Oh wise stylish military folk and/or wives/girlfriends

[Fraida]

I have to attend a ‘sovereign reception’ as a civilian on behalf of work, our CEO can’t attend so I’m going instead. It’s an evening soirée type thing and the dress code says this: “lounge suits/ladies equivalent”. I have NO idea what to wear and how smart I need to be - help!!!!

In case this wasn’t clear this is a military event 😁

It's just formal but not quite black tie or cocktail dress. So regular suits for blokes and a dress (florals, patterned dress or a even a posh jumpsuit would be acceptable).

So not black tie?
I’d go cocktail dress or other smart/glamorous alternative - elegant jumpsuit etc
As it’s military I’d be careful about it not being too revealing.
One level down from ball gown basically.
Maybe what you’d wear for a nice wedding.

Lounge suit is a business suit- the female equivalent isn't one step down from a ball gown. The female equivalent is pretty much most of something like Max Mara dresses (excluding denim/ very casual or long and very formal)

Max Mara dresses

This is an evening dinner with the men in suit and tie?
I see that as similar to attending a formalish wedding.
I oiled say some of those Max Mara dresses wood by suitable with the right accessories but some of them are a bit casual.
In my mind the military is quite conservative so I’d be choosing accordingly. Maybe I’m wrong! 🤷🏼‍♀️

Omg

• would not oiled or wood!!

You can be underdressed but never overdressed. Verge on something weddingy

I'd also say depends where it is! Dh is ex Army, and it may have changed as talking 20 years ago, but am sure a jumpsuit/trousers wouldn't have been suitable when we went to a do in the Guards mess.
Generally was knees covered, shoulders covered (until the higher ranks left/took their jackets off) but also think RAF and RN less stringent than Army?
But agree something wedding or more conservative ladies day at races.

Despite current fashion... No Trainers. Flat shoes are fine, but its formal footwear. (Unless on crutches/similar, there is more leeway for trainers then)

Not as dressy as white or black tie, but still formal. Think conservative rather than flashy/cocktail, and if wearing a dress it should be three quarter or floor length. Cover the knees. A jumpsuit or suit would be suitable for lounge, but dresses are more common. Heels or smart flats.

Here’s some ideas:
https://www.marieclaire.com.au/lounge-suit-dress-code-women

Hello! Spent 18 years with that irritating dress code. So:

Not weddingy
Not floor length
Not bum length

My failsafe is a black polka dot wrap around dress that I got from Laura Ashley 20 years ago. Here's why:
Sleeves
Slightly ruched effect from shoulders adds dressy effect
Good with heels
Forgiving to stand around in and drink.

So I would recommend all as acceptable dress:
Court shoes
A skirt, dress or trouser suit.

A dress around knee length (slightly above or below is fine)

Nice jewellery with it. Like a brooch.

Try to have sleeves or if no sleeves, a shawl.

If it's redders, sandals are ok.

Examples:

www.hobbs.com/product/petite-celia-spot-fit-and-flare-dress/0223-5854-9045L04-NAVY-PALE-PINK.html#cgid=clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0223-5854-9045L04-NAVY-PALE-PINK&pos=4

www.hobbs.com/product/abi-dress/0222-5224-9045L00-NAVY.html#cgid=clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0222-5224-9045L00-NAVY&pos=23

www.hobbs.com/product/charlton-dress/0123-5602-9021L00-GREEN-PINK.html#cgid=clothing-dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0123-5602-9021L00-GREEN-PINK&pos=56

www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-ruffle-wrap-midi-dress-221446418.html#cgid=dresses&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=221446418&pos=46

Thank you that is really helpful! It’s stand up and mingle - literally going to need a new outfit from head to toe so bag, shoes, dress (prefer dresses to trousers) etc. Think it’s indoors so not sure I need a cardigan or jacket as I’m perimenopausal and get hot easily!

I went to an event a few months ago with the same dress code. I wore a green midi dress with sleeves and heels. Most wore similar. It reminds me of the kind of outfits Kate Middleton wears.

Sorry but I don’t think any of those would be suitable, it’s an Australian edition.

I would go fairly conservative, you are clearly representing your company, a nice dress with an evening jacket and dress shoes or heels. I’m not sure on the jumpsuit/trousers idea either.

Maybe something like this ?

https://www.johnlewis.com/ghost-letita-satin-midi-dress/p6354447

https://thefoldlondon.com/product/greenwich-dress-fuchsia-pink-stretch-crepe/?glCountry=UK&glCurrency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjw-IWkBhBTEiwA2exyO5fy2xZXUpF_zpLFiwLV37fX2zG97BfZQbhHnMaR-2XsHq9V3b-JuBoCGrQQAvD_BwE

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-beverley-striped-pleated-midaxi-dress-jade/p109742970

Jumpsuit not usual for the posher army regiments, IME. I can't speak for the RAF, though possible risk they might ask you to fly a plane 😉

Fundamentally, as a visitor, you can wear whatever you want. No one will consciously make a guest feel uncomfortable, but it is an environment where you tend to feel aware if you stand out, as everyone else looks so similar.

If you don't want to buy a bag specially, there will almost certainly be a cloakroom where you can safely leave your day bag and just nip back to it if you need something.

Something you would wear to a smart wedding, eg dress and jacket but at least knee length, not too revealing on the top. Smart shoes you can stand in easily. Alternatively a ladies suit (skirt or trousers)

@MichelleScarn

My dd is military and her uniform is trousers so yes trousers are fine but skirts should be knee length or lower (I have the instructions from a recent event)

I wore this

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275889559884?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=sE95pjWPRKy&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Strangely enough I’m going to a drinks party tonight where the dress code is lounge suits. I’m wearing very smart wide legged cream trousers and a patterned navy blouse with navy flats. It’s being held in a garden and it’s not military so not particularly formal. God only knows why they’ve put a dress code in at all.

I love the Fold dress and the phase eight one @Livinginanotherworld might check out our nearest large John Lewis at the weekend

Present you’re going to a graduation or christening and you can’t go too far wrong.

My dd1 hires things if she is going to events...so if you dont need clothes like this often that might be possible.
Or Phase Eight mother of the groom might be worth a look for the right level of posh...a step down from mothers of brides! And check ebay etc for worn once!