Day time cocktail dress

[OllyBJolly]

Invited to a charity lunch and dress code is "Cocktail".

Any ideas where to look? I'm middle-aged (but probably guilty of thinking I'm much younger!), tall, slim, no bust and haven't worn heels since pre-lockdown.

Usual shops are Jigsaw, Sezane, Marelle- none of which have what I would think fitted "cocktail".

Following!

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/collections/occasion-dresses/products/hydra-coral-satin-crepe-dress-black

Saw this the other day, might this fit the bill? I'm not sure if cocktail dresses should still be knee length, that feels old fashioned

https://www.reiss.com/style/ST733638/BK7313?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAivGuBhBEEiwAWiFmYXFT5J_7GYg0K64E6WD1HvptcYCW7541a0KzONJq_PvoigpC34oa-RoCwqMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#BK7313

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.draped-cap-sleeve-midi-dress-beige.1183360001.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAivGuBhBEEiwAWiFmYY54Rf-8GaOgjAEwnOaQVL6pKy51Z4EWp5fsL1ifGp34fnI4wRq6GxoCKN8QAvD_BwE

It's been a while since I've had to decode cocktail but I always used to go for fitted and just past knee-length (sort of sheath shape and interesting fabric but no real embellishments) but God knows what I'd wear now!

A couple of starters for ten:

Mint Velvet, longer than I usually think for cocktail but I like the print

Whistles, lovely colour but asymmetric hem and not everyone likes that - maybe not formal enough?

Oh hang on this is perfect

https://www.sezane.com/en/product/joye-dress/black?CHEQ&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Hors_Marque&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAivGuBhBEEiwAWiFmYWinrPTM6fJCT04YpGixEwwmetVYhNf2e0KbVMsmTlGhLPB3euboYRoCdN4QAvD_BwE#size-8

Finery, the navy velvet is quite nice if you like a high-neck although fabric maybe too eveningy

Ted Baker gold and black (saw this on someone at a wedding recently and it was GORGEOUS

Love the first two, @Garlicnaan! The Cos and the Sézane would do nothing for me but I do like the square neckline.

But someone will deffo be along soon to say that NONE of these are cocktail-charity-lunch appropriate!! I do think cocktail is a slightly odd dress code at lunchtime nowadays tbh. What's the venue?

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-printed-midi-skater-dress/p/clp60641996#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r3c2

I think this is very pretty and daytime appropriate. I kind of feel like cocktail is a bit of a ‘wear what you like’ catch all.

You lot are brilliant! Thank you!

Jigsaw - nice. Contender
Reiss - like it - not so sure about completely bare arms
Cos - stunning but not me
Mint Velvet - like it but not quite as striking as some of the others
Whistles- looks like something I'd wear to work. Lovely dress
Sezane - too short for me
Finery - not sure about velvet
Ted Baker- stunning. Sorely tempted although it would need heels. also like the same dress in blue. The black and gold only comes in a 6 and 8. I might make the 8. Blue comes in 10 which is my usual size.
M&S - lovely dress but don't like ties around the waist.

That is so helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time to seek these out.

That's a dress code I haven't seen in a long time. Takes me back!

I immediately thought of The Fold eg

I think dress code cocktail for a charity lunch has been dreamt up by someone who doesn't know the meaning of cocktail (or possibly lunch)

The Reiss, Cos, Mint Velvet and Ted Baker dresses don't look like dresses you'd wear at lunchtime.

The Jigsaw, M&S and Fold look more likely.

Finery could go either way. I don't like the Sezanne one at all for anything.

I think I'd be asking - are you seriously expecting cocktail dresses at lunchtime or do mean no jeans, trainers or Toast?

If it were me and they do really mean cocktail dresses for lunch I'd wear this Eponine dress.

_BwECoast

Oddly enough I’ve seen a dress I can’t get out of my mind but couldn’t immediately see a purpose for. A charity lunch would be perfect. (It’s in short supply so I selfishly won’t link here.)

Naturally I don’t much love anyone else’s suggestions! Given it’s the start of Spring next week I’d want something fresh looking.

Maybe like this printed silk twill MaxMara - the photos don’t do the material justice. It appears to be just above the knee on a tall person.

Or either of these:

https://batsheva.com/en-gb/collections/dresses/products/iva-dress-in-painted-rose-cotton?variant=44359970783481

https://www.ladoublej.com/en/ready-to-wear/our-categories/dresses/swing-dress-spritz-placee-black-DRE0128SIL006SPR04BL01.html

So essentially three completely discrete ideas of a daytime cocktail dress - though cocktails at lunch is a splendid idea and would doubtless encourage generous bidding!

(I should say the Batsheva possibly seems too casual - but I’m imagining it worn with knee high very fine leather boots and some stonking jewellery. Probably by the wealthiest woman in the room.)

Mint Velvet is always my go to!

https://mintvelvet.com/products/jacquard-pleat-hem-midi-dress

https://mintvelvet.com/products/black-floral-print-maxi-dress-1

Or if you want covered arms:

https://mintvelvet.com/products/grey-ruffle-mini-dress

https://mintvelvet.com/products/floral-print-ruffle-midi-dress-1

Me and Em?

They cab be pricy but have quite a lot on sale

https://www.meandem.com/sale/dresses-and-jumpsuits

I like the Batsheva and the Double J, which apart from my own Eponine dress and the Finery velvet one are the only ones I do like. Maybe Cos. The rest are much of a muchness and a bit dull.

If I had to buy something new, probably the Batsheva, I'd get a lot of wear out of it.

That last one ticks all the boxes for me, @Starlight1979!

Oh the blue Ted Baker one is nice too, @OllyBJolly - didn't know it came in a different colour. Certainly might be a bit less Christmas Day than the black and gold!

I quite like the Batsheva one although think it could be hard to pull it off "right", IYKWIM. Can't make my mind up about the Eponine one - I think I like it but am put off by those shoes!

My fave so far is the neutral floral printed Mint Velvet with the hem ruffles, I think.

This is gorgeous!