A ‘dressy’ do I can’t get out of - help!

You have done the right thing, in Trousers, lovely top just make sure you add some bling, you will look gorgeous.

M0nica

If the invite says morning dress, that is what your DH should wear, no if, no buts.

The rule for women is smart daywear, but women are encouraged to wear a smart jacket.

I googled your query and found this link

www.debretts.com/expertise/etiquette/dress-codes/morning-dress/

M0nica, I think you’ve mixed up your threads. This is the black tie event.

If the invite says morning dress, that is what your DH should wear, no if, no buts.

The rule for women is smart daywear, but women are encouraged to wear a smart jacket.

I googled your query and found this link

www.debretts.com/expertise/etiquette/dress-codes/morning-dress/

I'd go for navy palazzo pants as well and the scarf. Judi Dench almost always has one. I especially like this one

Wide leg trousers or a lightwieght long pleated skirt. Add a bit of bling with a necklace/bracelet and sparkly clutch bag,. Next and Damart have some nice pleated skirts. Enjoy

By the way witzend it’s a lovely top and I’m sure you’ll look lovely.

I love the idea from nannarose re buying a length of silky fabric and draping it over your shoulder etc. Am definitely going to try that if I am invited to any ‘do’.

You have a lovely top, a black full length skirt will be perfect- or black trousers. I don't like dressy do's either and never wear dresses, trousers or full let skirt for me ! A bit of bling would be good , necklace or bracelet and some pretty shoes that are comfortable! Enjoy the evening when it arrives!

Each to her own, vegansrock - I’m a casual/smart-casual type and haven’t enjoyed dressing up to the nines for a long time.

I can’t understand why people would avoid an event just because of worrying about what to wear. I’ve a wardrobe full of “occasion outfits” (which I have made myself) and love an occasion to dress up. As others have said, buy second hand from somewhere like Vinted or Oxfam have a posh frock online section, or hire something. Feel confident and enjoy - you know there will be good food and drink if nothing else.

I am at the stage where ducking out is never out of the question.

If I do not want to attend an event I will not. It can sometimes feel awkward to decline an invitation but rather that than being somewhere I don't want to be for hours wearing an outfit that I spent hours trawling the shops for and spent too much money on.

I hope the event will be better than expected.

Strictly speaking, the ‘correct’ wear for a woman at a black tie event is a cocktail dress, so a below knee-length skirt, not long, would be quite acceptable. But almost no-one follows the old rules these days, so you can probably get away with wearing whatever you like.

"I really don't like dressing up anymore" you are not alone Witzend

I'd go with Maw's suggestion, pick out the predominant navy something smart like Palazzo trousers or just smart trousers, which hopefully you can wear again rather than just the once, as is often the case with dressing up gear.

Although you could take a leaf out of Carrie's book and hire something really expensive.

Whatever you decide, hope you enjoy the occasion.

Well, I didn't explain very well (60s model showed me!) I didn't mean just draped over one shoulder, but round neck, low at front, then slung over one shoulder - think 'shalwar kameez'. Also does look nice just round neck and falling loose. Depends on body shape etc, and of course, needs to be comfy, otherwise no style at all!

I would go for the darkest navy trousers I could find rather than black.

Sorry to disagree with the '60's model but I think the trend of draping a scarf over one shoulder makes a loose top look even wider and ungainly. Better to show it off with jewellery that compliments.

I understand the trend is to 'renting' a dress for do. Apparently Carrie Symonds/Johnson does so regularly. I think I would do that for a black tie do as I can imagine some folk who have been desparate to attend such events will go to town on their outfits. I hope you can enjoy it.

I was also going to suggest that MagicWand. I stopped buying really dressy stuff ages ago and will hire. Most cities have a dress hire shop and you can also go online. Having said that, I think your top is very pretty and I'd pair it with a pair of trousers that suit my shape. My go to would be slim with a pair of heels but I've got skinny legs!

Thanks all - I’ve just ordered some plain black linen trousers from M&S. No sense in leaving it until they’ve sold out!
I have some sandals that will do but will have to find some sort of necklace.
I did think of black velvet trousers first, Lucca (I don’t do knee length skirts any more anyway) but given that it’ll be early September it could still be hot.

I’m not at all intimidated by smart venues, BTW - I just don’t like dressed-up formal do’s now. Pretty sure I will know hardly anyone except the hosts and a very few family, but I’ve just bet dh now that some of those won’t come - one sister IL ‘hates’ London so I doubt she’ll bother! The BiL might though.

You say your DH is hiring a suit, how about you hiring an outfit too? If it's good enough for Carrie . . . . !

Outrageous dangly earrings.

They always say I have style.?

You don’t have to wear a floor length gown for a black tie event, trousers or skirts are both fine. I think palazzo pants look more ‘dressy’ than tailored trousers for an event like this.

I'm with most of the others - smart black trousers or long skirt . The top is beautiful and perfectly suitable for the event. Nothing on your neck unless it's a choker as plenty "interest" in the top.
Grandmajean - fashion adviser to the stars.

Ah wel, spotted Maw, navy is good too !

The top is lovely, your choice of long skirt or trousers in black is spot on. Hope you enjoy your evening.

It’s a nice top that I would wear for a ‘do’ as it’s smart and a nice shape. Definitely pair it with black skirt or trousers and black shoes. . Have your hair done put a bit of glitz on and makeup. Don’t be intimidated because it’s a smart London venue be yourself and enjoy.