Work Christmas party outfit - thought I didn't care what I wear but turns out I do...

[soyabean]

I overheard 2 colleagues today talking about what they would be wearing and I started wishing I had given it some more thought myself. Wondering if anyone can inspire me?
It's a meal in a bar/restaurant with possibly dancing after. I am 45, 5'8, size 12 ish, just lost a bit of weight used to be size 14 so the few things I have are a bit baggy and just don't look very nice
Upper arms need to be covered. Legs OK in tights. Never wear heels so only flat or kitten - type. Am very fussy! Fairish hair, blue/grey eyes. I like blue, grey, or black.

I have a new top from H and M which is nice, and probably fine but not sure how to wear it. Its white/cream with big purple spots, round neck, elbow sleeves, waistband. With skinny jeans or plain black trousers? Would have to get soem ankel boots or nice black shoes to wear with. Or maybe I need to buy a dress, dont often do dresses but I do like them and seem to suit empire style. Oh I feel really hopeless and really hope someone has the time/inclination to help!

Not much money to spend, buy most of my clothes in H&M, like Gap, Red Herring but obviously dont want to look muttony. All suggestions most gratefully received.
Oh, the do is next weekend and I can get in to central London this weekend.

I feel your pain, soyabean.

Is this Fenn Wright Mason number along the right lines?

www.johnlewis.com/22275/Product.

Something a little more funky.

www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/Oasis//Goddess-dress/3170051601?colour=black

Thanks Patsy my pain is obviously not very well hidden! I couldnt open the John Lewis link? I like the Oasis dress although not 100% sure about the skirt shape. have you seen it/worn it in RL?

Firstly, I know you say you like black, but black can very draining, and for a night out, can be a bit dull IMO.

How about dress-wise this?
kimono dress

with thick black tights and cute flats (maybe in a bright pink!)

Or, the top you already have, with black skinnies (super-fitted), and again some flats in purple?

But if you do want black and grey, this is very sexy, though has cap sleeves. Not sure if that is a no-no for you
warehouse dress

And do you have any shoe ideas? Would flat pump type be OK?

Thanks J and G I do appreciate you responding! I guess I only really like black cos of the obvious slimming properties..The kimono dress is nice, would def wear something like that. Cap sleeves really not good I'm afraid tho I like that dress too. Would rather not be faffing with cardi/shrug etc.
My black trousers are nearly skinny (tincy bit big) but I have some jeans that really are skinny - but perhaps if other people are in dresses I wont want to wear jeans.

This is probably too daytimey isnt it? I'm just not good at going out clothes!
www.oasis-stores.com/fcp/product/Oasis/Dresses/Sweetheart-babydoll-dress/3660008613

Soya that dress is ok for the office, but - for me - a bit drab for nighttime. I am sure we can find something better!

Now, this, I am not sure about, is it too young? Is it too goth? Maybe with purple/grey tights, and flats:

vintage lace topshop dress

Or there is always the option of choose a sleevesless dress that would look young and funky when layered over another fitted top, like this kinda thing:
inky blue grecian dress

over

black scoop neck top

with black/coloured opaques and funky flats

J and G thank you. I'm not overly keen on lace and think that first one wd indeed be a bit gothic for me. I did see a lovely dress in Ghost with lace but really cant afford it or risk mail order. Website currently down so I cant show you but anyway was £85.
Do you really think the sleeveless dress with a tshirt under wd look OK? I do that a lot in day time but worry it wd look too messy in evening?

Mmm I do understand what you mean soya. Perhaps to finish it off, buy a beautiful sparkley pendant knecklace (and bracelet)

I think better to have the top underneath, than risk an arm situation that you feel uncomfortable with, and still wear a lovely dress (that you can wear again) as there aren';t that many with sleeves out there....

BUT

If your office party is more glossy than, say fashionable and funky, would you want something more? In which case, you may need to spend a bit more.

Annoying ghost website being down!!

No its not glossy (although I am new so have never been before). Not everyone will dress up, I know there are others my sort of age who wont be worrying about it! The younger ones are going a bit glam but I have no intention of trying to keep up with them, just want to make a bit of an effort and feel a bit different from everyday! You are being REALLY helpful! I am surfing around. I like this dress but its maybe a bit dull:www.greatplains.co.uk/product/womens+Dresses/J1A8J/Sleepy+Hollow+Dress.htm

Soya I do think it is a bit dull, but the style will be flattering and I am sure it would look nice. But, bearing in mind that dress, how about having a look through these, which are the same fit and cut, but a bit less dull

white stuff dresses

And you are very welcome, hoping you find something you love!

See these also:

more dresses

You are spot on; I love White Stuff but thought it was more daytimey. On the other hand I could wear it again more often. And there is a branch very near me... may need to have a look.
So, do you have a Christmas do to go to and what will you be wearing?

Good luck soya! Do let us know what you chose!

Me, I am a SAHM so no more office christmas parties for me but I think I will survive and anyway, I love helping others' choosing outfits for theirs

Patsy and J&G Good morning
Well... I dragged my poor friend around every shoe shop in Oxford St yesterday, having bought a nice teal dress for only £15 in H&M, but then not knowing what shoes to wear. Honestly I tried on so many and nearly despaired. I ended up with the very shoes I had first thought about but rejected as my 13yo dd has the plain black version as school shoes!
grey patent
The dress is similar in shape to the Oasis one you suggested J&G, with a deep V, in plain teal jersey and with the required elbow length sleeves.

My friend convinced me that the flat patent shoes with grey tights wd be fine with the dress so I am going with that. In the meantime I had eventually found some purple suede pumps in Top shop so if I have another occasion I can wera them with the spotty top!

Now I need to think about jewellery but no more shopping opps so will find something at home and make do!
Thank you for your suggestions, they really helped! Happy Christmas!

Patsy and Jewels and gems - just in case you are around wanted to let you know I wore the dress last night and was so glad I had made the effort! Thanks for your help cos you did give me a little extra push I needed! I had a great evening and despite advanced age even look OK in the photos!