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Original poster

Please help me decipher this confusing dress code

13 replies

RooRooCooChoo · 21/09/2023 20:13

I have a formal work dinner coming up. The dress code is given as "suits and ties, cocktail dresses or similar smart work attire". Is it me, or is this not at all clear? In what world is a cocktail dress similar to smart work attire?! Men have it all so easy! 🙄

I love this dress but I worry that it might be too long or too flashy.
https://www.nancymac.co.uk/products/sable-longline-dress-in-teal-mountain-pine-crepe-1?pos=8&_sid=525395f9e&_ss=r

I would also love an excuse to buy one of the jumpsuits, but fear they will definitely give off the wrong vibe. I'm right, aren't I?

If not this, what? I'm 5ft6, size 12-14 (although currently active on the low carb bootcamp thread and hoping to be much more a 12 than a 14 by the time of the event). Quite pear-shaped, but I find tea dresses work more often than not.

Thanks for your help!

OP posts:

Widowsfire · 21/09/2023 20:16

I think thats an attempt to make it a bit special I.e. not casual, but also not to put pressure on people to buy something they'll never wear again.

My guess is most women will wear party dresses and men a business suit.

RoseslnTheHospital · 21/09/2023 20:17

Doesn't it just mean that if you don't want to wear a cocktail dress, you can wear smart work wear instead. They've just worded it a bit weirdly.

Widowsfire · 21/09/2023 20:17

I think that dress will be perfect and I love it

coxesorangepippin · 21/09/2023 20:18

They're covering all bases

No shirts, no jeans, no flip-flops

That dress is gorgeous and also appropriate

Sparkletastic · 21/09/2023 20:18

That's in no way flashy. It would fit the bill perfectly.

DisforDarkChocolate · 21/09/2023 20:18

That dress is glorious.

BaronessBomburst · 21/09/2023 20:19

Oh that dress is beautiful!
I agree that it may be too long though.
I'd play it safe and go knee-length so that the dress definitely falls under cocktail and/or smart work attire.

Pleasenowthatsenough · 21/09/2023 20:19

No help but dress is gorgeous!

Widowsfire · 21/09/2023 20:19

BaronessBomburst · 21/09/2023 20:19

Oh that dress is beautiful!
I agree that it may be too long though.
I'd play it safe and go knee-length so that the dress definitely falls under cocktail and/or smart work attire.

The length will be absolutely fine, even if others have gone shorter.

Divebar2021 · 21/09/2023 20:20

I thought the dress was going to be floor length but it’s fine…. It’s a midi.

Original poster

RooRooCooChoo · 21/09/2023 20:22

It's a sad reflection on the state of my social life, but I don't actually have a party dress. Thank you all for the encouragement. I'm going to use this as an excuse and buy it! I suppose if it looks a little long on me I can always get it taken up. Now to find a few parties that aren't work-mandated!

OP posts:

clementinejuiceforxmas · 21/09/2023 20:27

In the old days I think that code would've been "lounge suits" ie suit and tie not black tie. So you want a midi or knee length.

I think that dress is gorgeous OP unless you're particularly short.

NatashaDancing · 21/09/2023 20:30

The dress is suitable for the event you describe.

I think thats an attempt to make it a bit special I.e. not casual, but also not to put pressure on people to buy something they'll never wear again.

That's exactly what they're getting at. Length of dress isn't even relevant. There are short dresses which would be OTT and ankle length dresses which wouldn't.

A Nancy Mac jumpsuit would be ok too , if that's your thing.

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