Help dress me for work event at a partner’s home

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go with something appropriate for a business casual office. Something simple in a dark color with maybe some kitten heel slingback - like this https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-nastia-v-neck-belted-cocktail-dress-0400021571140.html?dwvar_0400021571140_color=BLUE+NOTTE

Oh wow girl, no. I would never. I’m only 40, I’m also a lawyer and I think that way too much for a more intimate home dinner.

More appropriate than jeans or boots...

Yeah, no. It’s not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate the satin slip skirts, but that’s more just that I hate them than that they’re inappropriate.

Satin slip skirts are, in fact, not very wearable. Satin slips used to be worn under skirts, so they wouldn't stick to hose. Satin is also associated with lingerie. I know the new generation pairs everything with everything else and puts underthings over things, but in a more conservative setting where people may be more knowledgeable about the history of clothes... I wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

I think your skirt and sweater idea is fine.

Jeans are too casual, and the dress is both too dressy and seems possibly unflattering.

[Anonymous]

Someone with Chanel combat boots has a hard time finding an outfit to fit in?

I'm shocked. SHOCKED.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think your skirt and sweater idea is fine.

Jeans are too casual, and the dress is both too dressy and seems possibly unflattering.

Which dress, help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go with something appropriate for a business casual office. Something simple in a dark color with maybe some kitten heel slingback - like this https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-nastia-v-neck-belted-cocktail-dress-0400021571140.html?dwvar_0400021571140_color=BLUE+NOTTE

This is pretty and would absolutely work, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate the satin slip skirts, but that’s more just that I hate them than that they’re inappropriate.

Satin slip skirts are, in fact, not very wearable. Satin slips used to be worn under skirts, so they wouldn't stick to hose. Satin is also associated with lingerie. I know the new generation pairs everything with everything else and puts underthings over things, but in a more conservative setting where people may be more knowledgeable about the history of clothes... I wouldn't.

I’m sorry, you think I will be judged on the HISTORY of clothes??? So…. It’s what? A wool suit? Do tell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think your skirt and sweater idea is fine.

Jeans are too casual, and the dress is both too dressy and seems possibly unflattering.

Which dress, help.

The black dress that you were going to wear with the combat boots.

Now I've read some comments, and I think DCUM is giving you bad advice on the satin skirt. I'm seeing them EVERYWHERE this winter, and I think they look really nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go with something appropriate for a business casual office. Something simple in a dark color with maybe some kitten heel slingback - like this https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/chiara-boni-la-petite-robe-nastia-v-neck-belted-cocktail-dress-0400021571140.html?dwvar_0400021571140_color=BLUE+NOTTE

This is pretty and would absolutely work, OP!

That’s a flat no. I would be busting out of it, and imho, it is hideous even for the 60 plus for whom it is intended. But I appreciate your trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Someone with Chanel combat boots has a hard time finding an outfit to fit in?

I'm shocked. SHOCKED.

Ha they are seriously great

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate the satin slip skirts, but that’s more just that I hate them than that they’re inappropriate.

Satin slip skirts are, in fact, not very wearable. Satin slips used to be worn under skirts, so they wouldn't stick to hose. Satin is also associated with lingerie. I know the new generation pairs everything with everything else and puts underthings over things, but in a more conservative setting where people may be more knowledgeable about the history of clothes... I wouldn't.

I’m sorry, you think I will be judged on the HISTORY of clothes??? So…. It’s what? A wool suit? Do tell.

Don't pretend to be stupid, it doesn't suit you. Satin slips don't go here. Period. I know you're trying to be edgy with your combat boots and jeans to a partner dinner, but either you have to own your very idiosyncratic style, or you have to listen to DCUM advice and go with something more normal. What you can't do is become all argumentative and combative (ha) with posters who are only trying to help, after all.

[Anonymous]

are you in DC? Would not wear obvious luxury brands or the partners will think they are paying your DH too much - jk sort of. Idea as spouse is to blend in and look nice but not too noticeable in stodgy place like DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Jeans are too casual.

The second choice is okay but will you be hot if it’s a crowded house and warm? I’d rather wear something with a cardigan or something so if it’s warm inside you aren’t sweating. They will probably have caterers and it may be crowded.

Same issue with the third choice and I also am not crazy about combat boots for this type of event. But if your spouse is just attending as a random associate or partner, not the honoree, it’s probably not a big deal. Someone might think “oh, bob’s wife seems kind of …, arty.” So if you’re asking what’s most normal, appropriate, I would say not combat boots. But if you’re asking if you need to go about and buy some shoes that you don’t really want, I say not necessary.

The leather skirt would work, assuming it’s not very short, if you have something other than combat boots and a nicer shirt (like a silk blouse) to wear with it. I disagree with PP about a corduroy dress — that seems too casual to me.

I think the last one of these I went to was in the summer 2023 and I wore the ubiquitous anthro silk dress with like a fun belt. I can remember one in the winter where I wore black dress pants, a patterned silk shirt and a black cardigan. I can remember another in the winter or fall where I wore a boatneck ponte dress in a bright color with knee high boots and tights.

The goal here is to wear something you can stand around in ckmfortably for 2-3 hours in uncertain heat/cool, and that will not make anyone say “did she not realize she was coming to an event like this” (not too casual or super formal) or “why is she dressed like a mail order bride”. (nothing too tight, or with your T or A hanging out.). Basically if anyone remembers you, it should be for your conversation and not your clothes.

Thanks - I’ve been to a bunch previously but they’re at restaurants and after work. This is a Saturday and at a home, hence my hmmm. And ha, no I’m not arty, the combat boots are Chanel. Just that style.

It doesn’t matter if they were hand stitched by the pope, save them for another occasion.

It’s fine to be more “fashion”-y but you you still need to be respectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:are you in DC? Would not wear obvious luxury brands or the partners will think they are paying your DH too much - jk sort of. Idea as spouse is to blend in and look nice but not too noticeable in stodgy place like DC

Hmmm okay. I work too, but makes sense. I buy like one luxury thing a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Someone with Chanel combat boots has a hard time finding an outfit to fit in?

I'm shocked. SHOCKED.

Ha they are seriously great

Sure, but not to this dinner. Unless your goal is to be *noticed*, and then you won't be in control of your narrative.