Oh wise stylish military folk and/or wives/girlfriends

29 replies

Fraida · 07/06/2023 22:44

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!!!!

OP posts:

Blossomtoes · 09/06/2023 08:25

SophiaLarsen · 08/06/2023 11:27

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.

From someone else who also spent too much time in officers’ messes, this is absolutely spot on. Follow this and you can’t go wrong.

YoucancallmeKAREN · 09/06/2023 12:01

Have been to many of these. No shoulders on show, no low cleavage, no knees on show either. Go to Roman and you will find something suitable.

CM283648 · 09/06/2023 18:45

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiu0_O-3rb_AhVL7e0KHXwFCZIYABAOGgJkZw&ohost=www.google.co.uk&cid=CAESauD2ECPpDH4QCDFLOEP_BydNNDAduGUqlQVzCJfbfsSSDLEv_IW3Js3eUYSO7udxL-WOjnP9B7A8HdfU3zP_Wz0JXTcfjR1c9EIatOEugf_YpO-mL-8oOYFvv8xny0WcnWn1XmzudS8_4YM&sig=AOD64_0irE32S4XbZ-2i2cmewfh00cZlzQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjcveu-3rb_AhXBQ0EAHZ4GCYMQwg8oAHoECAUQNA&nis=2&adurl= Something like this but with a blazer/cardigan over it. Wear heels.

FrenchFancie · 10/06/2023 07:02

spent the last 7 years dealing with ‘lounge suits’ and the military dress code. My go to were a line dresses landing just below the knee with smart shoes (I always go ballet flat type shoes because my feet are wrecked) either smart bag or no bag, sleeves or a shawl to cover shoulders. This is not the time for cleavage. No need for hats / fascinator things. Neat hair and make up.

these events are generally ok and fun and as a visitor, you will be made to feel welcome regardless of what you wear!

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