What can I wear to this event?

[ballpithell]

Got an event coming up in May and no idea what to wear so need some serious help!!

Basically it’s my DH boss’s home, a house party which will start in the afternoon and go on till late. DH works in City and his boss is very senior, lives in New York half the time, and the home is a very nice large house in Chelsea, and there will be catering. However, according to DH who attended last 2 years without me the vibe is very casual. Men wearing chinos etc. I asked what I should wear and he said he seems to remember some women wearing smart jeans and others in dresses but his recollections weren’t that helpful! He did mention some people were over-dressed.

For various reasons I’d like to make a very good impression. I’m late 30’s, and feeling unattractive due to busy life being Mum to a toddler.

My appearance if it helps is: tall, size 12, longish legs but not fit or toned, mum-tum, Caucasian, dark hair, blue eyes, suit Bright Winter colours (colour analysis).

I haven’t really been out or to a party since before the birth of my child, which must be before Covid now! So help is needed!

Simple summer dress and white trainers or sandals is fine. Summer dresses are great because they are both smart and casual!

Avoid chiffon type materials if casual is my advice, eg cotton is good, what's your budget approx?

I'm quite tempted by this for a dp work event:

https://www.cottontraders.com/products/shirred-woven-print-maxi-dress/AG10835014.html?src=PGL3&fix=1&source=pla&CAWELAID=320012860000023834&CAGPSPN=pla&utmsource=GoogleShoppingUK&country=uk&gaddsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC808L7PjkXm3DJ7EhGpXgJsm9grk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-mvBhDwARIsAA-Q0Q6IiqJ2hsvUvVYx-M2EIgdkZUHe-6JueFiKGMadvsZfLj2hyduhcfQaAo6rEALwwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Not setting the world on fire for style but looks comfortable and casual

Plenty of dresses at different price points, perhaps treat yourself to a trip to a decent sized mall without children!

Personally I'd wear something like this.

Nice and comfortable but can be dressed up if required.

www.next.co.uk/style/su134556/q65458#q65458

I would look for a floaty cotton or linen dress, something classy but easy going. Low wedge sandals or nice trainers.

I really like this from M and S. Their Autograph stuff looks expensive but isn't.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-irish-linen-square-neck-midaxi-dress/p/clp60642300

With absolute respect I think something at the cheaper end won't really cut it an event like that.

I'd go for a smartish but comfortable jumpsuit (but then I am a little obsessed with jumpsuits)

I agree re price range and materials and footwear.

The cotton traders dress is a casual, wear around the house at weekends dress. The one from Next looks fussy. It's polyester. I'm not hung up on the "eugh polyester" reaction as some on here. There's good polyester - Ganni, Baum und Pferdgarten for example.

I think you're well into the right ball park with that Autograph dress and there's loads of brands in that ball park. Some are the austere vibe of that dress- or the more pretty vibe of say Pink City Prints.

I'd go with a dark pair of jeans, pristine pink/white tshirt and navy blazer with runners or something like this:
https://uk.tommy.com/th-monogram-crepe-short-sleeve-maxi-dress-ww0ww41869xnd

or maybe this:
https://uk.tommy.com/ribbon-print-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-ww0ww4203102r

Cotton dresses.

2 at the flowery end of the spectrum on sale from Erdem.

Erdem 1
Erdem 2

Or the out there end of the spectrum
Klements
or this
Faithful the Brand

Or all size 12 dresses stocked by Liberty. Either Liberty's own brand or you might see brands there you can check on their own websites.

Liberty

Zara has a patterned shirt dress on their site for £49.99 ( can’t link to it) I think they also have it in white. It’s smart casual.

Jeans, t shirt and trainers really wrong for an event like this - ignore pp.

You need a dress and a blazer, with smart flats (sandals or maybe Mary-Janes or sling back kitten heels are in atm). The Autograph one linked above is lovely.

I'd go for a jumpsuit. I have one similar to this: https://www.diskokids.co.uk/collections/jumpsuits-trouser/products/metallic-gold-stripe-jumpsuit

It's really comfy but still looks stylish. I've got the metallic rainbow striped one but I think this one might be a better day-to-night option.

Firstly wear flats! And something like. This. Me and em dress go for a great quality but simple dress. Simple can cover a far winder range of codes than something fussy.

Maybe a summer dress from Emily & Fin? https://emilyandfin.co.uk/collections/dresses I have several from there and they're all my go-to for any kind of event. Also worth looking up the brand on Vinted!

A jumpsuit

I'd wear something by Dries van Noten - then I could expand on his legacy if conversation falters.

Crinkle cotton, great for spring/summer: www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/black-stripe-crinkle-belted-midi-shirt-dress/p/892115709

Maxi shirt dress: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/green-abstract-print-34-sleeve-midi-shirt-dress/p/885128009

Different colours: https://www.nobodyschild.com/navy-rochelle-midi-smock-dress.html

I would be stressed by this too! Agree with PPs that the lower end is probably not going to cut it for this kind of event but really depends on your budget. Also if you have some higher end accessories/bag etc that can dress up a high street outfit. What would your style have been pre-baby? It's important you feel comfortable and like you.

I would probably have 2 options ready as May weather is changeable. I'm a similar height/size/colouring/age to you.

My safe/go to outfit is smart, high waisted dark flared jeans (black/indigo) with heeled boots/sandals (but not too high/glitzy), a cami and a very well cut blazer. Nice bag/jewellery. Ok for if the weather isn't too hot.

If it's hot then a nice summer dress with flat/low heel sandals (metallic?). Not trainers if it's going into the evening. I'm not great with dresses to be honest but agree with @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle on all the Liberty/Erdem type links above if that's your budget. If not then maybe Reiss (they have a sale at the moment). Also M&S is really on fire at the moment and I never, ever thought I would say that! There's a gorgeous looking yellow dress coming in their new collection which looks expensive and lovely in the photos I've seen.

Not sure I'd trust your husband's judgment on ppl being over dressed (no offence!). You might feel underdressed and uncomfortable while he wouldn't necessarily notice how glam the women are if all the guys are in chinos.

Ps I have a city type job but work in fashion and my husband has a senior city job so we operate in these circles but my day to day style is super casual and small child friendly!

Something like this Sezane dress maybe https://www.sezane.com/us/product/adele-dress/white-with-cream-embroidery#size-2

Or you can't go wrong with a simple jumpsuits with an interesting detail like an open back... I have a beautiful dark red one that bought in Zara a few years back that I wear for all sorts of elegant but casual evens...

www.reiss.com/style/su254264/n71539#n71539

www.reiss.com/style/su167466/q88571#q88571

Thanks for the ideas.

For me, the floral dresses with trainers, sparkly jumpsuits etc are rather dated I feel. I'm a bit more edgy-ish (hate that term sorry) in my dress sense - even though I've not been to a party in years!

I think @Movinghouseatlast has it most on point with that Autograph dress, and the neckline would suit me. Id get the black one. If only it had pockets! I'd need to think about a necklace - or not - accessories / earrings / shoes etc. Since a broken foot I need support so would not wear think sandals like the model wears in the M&S photos.

*thin sandals

I’d probably wear a midi length dress in a colour that suits me and is comfortable. I’d do my own nails and maybe get a blow dry or curl my hair and wear nice accessories.

For me, the floral dresses with trainers, sparkly jumpsuits etc are rather dated I feel. I'm a bit more edgy-ish (hate that term sorry) in my dress sense - even though I've not been to a party in years!

Who said anything about sparkly jumpsuits? Jumpsuits are definitely not dated. They're all over the shops again this year for Spring.

Anything from Alemais - it's an Australian brand that has the most gorgeous prints and styles . Not sure of your budget though!

www.harveynichols.com/brand/alemais/