Work Christmas meal and drinks - what are you wearing?

[AliasGrape]

Not a big party, we just go for a nice meal and drinks after. Would still like to make an effort as it’s very rare I get the chance to these days, and this is really my only evening/ childfree Christmas outing the rest is all family stuff.

No idea what I want to wear. What would you wear for similar? I tend to do dress and heels but always feel I look a bit dated. I’m mid 40s.

If you can share any ideas/ links I’d be very grateful - and ideally budget end of the high st! Not black if possible - I suit muted/ softer/ warmer colours best and I’m 5’7, size 14, hourglass with a tummy.

Wear a dress and heels.
There’s a very good reason why it’s a classic

I think wear what you like wearing, if that’s a dress and heels, go for it. I’ll be in jeans and A Nice Top because that’s my go-to for comfort, and out with colleagues I need to feel at ease (plus I never see anyone look smart where I live, it’s all casuals all the time).

If you’re looking for a new dress, can you tell us about the sort of shapes you like, and anything to avoid?

I have bought a pair of metallic gold wide leg jeans from M&S (via Vinted), they are fab. Also have a sparkly fine knit brown cardi from Zara which I would wear with nothing underneath and a few buttons undone. And I need some shoes but not sure what.

Failing that, I have a lovely gold top with puff sleeves from & Other Stories, I would wear that with black jeans of some sort.

I'm also mid 40s.

I’m undecided at the moment, mine is a lunch and drinks. I have quite a long way to travel so will either go for comfortable so nice jeans and t shirt with a jacket, or go for a dress, tights and smart shoes but get changed when I arrive. I have a nice red dress from Hobbs that I could wear with black tights and heels, but not sure if it’s a bit much.

I’ve bought a jumpsuit from Roman - black trousers with a wrap over green lace long sleeved top. I’m mid 40s, an inch shorter than you, same size with tummy and I think it looks really good on.

https://www.roman.co.uk/sequin-lace-v-neck-stretch-jumpsuit-14579434

@AliasGrape Tuxedo suit? They are in all the shops currently.

@AliasGrape there are also dress and jumpsuit variations on the tuxedo theme.

I’d probably choose wide leg trousers with a silk or satin long sleeved shirt. Small shoulder bag and mid heels. Dress it up with jewellery.

Or I’d choose the dress, but wear leather long boots instead of shoes to make it look a bit more interesting.

It would depend on the location though.

Thanks all - like the idea, love the idea of a tuxedo style suit, not sure I can carry it off but might see if I can get in somewhere to try a few ideas on.