it's at our friends' house but they're quite a glamorous couple so I'm expecting it to be a bit fancy.

What with Covid, I'm quite out of the habit of going out and I've literally no idea what to wear! For the pub etc I generally wear a fairly casual dress or jeans with blazer and boots but I'd like to be a bit dressier than that. The only time I've had to really dress up in the last couple of years was for a black tie do and my full length dress from that feels too formal.

Possibly a jumpsuit? But I've had a quick look online and cant find anything I love.

I'm also unsure on shoes. I'm generally drawn to chunky boots but I've got huge feet so with a dress etc they can look a bit clown-like. I'm not that good with heels, though I do have one pair, in navy, that I find pretty comfy, so possibly something to go with those. I'm unsure about flats as I always worry that they make dressy clothes look frumpy.

Any suggestions appreciated.

I'm 40 and a size 16. Somewhere between hourglass and pear shaped with ok arms and legs but I hate my stomach and hips. I like black, navy, dark green etc. Open to a bit of embellishment but not a fan of frills, all over sequins, etc.

Thanks!

Whatever you decide make sure you feel totally confident and comfy in it. That way if you are a tad under or overdressed you will not feel nearly as fussed.

That's good advice, thank you.

I’m quite enjoying the 90s long skirt trend coming back, so I’d go for a long skirt in a silk or chiffon, but maybe with a bit of sparkle in the fabric; nice boots and a plain top maybe with a low back.

That sounds quite up my street actually. I loved that look first time round. I'll get looking...

My first thought about shoes was if it's at a house will you have to take them off..?

Hey no worries!

I don't come on S&B often and my posts are often viewed as rather left field!

Have a fab time. You will rock it

I’d wear a slinky silky skirt, like the Hush Simone, with a casual jumper for an informal do

For anything proper party-party I’d wear a sleeveless black dress with pointy flats as a “go anywhere outfit” I am 6ft so nobody ever comments on the absence of heels though

I am 50 though, and live in the sticks

I would check, if you can, if your friend has a shoes on/off policy before deciding. It would make a big difference to the outfit I chose (tights on show etc.). I have been known to take posh slippers with me though as I get cold feet!

That's a very good point about shoes - I will try and find out. We went to a Hindu wedding once, I spent ages findng the perfect shoes to match my dress.... got there and had to take them off! I came off better than DH though, who had holes in his socks!

I love that Hush skirt but they only have size 6 and 8 left sadly.

Thanks for giving me a couple of good starting points though - liking both the long skirt and boots or simple dress and pointed flats ideas.

There’s a pink Hush slinky Simone skirt on sale in size 14 and 16 if you are interested OP….

What about the leonora one?

Also a size 16 purple on Ebay.

Try John Lewis for hush

Hush are doing a lovely green sequin long skirt that would be nice

I agree with the suggestions re nice skirt and jumper. For our own Christmas party, I’ve bought this skirt from Hush.

I thought it might look a bit OTT, but omg, I love it. I think it’s perfect for a house party. I’m going to wear it non-stop over the festive period and everyone will be sick of it.

I’m going to wear it with a slouchy jumper and DMs or chunky Chelsea boots.

Gosh I’d be incredibly hot in a jumper!! But I agree that a long skirt and tucked in shirt could look nice. Or just a simple dress with a fancy belt. You could change the belt on this. Wear with jewelled flats from somewhere like Boden www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Sheer-Sleeve-Belted-Shirt-Dress/p/TICHD?swatch=Black

I never go to parties. But I recently bought a black jumpsuit at The White Company (never owned one before). It's so flattering and nice that I'm planning to wear it to any and every smartish event I might be invited to ever, until it falls apart . Or even smart casual - it dresses down nicely with a cardigan or casual jacket.

To a house party, for a posh couple, I'd go for a dress.

Dancing leopard ‘Dove’ dress is my go to. Easy to dress up or down so pretty versatile.
I also have a black wide leg jumpsuit with a v neck - a good alternative to a lbd.

Hush is sold by John Lewis who often have stock left when hush don't.

I'm always saying this but if this is a rare occasion maybe hire something? Hurr & by rotation do affordable stuff. Mint velvet so have some nice not too expensive jumpsuits.

But, I've had a good long think and I haven't been to a party in the evening since 2001 and that was a disaster. I've been to lunch parties in gardens but not otherwise so that's why I would spend lots!

If anyone knows exactly where one can locate a skirt made of actual silk please let me know! Ive seen a couple at Brora recently but not keen on the style (prairie, aggggr!)

@Pheasantlysurprised

If anyone knows exactly where one can locate a skirt made of actual silk please let me know! Ive seen a couple at Brora recently but not keen on the style (prairie, aggggr!)

The last silk skirt I had was in the early 00s and was Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti which I'm sure I sold/charity shopped.

www.joseph-fashion.com/en-gb/isaak-silk-satin-skirt-jf0040130010038.html?msclkid=c76e506a48f410777112310e70a9b990&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Generic%20-%20W%20-%20Bottoms&utm_term=4584482469925168&utm_content=Shopping%20-%20Generic%20-%20W%20-%20Bottoms

www.lilysilk.com/uk/women/apparel/skirts.html

@Pheasantlysurprised

If anyone knows exactly where one can locate a skirt made of actual silk please let me know! Ive seen a couple at Brora recently but not keen on the style (prairie, aggggr!)

I have a black one from Banana Republic. It’s a silk cashmere blend and easy to dress up or down.

I’d go for a casual dress but with “slightly posher” necklace and earrings. But l tend to live in dresses anyway.

If it was at my house, I would expect shoes off.

Iris and Ink at The Outnet have real silk slip skirts in @Pheasantlysurprised.