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".

I've ordered this for my DHs birthday day/night out. You can adjust the neckline so it's now as low.

https://dlsb.co.uk/products/simple-and-elegant-forest-long-sleeve-midi-dress?_pos=3&_sid=013aa9643&_ss=r

The site has loads of dresses that are fancyish but not too OTT and suitable for day time.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/karen-millen-satin-woven-crepe-maxi-dress_bkk13422?colour=chocolate&size=12&istCompanyId=76f7277d-6e78-4dc2-aaff-1eb77fae16b0&istFeedId=258a4886-8f3c-47ef-9369-d1eda8d84501&istItemId=lwiimiwaa&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArfauBhApEiwAeoB7qJJecuUVhptwoQ421VHixM1ywxEvDtGHGDeaG3SQzlufWFdVIRQNXRoCYB4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This is lovely, dress up with gold jewellery? Also Ghost have loads in their sale

I like that style, @Punsandroses, but it would highlight every single bump on me!

@MaverickBoon That's why God invented control undies 😁😆!!!

Well this thread proves that no one really knows what cocktail means anymore, so I don't think you need to worry too much but just ensure you're not wearing trousers, jeans etc.

I would just wear a dress you feel comfortable in :)

I think cocktail refers to the smartness of dress, not the need to wear an actual dress! You can't ask people not to wear trousers these days...and smart slim or wide legged trousers would be fine.

If I heard cocktail but for a lunchtime event, I’d think knee to mid calf length dress or even a jumpsuit, nothing shiny or sequinned or too sheer during the day but smarter than a day to day dress. It’s quite hard to define though as the dress I’ve linked to isn’t what I would consider ‘evening cocktail’ 😄

Would you consider a rental? Hurr do some lovely dresses for hire rates that won’t break the bank, even the ones that are v expensive to buy!

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/jolley-pink-crepe-midi-dress

Weird timing for “cocktail” attire. That’s normally after five. I’d go with something you would wear to a wedding at the same time of day.

Doesn't Cocktail for women just mean you have permission to wear a shorter dress or skirt or even tailored trousers?

Love this

Can someone report my pic.

✅

The green Reiss one is stunning.

I go to quite a lot of charity lunch type events and would say generally when there’s a “cocktail” dress code this means formal-ish knee/midi length dress. The sort you might wear to a wedding or ladies day at the races. Obviously no fascinators/hats.

I wish i could afford this
https://www.harveynichols.com/adrianna-papell/beaded-mesh-wrap-dress-996675-gr01-mint-glass-178694/

Thanks everyone for your help. Sadly, I had a funeral to attend and it was a black dress code. (most funerals I've been to in recent years have been themed ie wear bright colours, or specific colours) I didn't have any black clothes.

I bought this dress . Could it be styled for cocktail or should I just buy a new one - (the Ted Baker is on sale) https://www.libbylondon.com/collections/dresses/products/octavia-black-dress