Dress code ‘CHIC’ - help needed desperately

[Onanotherhealthkick]

I have been invited to a party (in 10 days time). Dress code is Chic. I am not a chic person at all and actually am not entirely sure what passes as chic nowadays.
It is going to be in a marquee - dinner and dancing. Age range will probably be about 50s-70s.
I’m 5ft 10, a size 10, sometimes 12 and in my early 50s. I have a pair of pale pink sparkly sandals from Dune but no dress!! Colours that suit me - pinks, purples, teals/warm blues, yellows.
Budget isn’t massive (please no Vinted options as I would like the option of sending clothes back). I like Boden, Seasalt, Adini, M+S for my general every day shopping.
Any links or inspiration would be fantastic.

@Bolloxtoitall “Black tie” is a term - not a description of the dress! I can see it’s navy but is it party in a marquee wear? More suitable for a “black tie” ball.

I think this thread has shown tha “chic” is entirely open to interpretation since you should go with something that you consider fabulous.

https://www.hobbs.com/product/tess-spot-shirt-dress/0226-5563-1185L00-MIDNIGHT-NAVY.html

Those Reiss dresses are what I would call chic.

Judging by the dress suggestions made on here, 'chic' as a dress code means many different things to many different people.

Imo this chocolate brown Reiss dress is the most 'chic' dress suggested, it's totally on trend re colour, and isn't as predictable as black.
Just don't wear the pink sparkly shoes with it, as they will totally negate it's chic-ness.
Zara has some beautiful gold thong kitten heel shoes that would go perfectly.
Or find some flat gold sandal- type shoes.

I also love the FC Dori dress. The giant flower print is a great take on a standard boring floral dress.
The Zara shoes would look great with it too, or something similarly minimalist.

Have a great evening!

Photos of Zara shoes 👇

Thanks so much for all your responses which I will go through this morning.

@Overtheatlantic the green reiss dress is lovely, very simple but not quite right I don’t think.

im going to have a look at all the Hobbs links, I never shop there as I always associate it with conservative workwear.

im glad I’m not the only one who can’t put their finger on the definition of chic 😂.

This is a link to
my shoes. I bought them several years ago but only worn once or twice.

www.secretsales.com/64be44d81879e-dune-dune-ladies-meye-block-heel-sandals-colour-rose-gold/

Beautiful shoes! Do you find them comfortable? I’m looking at a block-heeled sandal and was wondering about Dune.

I would have a look at Massimo Dutti. Lots of nice plain dresses that can dressed up or down and are def rewearable for holidays etc.
Their dresses are also quite long so would suit your height.

I agree with PPs who said no florals, to me chic is good fabric and cut - more visible in solid colours plus good quality coordinated accessories. If your budget is limited - rent an expensive dress!

Avoid buying new shoes, especially from places known for poor quality like Zara. If the shoes won’t fit well or won’t be stable enough for walking and dancing they will affect your whole posture and how the rest of your outfit looks and fits.

Nic to me says minimalist, good cut, plain fabric with some very tasteful accessories.

I do think it’s maybe the wrong dress code for a UK country garden. ‘Floral’ would have been much more fun!

i would go for long wide leg trousers and matching blouse. Very chic and plenty of tall trousers around.

As others have said, Country Garden Style suggests pretty florals and flounces, often in cotton, whereas to me Chic Style suggests simple, sophisticated, beautifully cut block colour, perhaps in silk. You’re having difficulty finding something because the two styles are opposites. Mango has some suitable chic dresses that would fit your budget which are sleek and chic. If that’s not your style (and looking at your brand list I suspect it isn’t) then just go with a non-patterned dress that’s well cut and is a good fit. Honestly, with your height and size you could carry off anything and look chic so don’t worry too much. The fault is in the confusing dress code at odds with the setting - you won’t be the only one who doesn’t know what to wear!

@LizzieLazzie I think you have nailed the dilemma. The OP’s preferred shopping sites are not suggesting halter neck styles that are slinky. Chic they might be but if they aren’t you, avoid. Ditto florals. I do think country garden leans towards florals though - somewhere in the design. You can even get floral silks!

Perla satin two tone midi dress

Dress up with the jewellery and the bag

When I think chic I think clean lines, structure and no patterns.

Neat hair. Slicked back, poker straight or very stylised curls.

Yes they are comfy. I don’t get on with heels generally but these are great

Camila Coelho Midi Dress

Solaqua Antonella Dress

Coast Midi Dress

Floral Jacquard Dress

Floral Jacquard Dress Multi Colour

Mikado flared dress

Pleated ivory dress

Navy and Ivory pleated dress

This is a stupid dress code!

Monsoon is good for occasion wear and might not be too far out of your comfort zone style-wise?

https://share.google/plgyiqNuvyGR3Hmii

This is quite nice, for instance.

I think I would interpret "chic" as a LBD, myself. With hair in some form of updo maybe?