dress inspiration for holiday party?

[Deleted]

SO's work holiday party is coming up. They've rented out a room at a nice steakhouse here in Chicago. This is his first holiday party at this new job, so I'm not entirely sure what to expect.

I plan on buying a new dress, shoes, and accessories. I have access to basically any store. I want to buy in person because I need to try things on, but it's always helpful to get an idea of what I'm looking for before I go in.

SO's administrative assistant told him: "People generally wear cocktail dresses -- but more on the work-side of cocktail dresses and less New Year's Eve cocktail dresses"

wtf is a work cocktail dress? anyone feel like posting some pictures for inspiration?

thanks in advance!

[atouchofklasse]

wear a LBD with nice shoes and jewelry.

[Deleted]

A business appropriate cocktail dress, in my world, is something that 1.) isn't glittery 2.) isn't super short or 3.) skin tight.

Nordstrom has a load of dresses in their cocktail dress section that fit that description.

[Deleted]

Nov 27, 2012 9:22:50 GMT -5 tacom said:

wtf is a work cocktail dress? anyone feel like posting some pictures for inspiration?

thanks in advance!

Something from the Ann Taylor holiday line. They have some cute and reasonably priced stuff right now.

[jennistarr1]

I would avoid strapless too, unless you have a cover for it

[countthestars]

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Lookbook/ANN-Party/Iridescent-Chiffon-Sheath-Dress/287128?colorExplode=false&skuId=12651870&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6001

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Weddings-Events/AT-Weddings-View-All/Satin-Jersey-Draped-Scoop-Neck-Dress/293390?colorExplode=false&skuId=12646357&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5682

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Lookbook/AT-MHL-DEC-MINT-GREEN/Colorblocked-3-4-Sleeve-Dress/303778?colorExplode=false&skuId=12952861&catid=cata000012&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=3033

www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A293157/LOFT-gifts-shop-all/Sequin-Sleeve-Sweater-Dress/293157?colorExplode=false&skuId=12562398&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-New-Arrivals/Peplum-Dress-in-LOFT-Scuba/296818?colorExplode=false&skuId=12627585&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8977

www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A290843/LOFT-NFP-regular-cat-091312/Ruffle-Blouse-Sleeveless-Dress/290843?colorExplode=false&skuId=12103652&catid=catl000013&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

[Deleted]

Something like this:



or

Work-appropriate but not overly stuffy.

ETA: is this on a weekday or a weekend? If it is on a weekday, I would definitely only wear something that you think you could wear to an office (because I'd assume that everyone else who is coming from the office wore their holiday party outfits to work that day). And I know you'll hate this, but because of your age I'd err on the more demure and work-appropriate side rather than going for an actual cocktail dress.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the suggestions, v! I was hoping you'd post. I also totally agree with the age thing, so no worries.
It is on a Friday night so people may or may not be in their work-wear. I'm just thrown off by a work cocktail dress, but it sounds like I should just ignore the cocktail part and go for work appropriate dress with more festive jewelry?

Thanks for the links, cts! I'm walking to trader joe's now but I'll check them all out when I get home.

[h]

For me it's a "work appropriate cocktail dress" if it is 1) not sparkly, loud or bright (minimal sparkly detailing like a small rhinestone buckle is okay); 2) no more than an inch or two above the knee; and 3) you can wear a regular bra with it. I agree with v's suggestions.

[mbcdefg]

These look pretty:

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/product%3A281590/AT-Silk-Georgette/Silk-Georgette-Pleat-Tank-Dress/281590?colorExplode=false&skuId=11966234&catid=cata000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=1463

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Weddings-Events/AT-Weddings-View-All/Satin-Jersey-Draped-Scoop-Neck-Dress/293390?colorExplode=false&skuId=12646357&catid=cata000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5682

www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Weddings-Events/AT-Weddings-View-All/Silk-Dupioni-V-Neck-Bridesmaid-Dress/278782?colorExplode=false&skuId=10710784&catid=cata000036&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=2439

www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=22&pageId=1&productId=570061322&viewAll=&prd=Black+Lace+DropWaist+Faille+Dress&subCatId=cat90006&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=12&catId=cat210002&cat=Dresses++Skirts+Cocktail+Dresses&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=2&size=

www.jcrew.com/womens_category/weddingsandparties/SilkTaffeta/PRDOVR~22511/22511.jsp

www.jcrew.com/womens_category/weddingsandparties/Chiffon/PRDOVR~66737/66737.jsp

[casmgn]

www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/25935214.jsp

www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/25634361.jsp

www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/24951204.jsp

www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-dresses/25915398.jsp

www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-dresses/26043711.jsp

[Deleted]

thanks everyone!

I checked out all of the links posted and I really like some of the dresses. I think I have a better idea of what to look for now!

ETA: I also really like the normal bra rule.