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Original poster

Christmas party when you don't really know the dress code.

20 replies

Foodorder · 27/10/2023 15:24

It's a sports club do. I'm invited as a guest of a club member.

It's a dinner dance in a Holiday Inn, I imagine nice enough but not especially fancy.

The venue's dress code is smart casual. IME for a Christmas party, in reality, that means smart jeans or casual trousers and a nice but casual shirt for men, party dresses for women.

I've bought this dress https://www.yumi.co.uk/urban-touch-magenta-cowl-neck-satin-midi-dress-p7518

Which I am very pleased with, the colour is beautiful and one of my most flattering tones, the fit skims in all the right places and makes me look like I have curves that don't really exist.

However, I'm mid 50s and am going to look a proper Charlie if all the other women have gone casual. Also, regardless, is that too much skin when youre staring to go a bit crepey? I'm tall, slim and reasonably well toned, but don't claim to look younger than I am.

I know other male members (who aren't being especially helpful!) but no women to ask.

Should I tone it down? I'd originally pictured a much more funky dress, maybe a miniskirt with chunky boots.

Magenta Cowl Neck Satin Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Satin Slip Cami Midi Dress. Adjustable thin shoulder straps. Slightly curved back hem. Lightweight silky satin fabric. Back leg split. Unlined. Model is 5ft 6in and wears size UK 8 Designed for a slim fit Fits true to size, take your no...

https://www.yumi.co.uk/urban-touch-magenta-cowl-neck-satin-midi-dress-p7518

OP posts:
Original poster
Foodorder · 27/10/2023 15:51

Aw, does no one like my dress? 😆

OP posts:
Doingitsolo2023 · 27/10/2023 15:54

Oh, I like the dress, I would probably tone it down personally (but I don't like to stand out). If you are comfy in it, you should wear it though.

EmptyYoghurtPot · 27/10/2023 15:55

It’s a lovely dress and I’m sure it looks great. What kind of sports club is it? If the people are more your age then they will probably wear something similar. Younger people might go more casual.

thedevilinablackdress · 27/10/2023 15:56

Lovely dress. Wear it with confidence and it's always the right thing to wear.

Whataretheodds · 27/10/2023 15:56

If it's an annual event what did people wear last year?

You could wear a chunky cardi and boots with that and discard the knit if everyone else has gone glamorous too.

shouldhavetakenmorenotice · 27/10/2023 16:01

I'd wear it with a more casual jacket but decent shoes. So if the usual has happened and the men look scruffy and the women look Oscars ready you wont feel like you've not made an effort.

Always, always, always better to be more glam than less. People can assume you've dropped in to their do on the way to something more exciting, rather than on the way to pick up a takeaway. You're having so much fun you've decided to stay, rather than toddle off to your next engagement 😉

It's a gorgeous dress. I have something similar but haven't got my skins game sorted to get away with satin yet.

wanders off to buy something spandex heavy

Possimpible · 27/10/2023 16:02

I like it - it's Christmas, can you ever be overdressed? Safe options would include sequin or velvet mini skirt with black/glittery tights and a nice top. Nobody's going to go casual casual surely?

Tempted to get it myself but I do carry my weight on my tummy - do you think it would skim someone who does have curves, or are you very toned?

SeaPool · 27/10/2023 16:03

A fitted velvet jacket over the top would dress it down a bit if everyone else has gone less fancy and also end any concerns you might have about being too exposed.

Original poster
Foodorder · 27/10/2023 16:07

Possimpible · 27/10/2023 16:02

I like it - it's Christmas, can you ever be overdressed? Safe options would include sequin or velvet mini skirt with black/glittery tights and a nice top. Nobody's going to go casual casual surely?

Tempted to get it myself but I do carry my weight on my tummy - do you think it would skim someone who does have curves, or are you very toned?

I'm pretty straight up and down with visible abs. Even so I felt the need for light control undies to smooth it over my tummy. It's not forgiving.

OP posts:
Original poster
Foodorder · 27/10/2023 16:08

SeaPool · 27/10/2023 16:03

A fitted velvet jacket over the top would dress it down a bit if everyone else has gone less fancy and also end any concerns you might have about being too exposed.

I was going with a wool biker jacket, which I realise is a dated look, but I like it.

OP posts:
Possimpible · 27/10/2023 16:10

Foodorder · 27/10/2023 16:07

I'm pretty straight up and down with visible abs. Even so I felt the need for light control undies to smooth it over my tummy. It's not forgiving.

Show quote history

Oh heck, sounds like we are very different shapes so I will give it a miss! Just noticed in the green version even the model has a tummy so I have no chance. Gorge dress though, love the red colour

PerditaProvokesEnmity · 27/10/2023 16:16

Really you want the opposite of a fitted jacket - something indisputably oversized - worn slung across your shoulders. Then if everyone else is vey casual you put the jacket properly on, and if it’s all very dressed up you can just drape it over a chair.

I’d be inclined to wear long boots that disappear under the hem of the dress, to ground it a little. (I hate to look ditsy.) The dress itself is fine, it just needs a bit of attitude.

RJnomore1 · 27/10/2023 17:27

I swear I had that exact dress 25 years ago! I’d look like a burst balloon it at the moment, I most definitely do not have visible abs but it’s beautiful, I love the velvet jacket idea for a winter party too.

Findyourneutralspace · 27/10/2023 17:30

I’d wear it with a leather biker jacket to give it a bit of edge

tobee · 27/10/2023 17:34

I think it's a great dress and a good choice

SayYesToTheWrapDress · 27/10/2023 18:47

I love it OP! I say fuck it and go for it, if you feel fabulous in it then really what else matters? It's not like you're wearing a ball gown to go litter picking. It's Christmas!!

I hope you have a lovely time!

WonderingWanda · 27/10/2023 18:51

I like it and think that as long as you don't wear super fancy shoes you'll pull it off. Maybe dress it down with boots and a leather jacket?

Original poster
Foodorder · 27/10/2023 18:59

WonderingWanda · 27/10/2023 18:51

I like it and think that as long as you don't wear super fancy shoes you'll pull it off. Maybe dress it down with boots and a leather jacket?

Oh, I was going to wear the comfy sparkly high heeled sandals I've worn for every Christmas do for the last 20 years 😆

OP posts:
WonderingWanda · 27/10/2023 19:08

@Foodorder go for it, I only suggested boots as you were worried about looking overdressed. It's Christmas and I always go for head to toe sparkles!

Divebar2021 · 27/10/2023 19:14

An evening jacket…. A kind of tuxedo style is always useful although I do love a velvet jacket too. I think boots would be a bit hot if dancing was involved. I think you just have to not worry about what other people are potentially wearing. I once went to the Royal Opera house and the person next to me was in ripped jeans. I prefer to think they were letting the side down rather than me being overdressed

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