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!

@hernamewaslolashewasaslowgal - which one do you have, the me and em one or the Sézane one? If it’s the me and em one, how low cut is it? Also, I find me and em quite big so usually size down. Would you say the same with this one? I’m thinking maybe not as the bodice probably should skim rather than cling? Thanks!

I’ve really enjoyed this thread and looking at the various suggestions. Hope you find something that works OP. and enjoy the occasion

Please will you come back after the event @ballpithell and tell us two things (well three things)

1. What you ended up wearing
2. What the other women there were wearing
3. Whether you had a nice time or not 😊

Haha I definitely will! I must remember to look out for what the other women are wearing.

Can't believe how controversial this thread turned out to be!

Thank you for all the suggestions.

To answer a pp question, the event is on a Saturday but starts at lunchtime.

I definitely don't think jeans and a blazer are right. Skinny jeans and heels not my style anyway and feels a bit ageing on me, plus too stiff / not relaxed for someone's home.

Definitely going with a simple but very nicely cut dress and sharp accessories. Will get my hair and BIAB done the day before. The only question now is about a jacket if it rains - I guess trench coat? And shoes.

The poetry dress mentioned was lovely, as was the first navy short sleeved Me+Em one (sorry can't find who posted) but the necklines wouldn't suit me. My boobs are not inconsiderable and so high or high-ish / non-descript necklines don't suit me. I need a clear cut neckline and a bit of décolletage suits me. I also like a bit of sleeve.

So far my favourite is the Autograph one due to the cut of the neck and the simplicity, and also the most recently posted navy Me+Em dress with long sleeves and a v-neck. I'd have to go for navy in that dress as the jade is not quite my colour. I'd love a raspberry or dark emerald / pine green but otherwise navy and black are good neutrals which suit me.

I'm probably going to choose one of those two dresses and wear my silver chunky earrings and cuff plus some sort of flats / mule type things.

The Autograph dress arrived today and looks really nice. I was pleased to find pockets. As it looks in the picture you could definitely easily dress it down with a pair of adidas and a casual leather / denim jacket or something, or dress it up further with heels.

I think I'll order the me+em one to compare.

Thanks again for all the brilliant ideas!

That Autograph dress is really classy, and does not look M and S at all. II might buy it for summer, though I really want to get away from black. Not sure the yelllow would suit me.

Oh, I know you already have the dress, but lately I have been looking at this label, which I have never brought from, but is sleek/non-floral/minimalist. Really like this. https://ninetypercent.com/collections/womens-sale/products/orion-dress-in-enoki-mushroom-c22

Sorry me and Em. I'm a size 12 and it fits true to size, not too low cut (as in fine to wear to work).

Thanks @CharlotteRumpling I really like the look of that dress and the website. However I do feel often these clothes look stunning on the very skinny models and would only look frumpy on me, a tall person with curves. Especially wrap dresses fall into that category - looks stunning in that photo but on me would look like a primary school teacher. (Nothing wrong with that per se but not the look I was going for)!

Love the m&s and the look of the me&em dress (who id never heard of before). Can’t wait to see what you go with & following for an update on what everyone is wearing!

enjoy the party!

I’d go for tailored linen trousers and a silk shirt in neutral colours - then add personality with jewellery, shoes and accessories. Reiss have a beautiful cream linen double breasted blazer and wide leg trousers.

they are comfy fabrics for wearing ‘at home’ and flexible for dressing up or down. But I’m not known for being edgy!

The grey cashmere and jeans is how I dress but I’m always jealous of people like you who can pull off something more flamboyant.

Some of the suggestions are bizarre.

The M&S, the plain raspberry one & the navy em& me one are the best.

When you don't know the true dress code, best stick to plain & simple. Soft tailoring, one colour, no patterns & quality fabric. No bold designs or distractions.

You can add you'd personality with accessories.

There are some good suggestions on here. I think the Autograph dress, or a relatively simple dress is a good idea. Just don't wear it with trainers!
I would agree with you to avoid jeans, a shirt and/or a blazer. However, some of the jumpsuits look good.

On a colour note - go for it! It doesn't have to be bold or vivid, but it really makes a difference. Don't wear black or grey.

https://www.meandem.com/slub-cotton-v-neck-maxi-dress-spring-green

I love this colour

I love that colour - what a great dress. I also like the sandals it's paired with.

I wore this outfit yesterday for day/evening drinks in London with chunky black block heel boots and a short black leather jacket. Was so comfortable and smart casual

I have a similar skirt I bought recently, which I also wear with a black fitted top. I do better with skirts than dresses these days as all the dresses have puff sleeves and frilly yokes.

Hi. Thanks so much for the recommendation- I’ve bought this one and love it!

@ballpithell have you attended the event?
What did you end up wearing?