Help! I haven't got a clue what to wear for my dh's work 'do'

[sponkle]

ok, so what would you wear to your dh's work do if you had been invited for evening of outdoor ice skating followed by champagne buffet at a bar in town? (Cambridge) I really don't have a clue...do I go warm and casual or dressy...only seem to have jeans or full on cocktail dress to chose from in wardrobe, very limited budget to get something new...any ideas welcome. DH works at a place where they do not tend to wear suits, they are more socks and sandals types iykwim!

you could go all sjp and wear woolly leggings under your cocktail dress, which can then be whipped off when you are inside.

I would do smart jeans, heels and dressy top (although with layers to wear over whilst ice skating.)

Sounds like a nice idea for a Xmas do tbh - better than the 'dreary meal with a whole load of corporate groups in a hotel and then AWFUL disco' that so many places still lay on.

Take spare jeans/smart trousers. That ice gets wet.

Thanks for such speedy responses! I think that my cocktail dress might just be a little bit too dressy and I have already worn it to one of their parties before...(does that matter?) I have quite chubby legs so leggings are not my first choice but the idea is a really good one....if only I were the right shape to carry it off!!!

It is a reallay great idea foir the Christmas do this year and I'm really looking forward to it, especially as I haven't been out with dh for ages, maybe that's partly why I want to get what I wear right, and also beacuse he has a new boss and I want to represent him well iyswim.

Smart jeans and heels is a good idea, would a boot cut do? I don't do skinny because of my legs, size 12 but very chunky, although have been looking on next website, thought maybe with a tunic style top? I already have a black jumper dress, could I wear this with purple tights? and flat ballet pumps? just not confident about this as not feeling great about my legs....gosh, reading through this sounds as though I have issues with my legs! they aren't that bad.

Boot cut would be fine - fab shoes and what Grazia would call a 'statement top' I believe.

Take gloves for the ice-skating. Sounds a great idea for a Christmas do.

Great I have a lovely pair of 'inxyminxy drinking shoes' so I could wear them with my very long very dark boot cut jeans, which I love because they make my legs look longer when I wear them with heels....now then, statement top. I would have to buy one...do you know any good statement top shops? I don't read clothes magazines so a bit clueless...that's probably my problem!

www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Black-Satin-Structured-Shoulder-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=851796&cid=4169& Rf100=1005&Rf-300=1336&Rf-800=-1,49.000&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Purple

Depends on how much of a statement you want to make! The above is cool, and would balance out curvy/pear shaped figure whilst covering upper arms - but not everyone would be keen. That site is good though - you can look for going out tops and then sort for price/size/colour.

Also this:

www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/62304103&bklist=icat,5,shop,women,womentops,shortsleevetops