Outfit for a “casual” work dinner

[FreshStart2025]

My company are taking us overseas for a work-do, staying overnight. In the evening, there will be a dinner. I’ve asked what the dress code is (my wardrobe is seriously bare) and have been told nothing too fancy, a dress/jeans and a nice top. I’m in my 40s and a size 10. Got to be chilled but smart. Any ideas? I’m stressing already as I don’t get out much / spend much money on myself (single Mum 4 kids!). Budget £100. Any style gurus out there?!

I quite like this whole look with the earrings and boots as well - www.riverisland.com/p/green-belted-high-neck-jumper-midi-dress-752203

Cos would be a good place to look as they have so many dresses at around that price point - and all are simple and un-fussy and contemporary looking.

www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/dresses.html www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/dresses.htm]]l

I suggested a dress because it’s harder to buy two good separate pieces within budget - but if you did you’d then have two pieces to add to your everyday working wardrobe which could be mixed with things you already have.

I’m quite taken with these Massimo Dutti trousers - amazingly good value for pure wool and a great cut. Or you could get the very good value blue wool polo top (you may want a vest beneath) and wear with much cheaper trousers or a skirt from somewhere like Zara.

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/knit-short-sleeve-coord-cardigan-l05749639?pelement=44362561&colorId=450&style=1

Given your budget and bear wardrobe I’d focus on items that you’ll get a lot of wear from in the future.

wide leg trousers and a silky blouse and flats, if you have any of these in your wardrobe already then use the budget for a blazer. Next often have crepe fabric ones for around the £40 mark or if you prefer the Chanel style short jacket there’s tonnes in Zara currently all for less than £40.

if you’re wearing a jacket you can’t get away with trainers. All of those items will be suitable for future work events.

Thanks, I’ve only got white trainers otherwise will have to invest in some boots!

This is a link for the bag (bloody love these bags) but something like this top and pleated skirt would look great with white trainers whilst being slightly more autumnal.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/naha-crossbody-360128#selection.color=26473

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/olive-green-pleated-satin-midi-skirt-368536#selection.color=26355

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/green-geometric-knitted-vest-top-368628#selection.color=26355

That's the skirt and top.

Not the most fashion forward of retailers perhaps, but well within budget and very wearable. Do any of these dresses in White Stuff or Fat Face catch your eye…?

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/4486/ria-collared-jersey-shirt-dress/BLKPR

https://www.whitestuff.com/p/4281/megan-jersey-dress/NAVYPR

https://www.fatface.com/style/su389261/e70445#e70445

Have to be honest - those White Stuff dresses look more ‘hanging out with your toddlers for the day’ than a grown up dinner with colleagues in a foreign city.

In your position I'd get some jeans from M&S - they have a big range - and a top. That would be far more useful than a dress.

Get yourself to the charity shops! You’ll get several outfits with that budget. You can try on and return at most of them these days.

I'd talk to your female colleagues who are going rather than mumsnet. You'll probably find anything goes but depending on what your colleagues are like turning up in some shapeless black dress will look odd. Sorry but the Cos dresses look ghastly and shapeless.

Also depends on where you are going, a wool dress in say Turkey where it will be low 20s will be too hot but in Europe it would be okay.

If you've been told jeans are okay, don't go overboard and wear some expensive trousers or dress.

I like the River Island jumper dress (first link) so might order that to see what it’s like. It’s Europe in Oct so won’t be massively warm.

Find these sort of things very stressful!

I’d stick with jeans and a top, better than a T-shirt but not as formal as a blouse. It’s my go to outfit when I’ve been to similar events and the advantage is you can wear it at home multiple times.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing jeans for a work thing, even if that’s what they’ve specified. Personally, I find dresses are the safest bet when not sure. Something that can be dressed up or down. Shirt dresses are particularly useful for this; your trainers will stop it looking too smart. I do like the River Island dress suggested above though.

I'd go with jeans and a top if that's an option, as you'll get wear out of both. M and S have a decent jeans offer that will be in budget, wide leg looks fairly smart and suits most shapes.

Something like this should do the trick, depending on the weather, you don't say where it will be.

I also have a linen jumpsuit that is perfect for smart casual affairs.

www.monsoon.co.uk/sabitha-stripe-midi-shirt-dress-black-10006710001.html

My go to for ‘unsure what to wear’ is jeans and a white shirt.

You can get both for well under £100 and they’ll work with your trainers. You may even be able to get some funky jewellery from Accesorize to dress it up.

The clothes should also be useful for mixing and matching with your current wardrobe.

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/una-linen-embroidered-dress-ivory-embroidery/sty-d0940-wht?cat=C2_S2

But that Boden dress is surely meant for a summer holiday by the beach? I can’t imagine anyone taking it for away for a work dinner in October. Also can’t see how anyone in the UK (where I presume the OP is) would incorporate it into their autumn/ winter work wardrobe.

The OP is short of clothes - she needs things she can wear with confidence over the coming season.

Do you have any suitable trousers/jeans already? If so Sezane have some beautiful shirts and blouses but they are a budget blowing £95-£100

The dress looks nice how they've styled it with boots - but I don't think it would 'go' with white trainers.

Maybe check out Vinted, the River Island dress is nice and at the moment there are lots of relatively cheap boots on Vinted - many brand new.

Have fun!

Have you got a casual dress in your wardrobe you could dress up? Black or patterned tights, doc martens, statement necklace or cuff.

If not, you’ve got white trainers, so spend your budget on a versatile dress - scamp & dude, never fully dressed, manners London, sweaty betty, dancing leopard…