Work evening next week, 26C, dress code: 'cocktail'

[NetflixandWill]

Hello,

I have a formal evening work do next week where the great and the good of my industry (I work in media) will be there.

The dress code is 'cocktail' and the forecast is 26 degrees C - so I need the fabric of whatever I wear to be non-sweaty.

I'm 5 foot 8 and a recent size 16 having lost weight and I don't wear sleeveless or short dresses - I'm fine with midi.

I was going to wear a smart black jumpsuit with heels but I'm worried about being too hot, as it's long sleeved and full length on the leg.

Please share your ideas and help me not descend into my usual spiral of panic, misery and self-consciousness about what to wear! I'm willing to spend a bit if I can find something that suits my body shape after a long period of never buying any clothes... Thank you

Would short sleeves be ok?

What fabric is the jumpsuit? Will you be indoors or out? Will it still be 26c in the evening where you are?

What about something like this?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls409109/K65817#K65817

Why have you left it so late?

How about this:

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/nicholas/jumpsuits/casual/yvette-belted-linen-blend-wide-leg-jumpsuit/1647597341905305

Filtered for linen / Size 16 (US 12)

With this:

https://www.cos.com/engbp/women/womenswear/knitwear/product.fine-knit-ombr%253F-cardigan-green.1238891001.html

Slung over your shoulders. Cos is out of stock of the Large but another store with a Cos concession might have it.

Thank you so much! Got drawn into unexpectedly busy day - will reply properly later.

I'm not sure if this is cocktail party enough but it does look cool and floaty! Mela Blue Floral Wrap Over Dipped Hem Midi Dress | Mela (yumi.co.uk)

Yumi Navy Lace Sleeve Midi Wrap Over Dress | Yumi

short jumpsuit Mela Green Floral Print Jumpsuit With Angel Sleeves | Mela (yumi.co.uk)

Yumi Navy Wrap Jumpsuit With Ruffle Sleeves | Yumi

Cocktail style wear for women is officially meant to be knee length or above but I think anything goes these days. So I’d opt for similar length in natural fabrics if you are worried about over heating i.e. cotton or linen. Have you looked in Monsoon, Phase8, TKMax etc or maybe book an appointment with a John Lewis personal shopper.

Thank you all! Mortified that today took me away - if intended to reply. I am self conscious about my arms @TwigTheWonderKid so something that goes to my elbows(ish) would be better for me

It's synthetic @thedevilinablackdress - but you're right, it's an evening do and inside, so perhaps I can get away with it. I do love it and am so comfortable in it.

That is beautiful @Illpickthatup - thank you. And exactly the kind of floaty sleeve I can feel comfortable in.

Ha @MetaDaughter - life! Honestly the bad weather made me complacent. Now it's perked up I'm more worried about summery wear... thank you for these. I do have a sleeveless dress that I'd wondered about wearing with a cover up - but I always think people know or you're covering up if you know what I mean. I was hoping for one piece to wear with confidence....

Thank you @MiddleAgedDread - I do wonder if a jumpsuit might be my way forward. And these are affordable too!

Thanks @BollockstoThis1 - you are right. I think there will be some loose interpretations of the dress code and I'm ok with that, but if I can toe the line, even better. Maybe I can squeeze in John Lewis at the weekend - eek

Yes I once went to one and toed the line with the dress code and bought something new that fitted the brief but when I got there not everyone did.

Er, this doesn't make sense; cocktail parties have been happening for a very long time during periods (e.g. the 1930's, the "New Look" 1950's, the midi dress of the 1970's) when fashions were not at the knee or above. "Meant" by whom?
OP, go low!

What about something like this? Or this? Actually Monsoon have quite a few nice dresses. Just not sure what colours you'd be happy with.

Lots of definitions for cocktail dresses online but thanks for the arsey history lesson @AmiablePedant or anything but amiable pendant.

When I last looked at the definition of a cocktail dress admittedly a goodly few years ago it was defined as midi knee length or just above the knee length dress. As mine was a winter party I opted for a classic look which was a black velvet shift style dress. But obviously if the weather forecast is correct I would opt for an outfit that is both cool and comfortable. Enjoy your night @NetflixandWill and as the article suggests here post the code is quite flexible.

https://suitshop.com/blogs/news/what-is-cocktail-attire/

Ooh they're pretty @TwigTheWonderKid that second one in particular looks incredibly wearable! Thank you!

Thanks very much @BollockstoThis1 - I really appreciate your help

I doubt it will actually be that warm in the end. They have forecast warm weather numerous times this year and it has not panned out so I would probably make the decision the day before instead of now

Have a look at Scarlett & Jo.

www.scarlettandjo.com