Dress Code Cocktail

[GarlicBreadItsTheFuture]

Please help! I am going to a wedding in Portugal and they have changed the dress code to cocktail dress since I last checked the wedding web site.

I'd planned to wear this dress which I already own but I don't think its dressy enough although I am not entirely sure what cocktail dress means (men are wearing suit and tie). The dress is longer on me than on the model.
www.meandem.com/ditsy-primrose-crochet-tape-midi-tea-dress-black-cobalt-cornflower-blue

I am a size 14, hourglass, short 5'2" and I hate my upper arms and tummy. The weather will be warm but cooler in the evening and I have to have sleeves. Oh and we leave on Friday so it has to be delivered before that.

No, the Me and Em dress isn’t right for cocktail attire. While you don’t need to wear full length, the dress needs to be a little dressier and more glitzy than the dress you linked to.

I went to a wedding recently and the dress code was cocktail dresses and people wore all sorts, in fact very few people were in what I'd consider a cocktail dress. The wedding was the mother of a friend getting remarried and the crowd was middle-aged to older and very well go do. At this particular wedding I think the dress you have linked to would have been absolutely fine.

It think it also depends how you dress up otherwise, things like hair style, shoes and hand bag can smarten an outfit considerably

Thanks. I am fairly sure I need something dressier - any suggestions on where to look?

I just had a browse of the occasion wear section on the me + me site. They don't seem that much more formal than the dress you've chosen. Have you tried your dress, (which I think is great btw) with some heels/clutch bag/ red lip/ hair up whatever feels dressed up to you?

Have a look at Next, they do loads of brands and do next day delivery. John Lewis are reliable for quick delivery too. I bought this skirt recently for Christmas period www.hobbs.com/product/annabella-pleated-skirt/0222-7166-9045L00-SILVER.html#q=Pleated%20skirt&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0222-7166-9045L00-SILVER&pos=0. You could wear lots of different tops with that. I’m planning on wearing it was a black cashmere jumper.

Your Me and Em dress is lovely. Could I ask what the sizing is like. I usually get 14 from there but it’s sold out.

Just noticed your height, so that dress will be quite long on you. Perhaps you could accessorise with silver shoes

John Lewis does next day delivery or click&collect. This is nice and not too speedy: www.johnlewis.com/finery-saskia-floral-lace-midi-dress/navy/p6331884

That skirt is lovely but I think I'd struggle to find a top that would work when its still warm - lovely with a black jumper though.
I'd say Me + Em sizing is quite generous. I'm reliably a 14 there but for comparison I'd be a 16 in Zara.

How about this with metallic sandals and lots of jewellery?

www.ghost.co.uk/elle-dress5-d04g019-k10

That's really nice - I tend to avoid high necks but I can order it and see how it looks

The Ghost dress is lovely and would would with good accessories.

Ooh yes, the Ghost dress is lovely. And versatile, you can dress it up or down so get loads of wear out of it later.

That's lovely. But not in black.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/tallulah-and-hope-gloria-maxi-dress-green-41455807.html

https://www.whistles.com/product/adeline-frill-midi-dress-34529.html#cgid=WeddingGuesttEditSelectionssWW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=adeline-frill-midi-dress-34529&pos=2

Yes to the ghost dress. ❤️

Thanks everyone - the Ghost dress is navy and I have ordered it. It should be here tomorrow.

I have a dress a but like this - is it too much for 'cocktail'? It's a gala ball www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/in-a-pickle-midnight-blue-velvet-maxi-dress/?gclid=CjwKCAjwqJSaBhBUEiwAg5W9p_qTe90gnSQJHdzRNmm2tqFMDq4KQ6KgiZitrj-IndjJqkusG-JqLhoCE-IQAvD_BwE