Help please - which of these dresses for night out?

[DontBeSoGlaikit]

I have a work night out next weekend - cocktails and a three course meal in a private room in a gastro pub. I found out on Friday that the dress code is ‘cocktail’ and I don’t know what to wear!

It’s winter where I live just now and I tend to get cold so would prefer long sleeves. None of my existing dresses (a) fit or (b) are winter-appropriate. I’ve found these two options and tried both in black but both were too big so haven’t yet tried the correct size.

the blue is most likely a better colour on me but I’ve not seen the blue in real life. I can order any of them tomorrow and get them in time but wouldn’t order both because one is on sale and non returnable and the other I know the shop only does credit not refunds.

So, which do you think is best for this occasion and what shoes would you wear with each, bearing in mind the dress code and the cold? Is the blue appropriate for evening?

I think the intention of the dress code is to encourage everyone to glam up a bit but it isn’t a really strict code (I’ve seen pics from last year and most women wore dresses but quite a range of styles from prom style to more day/jersey styles).

my other option is plain black slim pants and a plain black top which seems dull but could I get away with it with glam earrings etc?

I rarely go out these days so feel very out of practice! All ideas much appreciated.

I rarely wear heels any more but have some I could wear with the pants and top (gold leather block heel/round toe pumps or black patent pumps). Not sure any of them would work with the longer dress though but presumably boots would be too casual.

Part of me wants to simply go with what I’m happy in but I don’t want to be underdressed. Sigh

None of those are suitable for a cocktail dress. They are normal day dresses.

You might get away with the first one with sparkling heels and lots of accessories

Bugger, do you think so even with the venue? Like I said I don’t think it’s a normal formal cocktail dress code, more a desire that people don’t wear jeans.

I wish they’d said the dress code weeks ago when we got the save the date!

Sorry but none of those dresses are cocktail dresses. They're VERY casual. Maybe you're better with your trousers and buying a more glamorous top instead?

I'd go with the trousers and then glam yourself up. Do you think your colleagues will be very glammed up or likely to wear something similar?

based on what I can see from last year there was a real mix - the women in their 20s wore prom type dresses, so really went for it! i could see that others wore either cocktail length or day-type jersey dresses. I didn’t see any women in trousers.

I haven’t found anything else (have looked for tops too) and I have so little time left now that I’m a bit stumped! it seems like any of the options will be wrong so need to go with which one is least wrong!

I very rarely wear dresses so even those ones do feel a bit glam to me. Apparently my sense of style has long left the building 😑

Assuming you’re in the U.K. you have the right to cancel for a full refund for 14 days after delivery. It’s in the Consumer Rights Act. They can’t not refund because it’s on sale, or insist on a credit note.

@Motorina I’m not in the UK (mentioned in OP that it’s winter here)

Sorry - missed that.

I can’t believe no one’s said a jumpsuit yet! A satin or silky jumpsuit with the right shoes could go the right side of glam/cocktail and be a bit more glam than trousers and a top.

I do think you could/should make a bit more of an effort than a casual dress though which is what the ones you’ve pictured are.

@GonnaGetGoingReturns a jumpsuit would be ideal but I’ve been looking to no avail. The shops are a bit limited here compared to Uk or it would be a lot easier.

Believe me, i want to make an effort!l I’m so casual normally that any dress does feel like dressing up.

I’m now starting to wonder if it’s better not to go at all if all my options are too casual.

We're not sure what shops you have access to or can order from in time.

I would personally look for something a little more fitted and maybe with a little sparkle.

Boots or the gold block heels to go with it, not flats.

Do you have an H & M?

Thanks @Rainraingoaway21 that’s helpful. It’s a bit touch and go now to order online but I’ll keep looking.

@sunshineandpancakes yes but I’m not slim enough generally for H&M!

OP, I agree with your assessment that "cocktail" in the context of a work night out consisting of a meal in a gastro pub means "no jeans, tracksuits and t-shirts with logos".

If you want to get all glammed up with glitz and sequins, if that's your style then fine, if it's not, I don't see any need to buy that sort of stuff. I would go for either of the 2 black dresses and a big, chunky, shiny necklace.

How about a waistcoat with your trousers? If you're happy going sleeveless. If you get a reasonably fitted one it could look dressy enough & add some jewellery. A white one would look really smart.
Or how about a cream/white blazer? I wore slim black trousers, a black silk top & white blazer for my 50th & I felt both comfortable & glamorous

These are the most boring dresses known to mankind but also inoffensive. You will get lots of wear out of them as they're so bland, so get some nice shoes, get your hair done and it'll be fine.

There's nothing wrong with those dresses (especially compared to some of the horrors I've seen on wedding guest threads)

OP Is this the first dress? If so, it's much dressier than the photo. It's ideal for a works dinner in a gastro pub.

Short black dress

The micro pleating on the bodice continuing into the skirt is a really nice detail.

The first one with the pleats could probably be dressed up enough with accessories. Sparkly clutch bag? The second 2 are very casual.

You don't say what size you are just that you're 'not slim enough for H&M' but this is available and modelled in a larger size, and I think it's a little more 'cocktail' whilst still having long sleeves and being black.

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1129990002.html

I do like that pleated one from seeing it in more detail on the link. It looks like a nice material.

The first one with the pleats could probably be dressed up enough with accessories. Sparkly clutch bag?

it's a work dinner in a gastro pub. The OP said last year the women in their 20s wore prom type dresses, so really went for it! i could see that others wore either cocktail length or day-type jersey dresses.

The short dress is fine.

The micro pleating is lovely. I like the way it continues down the sleeve too.

I think some posters are fixating on "cocktail" and making more of it than "no scruffy jeans, trainers and tracksuits".

The first one would be lovely with some chunky jewellery and either some nice sparkly heels OR a pair of proper 'dressy' boots (you say it's winter?) It's a lovely dress!

I think the other dresses are a bit boring to be honest.