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!

I would probably wear wide legged linen trousers, and an interesting silk shirt or blouse with chunky gold jewellery.

Something along the lines of this outfit:
https://www.theoutnet.com/shop/product/zimmermann/pants/wide-leg-pants/belted-linen-wide-leg-pants/1647597333758395

With the chunky buckled Birkenstocks:
https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/arizona-big-buckle-natural-leather-oiled/arizonabigbuckle-bigbuckle-oiledleather-0-eva-w_9798.html

I would avoid jeans and trainers, you could look really underdressed. A nice dress with accessories will look appropriate. I would avoid the Birkenstocks too, I’d wear them to the park with the children but not an upmarket drinks party in Chelsea.

Who said anything about sparkly jumpsuits?

@Floofydawg there's one linked above.

Yes I'll rephrase that. They have definitely made a comeback but I do think they can often look dated. For me I feel casual ones can look really good but the "dressy" ones for a "night out" look can look dated - eg sparkly / shimmery with heels etc. I wouldn't choose that.

OP what’s your usual day time look?

I'd go in chinos and an Oxford shirt

This nails it and is a great price for quality linen.

Look at Anthropologie, Me&Em, Essentials Antwerp, Matches, Sezane - low key but expensive is the look you want (and will be noted as such by others there). New Look, Next etc are not quite on the money (pun intended) for this event.

This nails it and is a great price for quality linen.

Just as long as it isn’t what the catering staff have been given as uniform for the day! (Sorry to be brutal.)

Honestly I’d take some time to browse Vestiaire for an item or two from your favourite designers. Has the benefit of greatly reduced prices and, being from previous seasons, it won’t look as if you’ve bought something new for the occasion.

(When your DH said ‘casual’ he probably wasn’t making a distinction between Zara and Zimmermann - they can both look wonderful, obviously, but sometimes it’s worth looking beyond the High St.)

Yep, agree about low key but quality. I wouldn't shop in new look anyway to be honest, I prefer that style. Normal places I shop are things like Arket, &Other Stories, and Uniqlo since I'm mainly wearing casual clothes. I do like some of M&S recent stuff too, and especially Autograph.

I've ordered the Autograph dress to try it. Would be interested to hear thoughts about shoes and accessories. I only wear silver. Currently wearing chunky silver earrings and rings but no necklace, but could swap to necklace and smaller earrings.

Shoes-wise definitely not heels but not sure. Chunky sandals would look great with that dress but would err on the side of too casual fur this event. I know kitten heels would be in trend but my feet aren't great after injury so I would rather wear something a bit more stable. I've got a pair of block heel sandals actually, which could work?

Fair enough. I don't do sparkly ones and I didn't see the comment suggesting it.

I'd go for something midi, nice fabric, no print and shoes wise depending on the weather low block heel mules. Something from Cos or similar. I'd also have my hair cut the week before and dry it properly as I always feel much more put together like that!

I’ve been to a party exactly like this. DH used to work in finance. I would go for a dress or jumpsuit which is structured but still casual and either one colour or a block print. No florals, no frills, not floaty. And honestly - on the expensive side (or at least expensive looking) so not from a super cheap high street shop like New Look or anything. The key to this look is a good cut and good material.

Also flat shoes are fine and actually help to make even a smarter dress a bit more casual which can help tone down a look if you are worried about being over dressed.

Rashima.com have a great set of blouse and trousers. They're colourful and relaxed. Perfect with flat shoes. They are on the first page of their website.

Might just be me but I love this https://www.hush-uk.com/layla-print-tie-waist-trousers-contrast-geo-brown/010593-4542.html

Just found link to the dress I wore to similar event (city boss, catered house party, supposedly casual): https://www.lilysilk.com/uk/the-scarlet-shirtdress.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwYSwBhDcARIsAOyL0fihEIILqezuwElC3nBrSama2H0XV4QIFakEWwDz1hKbXnfVvbH38aUaAgnOEALw_wcB#color=3626&size=2716?womenclothinguksemid&campaignid=21032197349&adgroupid=&network=x&creative=&keyword=&device=m&matchtype=

I fitted right in. It’s silk so breathable and expensive looking, smart but casual, and can be worn with flat shoes. I have worn it many times before and since so was worth it. Obviously might not be your style, but it worked for me and at that party. (Should mention it looks better in real life than online!)

If you like silver I’d maybe be asking for a Tiffany bone cuff bracelet for Easter!

I think it would look good with the linen M&S dress.

Oh thank you @BranchGold I actually have something similar! Not the Tiffany one but a cheaper silver one similar style.

Thanks @LMMuffet for your advice. I'm not sure the precise shirt dress you've linked is my style as it's slightly more classic than I'd usually choose and I don't think I'd pull it off, but the concept is perfect. Simplicity and nice fabric.

I was going to say chinos, though I would wear with a silk shirt short sleeve top to dress it up a little more.

Those recommending chinos, what kind of events (if any) would you expect to wear a dress to?

I wore this to the races recently. It fits beautifully. I'm not sure if Boden is a bit low brow for your do, but I am super happy with it. I wore it with knee high boots, but will wear it for work networking and lunch events with different shoes, possibly wedge sandals in the summer.
I think it has a similar feel to pp silk dress (but this is thin jersey type, drapes lovely) but it's midi, as I'm not comfortable getting my legs out as much.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/laura-jersey-midi-shirt-dress-french-navy-arc-geo/sty-d0764-nar

I agree re simple, good quality material and cut, no frills - something simple but a bit “weighty” in a single or tonal colour combo. Low sandals.
the autograph dress is really nice.
Cos has some nice cuts if yr tall.
i like this
https://www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/isa-silk-blend-camo-print-midi-dress/WD552Z-3836.html?cid=22

I socialise in London quite a bit and would agree with your husband on smart jeans and a nice top. I was at a party in London on Saturday and wore high waisted wide leg jeans from other stories with a top and pointy boots and felt very comfortable. A nice blazer with jeans and I do like a nice jumpsuit too.
Personally I agree that the whole florally dress with trainers is a bit passé and tbf I never liked it anyway.
You sound like you have a fab figure and I agree with everything @JW13 said.