Fashion advice (new place of employment/holiday party/question about "cocktail attire")

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

I started a new job at a firm a few months ago and am trying to figure out if what I wore to last year's holiday party will work at this year's.

The invitation says "cocktail dress" for women and "coat and tie" for men.

Last year, when I worked for a different firm, I wore a long black pencil skirt and a black wrap top (looked sleeveless, but really had cap sleeves). There were black "sparkles" which were hardly noticable on the top.

Would this be considered appropriate attire? The event is at a country club from 7-10; they'll be serving light hors d'oevres (sp?).

I went to three different malls, and the dresses were either too formal, too geriatric looking or too hootchie mama. I'm in my mid 30s.

Thanks.

[auntAgonist]

1. that sounds VERY pretty, classy .. and appropriate.

:hi:

I'm no fashion expert but your outfit sounds like it would fit the bill.


aA

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

2. I put a marcasite pin at the bottom left, at my waist.

[Scout1071]

3. Yes, that is fine.

Cocktail attire is pretty swanky. I'd say just below "formal." Definitely a dres/skirt for a woman. In fact, that "little black dress" is perfect for this occassion.

What you have suggested sounds totally appropriate.

[yvr girl]

4. Cocktail usually means a fancy, but short dress

Check with some of your co-workers though, see what they usually wear.

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
More about cocktail dresses: Best Little Black Dresses
http://fashion.about.com/cs/glossary/a/partydefinition.htm

[rocktivity]

5. If your skirt is floor length, I think it's a little too formal.

The top sounds fine, though.

:headbang:
rockantion

[radwriter0555]

6. It sounds perfect. Length is negotiable these days whether casual or

(almost) formal, so go for it.

You could always find a different color top to exchange for the black wrap top, and lighten the air of the ensemble. You just can't go wrong with a long black thin skirt.

Boots are very in this year, so you could do a fine heeled boot instead of strappy ass sandals as well, to change the tone.

[Shine]

7. What you have planned sounds perfect, in my opinion.

very classy. Have fun and don't drink too much! :hi:

[eyesroll]

8. I think you'll be OK...cocktail attire can really mean anything --

little black dress, skirt and top (maybe even a dressy pantsuit (i.e. you don't tell my former co-worker, 50, who has never worn a dress in her adult life that she has to put one on just to eat spinach puffs and deal with the boss for three hours).

I've gotten my last two or three party dresses from vintage shops -- in the $30 range, one was disco-style (probably a little too sparkly for a conservative cocktail party, but it made a great opening-night-at-the-theater dress), another a 1950s (?) beaded short sleeveless blue dress. Both worked out well -- not geriatric, not hootchie mama, and virtually guaranteed, nobody would show up wearing the same dress.

[Midlodemocrat]

9. Sounds perfect to me.

Have fun!!!

:hi:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

10. I ventured out one more time tonight, and wound up again with

nothing. Everything I tried on looked horrendous. Made me look weird (high waisted dresses are in...ick) and I felt they revealed too much of me, if you catch my drift.

If I have time, I may check out a vintage clothing store or consignment shop. Otherwise, I'll stick with the outfit I wore last year. Thanks for the great advice y'all. I didn't think finding a simple black dress would be so damn hard. I think the mid-30s woman is being neglected. I was really disappointed in the Evan Piccone, Jones New York, etc. lines. I thought I would have found something there. Negatory.

[pitohui]

11. it sounds great

very tasteful, perfect for the office party