What to wear to a cocktail party?

Question

A client of mine has invited my husband and me to a cocktail party. She is in her 50's and her friends are maybe even a little older, we are in our early thirties. i know she will be dressed to the nines in pants, what on earth should I wear? I am a little overweight so I dont want a slinky dress, but a nice dress would be okay...HELP and hubby likes khakis and polo shirts but I am sure that is too casual. what kind of sports coat? Her invitation said mountain elegant attire. We live in the mountains

thanks

Answer 1

"Mountain elegant attire?" Isn't that an oxymoron? Cocktail parties don't bring to mind khakies, but khakies would be pretty "mountain elegant."

Since you know she'll be dressed to the nine's in cocktail pants and judging by her age - I would say the safe color would be black.

Wear a dress that doesn't hug your curves - something with a little structure and swoosh. A fashionable belt to create a waist and add casual would work well. The dress should not be below your knees (esp. if you're petite). But not much shorter than an inch or so above. A lovely pair of noticable earrings and a great bracelet would work well since necklaces are a bit out right now. Maybe a pin - but not all mentioned accessories at once. Pick two. Earrings a must - those of a bling nature would be great.

If you wear a black dress don't wear black heels. A silver or gold would work well.

Rule #1: NEVER overdress. Better to be slightly more casual than too formal and show up the hosts.

For your husband a suit. If he must wear khakies then a safe bet would be a black sports coat over a polo. Perfect compromise!

Here's an example of a safe mountain elegant: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/in...

Try this with a white shirt and black jacket: http://www.dillards.com/webapp/wcs/store...

For you: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2961170/0~23...

or this which also comes in black: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2954201/0~23...

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Most department stores have a semi-formal area of outfits and dresses of all sizes. I would say that a cocktail dress would be appropriate. So, not as casual as church dress but not as formal as a prom dress.

Answer 3

Full length and boots...some kind of mid-weight Irish

oiled weave pullover depending upon the weather...preferably white (dyed would be adventerous), boots and smooth rock bangles. Clear nails.

Sportscoat? Norfolk tweed, with Oxford white shirt, amulet rope tie, and wing tips.

Be sure if he's not wearing jeans, and that the shoes go with the jacket....e.g., DO NOT wear a brown-toned Norfolk tweed, blue slacks, and black wing tips.

That's where the brown wing tips come in.

Answer 4

I would wear a s**y business suit with a sparkly tank top. My man love this look .  With 3 inch heals ofcourse.

Answer 5

I'm assuming an evening cocktail party-

husband-  gray dress pants/blue blazer.  If its more formal or conservative then white shirt, otherwise a blue shirt.  No tie.  Khaki slacks work too, but not as stately looking.

you- the ubiquitous little black dress, of course  I understand don't want slinky, so wear one that you feel comfortable in.

Answer 6

Right now wrap dresses are very popular and you can bu them in all sizes. Depending on your body shape (you said you were big boned) these can do wonders making your waist look skinny mini! I suggest the one in the link and your husband can wear black slacks and a white collar shirt. Its always better to be slightly over dressed... you dont want to show up and look underdressed:)

Good luck!

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