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!

Thank you. Even when I used to wear floral dresses and white trainers pre Covid that would have been a daytime casual look, not a party.

I think the challenge here is the tone of the event - being day and evening, casual but need to impress. Definitely don't want to go overboard and wear a proper evening type dress (I think that All Saints one is too eveningy lovely as it is), but equally jeans and a blazer doesn't feel right, especially for someone's house. I feel like blazers and jeans go well in a bar but they feel too stiff for a home if that makes sense!

I'm definitely hoping the PP's suggested Autograph dress works out as it's the right ball park.

Good call.

If it were me I would wear one of the long cotton dresses which I already own from Klements, Batsheva or Egg. None of them are plain, or possibly one of my Eponine dresses. I don't get the angst about not wearing florals or patterns.

If the people attending don't recognise these brands, or Alémais , then the it's they who aren't as cool as the OP thinks they might be.

I don't wear dresses. I'd wear a suit if formal dress was required.

Autograph dress in black perfect, or as an alternative wide legged tailored trousers and a silk shirt, focus on good fabric and cut. No flowery polyester or sparkles necessary. Your jewellery sounds great.

I've got my eye on these , chunky still seems to be a goer along with all the minimalist strappy kitten heels which I'm personally very pleased about as I can't kitten heel ever.

You want a summer dress that's too nice to be just a sundress. If you want to blow the budget there's a stunning Stella McCartney pale blue printed floaty dress this season. Could wear it for years to come as a gorgeous sundress.

Do not wear an M&S dress to a party in Chelsea. Or a shimmery jumpsuit. Or a floral dress in May.

I would do sharp jeans - Citizens of Humanity, Frame, J Brand etc; good quality blazer/fitted jacket; and a silk T.

The dresses that blueshoes posted likely fit the dress code best I think. Something along those lines. None of these are try too hard or too casual / not enough effort made. Theyre also flattering and look up to date without being too "high fashion" / look at me.

I love the phrase a PP said upthread "supposedly casual" , so true! It's like a secret trap sometimes.

Something like this.

Or a plainer cami with a jacket

I think that was me. And it IS a trap!!

I don't really do much print. Floral looks awful on me. Stripes are sometimes good but those Alrmais floaty dresses would age me. I need sharp / clear clothing if that makes sense, both in terms of colour, cut and fabric.

I'm not trying to wear a brand that will be "recognised" by other guests. Just look and feel appropriate and my best .

More Carine Roitfeld and less Aintree.

I'd wear issey miyake Pleats please - either trousers and a vest or a jumpsuit. It's suitable for anyone at anytime and always looks chic

https://www.anaakcollection.com/collections/dresses/products/nina-maxi-dress-azalea-spectrum - I love this but might be a bit floaty.

https://www.ganni.com/en-gb/black-cotton-poplin-long-dress-F9131.html - I love this but might be a bit low cut for this occasion ;)

It's so cool how varied everyone's ideas are!

^This

https://www.jigsaw-online.com/collections/dresses/products/stripe-jersey-dress-black

https://www.cos.com/en_eur/women/womenswear/dresses/product.asymmetric-satin-midi-dress-beige.1221695001.html

Indeed!

It would be an odd party if everyone felt obliged to dress in exactly the same outfit ...

@astarsheis upthread I ruled out blazer and jeans

Sezanne has some great dresses than can be dressed up or down.
The harena dresshttps://www.sezane.com/en/product/harena-dress/black#size-xs
Or the pippa dress is lovely too

I wouldn't wear a metallic jumpsuit op you're not at a festival!

I'd go with an expensive casual looking summer dress. With smart trainers or sandals depending on the weather. Maybe a cardi or blazer if it's nippy.

Wasn’t clear that you’d completely ruled it out. It’s fine for a London party.

My first option was a top with jeans rather than a jacket.

I grew up in Chelsea, most of the stuff on here is way off the mark.

lol to I grew up in Chelsea!

I'm a Londoner too! I'm not asking about London fashion specifically, but what to wear to a very particular event which is not easily definable in terms of dress code.

Have you checked out Mango OP?

They have a really nice range of shirt dresses, linen dresses and top/trouser combinations this season.

I've got my eye on this dress because I think it can cover a lot of bases, day and night. and will hide my almost guaranteed food droppage