<p>I also didn’t know what to wear to DH’s office party. He asked if they had pictures of LAST year’s party…and they sure did. HR forwarded them to him…he sent them to me…and I was able to see if what I had in mind would fit in. See if they have any pics from last year’s party. That should give you some idea of how conservative, fancy, outlandish, etc…the dress is with this business.</p>
<p>LOL–H’s “holiday” office party is this weekend. Thinking I might need something for one of those dreaded office parties, I bought a little black dress a couple months ago that is almost identical to the one booklady posted–(it was $17 on clearance at Target!) Unfortunately the party is “casual”–“including jeans” and the invitation specifies “no shorts, flip flops, or tank tops” (Can’t think that anyone would wear those in cold weather. . .)</p>
<p>Basic black is supposed to always be good, but I always rebelled as I am one of those fair skinned blondes- I substituted royal/navy blues which aren’t as stark for my coloring, unless I went with a brighter color in my younger, better figured days. </p>
<p>Now that I’m old(er) I care more about warmth- the guys get to bundle up in undershirt, long sleeved shirt and jacket, why should women have to shiver? I also wear flat shoes since I never liked even the low heels. Comfort over fashion- you may notice it among the older ladies who can afford clothes but choose comfort after suffering too many times. Over the many years of attending H’s office parties (formal dress specified so some guests don’t wear baseball caps or jeans - some of the secretaries’ dates…) I evolved in my clothing- dressy pants and fancy long sleeved tops just like the older wives I remember from 15 years ago. We skipped this year- H took first instead of backup call, pleasing a partner who could then go, and I didn’t miss another mediocre fancy dinner or people I wouldn’t otherwise see.</p>
<p>Thanks for the link Booklady! It’s only available now in size 12 - maybe hundreds of CC members bought it after your great suggestion ;)</p>
<p>atomom, dh’s party this year was “holiday casual” - who comes up with these titles?? I ended up wearing a red plaid skirt with a red jacket. It was quite comfortable. :)</p>