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?!

Definitely one for your holidays !

I do, however, think that any of the other more casual jersey dresses / shirt dresses recommended would probably be fine .

OP - do you normally dress quite casually for work ? Thinking that you said you only have trainers. I would think that normal workwear expectations would have some impact on expectations for a meal out .

It's a "casual" work dinner. She could definitely wear the Boden white dress.

Id probably wear a short ish oversized dress with tights and boots.

Not sure if this is fashionable or not.

I'd probably wear a hush dress. There are some nice ones on vinted that's where mine is from and I paid £10.

If I didn't want to stand out id wear a plain black dress.

Or jeans and nice black top tshirt (scoop neck) and cardigan/ blazer and trainers/boot/shoes

Just because the dress is advertised with a pic of it by the water doesn't mean you couldn't wear it to a dinner in Europe in Oct. Have some imagination.

I'd wear jeans (if you don't have any, the M&S ones that a PP linked are great), white trainers, a t shirt and a blazer. I like Tu @ Sainsbury's for blazers if they have any in at the moment. You'll get wear of those pieces again and again.

I'd go for the outfit in the first link or something like that. I had a similar vibe of work event recently and went with a belted jumper dress and ankle boots. Was perfect - comfy but still smartish and not looking like too much effort. Was pleased as can re wear the items easily

Just because the dress is advertised with a pic of it by the water doesn't mean you couldn't wear it to a dinner in Europe in Oct. Have some imagination.

I suppose it depends on where in Europe and when . First week in October in Malaga - yes. End of October in Milan or Paris - no. Well, it could be worn but it would stand out rather than fit in.

@FreshStart2025 do you make any distinction between home and work clothes? You don’t say what you do, and you’ve indicated the dinner will be informal, but even so - the River Island dress is perfectly nice but runs the risk of not looking quite right in a work context.

Conversely you could kit yourself out for work very easily at Uniqlo. (Some compromises would be necessary but the new Uniqlo:C collection really epitomises contemporary workwear.)

Photos below of three things from either & Other Stories or Cos that would fit your budget, look appropriately smart casual for the dinner and be useful going forward.

I think what this thread shows, more than anything else, is that different people have very different approaches to such events, so at the end of the day you’ll probably find there is a whole range of outfits at the dinner, so whatever you choose will be fine.

Not a fan of the river island dress - I agree it’s not quite right in a work context, but of course it does rather depend what you do and the usual dress code in your workplace.

i also think it’s a waster of money given your need for your clothes to work hard for you.

I work in an office and have about 6 outfits I wear on repeat, smart but not too smart (shirt dresses, trousers and blouse etc). I don’t have many details about the work function but I think it’s more of a jolly rather than actual work, I think some work related stuff will be incorporated earlier in the day. I can look for boots too, probably stick with the trainers for the day with a pair of jeans I already own.

I was going to challenge you on re the first one but looking again I see it's jersey. If it were poplin, it'd do the job
White stuff

I do many of these with work and I tend to wear black wide legged trousers with a drawstring waist. My current faves are from cider of all places. Really reasonably priced and lasted a long time already. They are fine with trainers but check the length!

That would leave some budget for a stand out top or a simple top and blazer. If you want something interesting but not standing out I like this top
https://www.johnlewis.com/reiss-sara-drape-detail-cropped-top-green/p111754305

Id also been eyeing this up
https://www.johnlewis.com/ted-baker-sachiko-ruched-puff-sleeve-organza-top/p111403404

Both possibly feel a little smart for trainers though?

I'd invest in some smart wide leg trousers, easily worn with white trainers and still look smart. I get mine from ASOS as I'm tall and they're the only ones who seem to do my length, but assuming you're of average height I'd look in M&S, Reiss or Cos.

Styling them with a good quality crisp white tee (look at Uniqlo and Cos) and a thin belt can look very chic (like the attached), and still meets the 'casual' brief.

I'd absolutely go for one of the Cos dresses. They are always classy.

I also have a navy dress from Hush- don't laugh- which is the most versatile dress ever to dress up and down.

Buy Love & Roses Zebra Detail Cami Top from the Next UK online shop

Buy Love & Roses Monochrome Detail Cami Top from the Next UK online shop

Buy Another Sunday Satin Sleeveless Cowl Cami Top from the Next UK online shop

My go to smart casual would be a camisole and jeans with wedges. Cant go wrong with Next.

My fail safe outfit is good jeans, heels, blazer and a v neck t/cami…. You’ll wear all of the individual pieces again and again and it’s pulled together but not too formal

I’d go for a satin skirt and jumper with boots and chunky necklace.

Burgundy and leopard print are very in & go well together. Also easy enough for those pieces to fit in nicely to an existing autumn wardrobe. I wear fleecy tights under my skirt for extra warmth.

For me the starting point would be what footwear you can wear. I’ve been on work trips where we’ve walked quite a bit to get to dinner and sometimes on cobbles. I would be wearing smart trainers in that case, with wide leg trousers.

if it’s in the hotel or nearby they I would wear low heeled chunky boots, and a dress would then be more suitable.

Not sure if anyone else has said it but get on Vinted!!
Decide what look you're going for with the advice here/online browsing then find it there. If only for shoes and a bag (lower risk for not liking/not fitting). You'll get something really good quality for well in budget. Lots of 'new without tags' or 'worn a couple of times' going for bargains

So I ordered the belted river island dress (we’re eating in a cosy restaurant so not dressy) and I do like it. But now having an absolute nightmare with a coat! What sort of coat would go? I’m thinking a short bomber/biker type jacket perhaps. But what colour? Nude/stone like the boots? Help! Everything I have tried on just doesn’t look right. I am SO bad at this stuff. Makes me wonder how I’ve got to my 40s!

Beginning to think I have to rethink the whole outfit!

It’s not a dress that is designed to be worn with a coat. The sleeves wouldn’t be easy to accommodate under any but the most voluminous outer layer.

(It’s great that you’re happy with it, but to me it looks considerably cheaper than £55 - and it’s not something I would have encouraged anyone to buy.)

It doesn't matter what coat or jacket you wear. The only pupose of a coat or jacket is to protect you from the elements going to the restaurant and going home. You could wear a bin bag or a high visibility jacket. It wouldn't matter.

I'd go with a maxi or day dress, pair with white trainers or sandals and a nice jacket (leather, bomber or demin). Next have some good options