Formal wear help

[Gormless]

I’d be so grateful for help here. I’ve got a work dinner in a couple of weeks and the dress code is ‘formal’. I really don’t like dresses and never wear them; I’d be much more comfortable in smart trousers. Any ideas how I can make that work for a ‘formal’ event? I’m also not exactly statuesque…middle aged woman, 5 foot 5, size 18… any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated. I’m not very good at all with this stuff…

Isn’t that exactly what Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘Le Smoking’ was created for?

https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/yves-saint-laurent-le-smoking-the-first-suit-for-women-from

Not suggesting you rush out and buy a contemporary original (unless you want to) but I’m sure you’re entirely free to put together either a beautifully cut black or dark coloured trouser suit, or trousers and an extravagant silk shirt. It’s the sort of look that benefits from really intentional grooming, so it would be worth going all out. Maybe book a MUA on the day, in addition to hair, jewellery, etc etc …

Will have a look for some clothes. Do you have an idea of budget?

Basic idea (at non-basic prices) here:

https://gb.marinarinaldi.com/formalwear/all/suits?normal=true&save=false&sort=topRated&page=1&isRefineSearch=false&q=%3AtopRated&resetQuery=true&preload=true

Alternatively:

https://www.thereformation.com/products/billie-vest-es/1314541BLK.html?dwvar_1314541BLK_color=BLK

I saw Gok recommend this outfit in a style makeover From Next

Thank you so much- I’d be willing to spend maybe around £300 ish for something really good. I’ve got a couple of weddings coming up too so I could wear it again. I already have smart black trousers so am taken with the idea of a really great silk blouse. There are some good ideas in these links. I am grateful- I wasn’t even sure if that sort of look would be ok but I can see now how it would work and I’d also feel comfortable.

This is from MaxMara, silk, £285. It ought to be possible to get something decent for less, but as you’ll know, options narrow beyond a size 16. This is available in an 18. Very plain but lovely full sleeves.