a dress I can wear in an office and at a nice restaurant?

[hatwoman]

I am so clothes clueless at the moment - I am going to quite a posh restaurant and I really don't know what to wear. I don't want middle aged and I don;t want to do black trousers. I have half a mind a dress might be nice but in order to be useful I'd like it to be feasible for smart day wear too. any ideas?

I like this - with a black cardigan for the office

here

Or this?

I do quite like that but I know from trying similar on that the shape really doesn;t work for me. I'm also quite prudey and wouldn't feel comfy in a low neck in the office. I am thinking something maybe shirt-like at the top but not split/shirtlike at the bottom

this with black tights or leggings and short boots if you are slim

second one's winning so far. off to browse Principles

I bought this yesterday, looks fab on, a v flattering shape and good for work/going out too.

this?

This one is also good, a classic but can easily be tarted up for dinner with heels and patent red belt or similar.

What about a DVF looky-likey with a cropped cardigan for work for the office, such as this - www.boden.co.uk/col.asp?segname=Women&styid=WK447&segid=6&gpname=Knitwear&desname=Cashmere+Cropped+C ardigan&gpid=12&gen=1#txt

this kind of thing?

quite like this one but could look a bit broad and boxy on

I like the one Ewe bought from Oasis

this?

What is your figure like? Your Principles dress is v nice but would not suit wide shoulders

nappyaddict that one reminds me of school uniform!

this?

this?

oops this one is the one i meant to link to not the tweed one

i like this

Ewe - I've seen your first one in the shop - it looks very nice. these are all inspiring me to make time for a shopping trip (need a fairy god mother to give the time if not the dress...)

oops this one is the one i meant to link to not the tweed one

i like this

too casual?

shirt dress

another one

pencil dress

babydoll

sweater dress

ruffle dress

lace dress

black dress

too similar to what you tried on?