Could this work for a "festive business casual" party?

I have an event to go to on Friday where the dress code is apparently "festive business casual," although what that actually means is a bit unclear. It's my husband's work "holiday" party, which in the past couple of years was cocktail, but it is more casual this year. It's actually going to be right by his workplace so I'm expecting the people who work there will probably show up in nice work (law firm) clothes. Anyway, I want to wear my bubble skirt, just because. Do you think this ensemble (which I last wore to a holiday concert and party) would work? I realize it's nowhere near the realm of business casual, LOL, but at least it's separates and not a cocktail dress?

I would probably swap the sheer hose for black opaques and the kitten heels for pointy booties. (Because it is going to be freezing, and even indoors I don't think it will be very warm. Plus the sheer hose seems too dressy.)

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11 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

This is lovely and could work. For some reason I really want to see something silver with this but that's just me.

rachylou

I feel like the outfit needs a cumberbund...

shiny

I vote YAY!

But considering it is going to be cold, can you wear with black tall boots?

I always do this thing in my head in which I respond based on what I have in my own closet, and if I had your sweater and skirt here, for this sort of occasion (cold + business casual), I'd wear my tall black almond toed flat boots with opaque tights. That would make it a touch more casual while also being warmer!

LOVE that skirt. Oh my.

Diana

Shiny, bc the party is right by my husband's work, I am actually going to wear tall boots (and probably pants too) to his office and change into my party wear there. In any case, I think my blondos are too casual, and my new gold zip boots are OTK, which I think would also be OTT with the skirt.

Ooh, Rachy, how fun would a red cummerbund be here?!?! I don't have time to go find one though... My husband has black ones but they're too big for me.

unfrumped

Absolutely.
I can't comment helpfully on boots; you could try and see.

I think you've hit upon, it's not a cocktail dress of the type one might wear for semi-formal, not slinky, not super-sparkly, not exposed, not "the most" dressy, though you could do that with the best of them. So I think the look is dressy but can blend in with more casual looks or straight-from the office looks. The colors speak to the "festive" very well. You might be more dressed up than some people, since the skirt does look intentional, but you have an "approachable" vibe.

Sveta

(website)

I really like it and don't think that sheer hose and these shoes are too dressy but staying warm is the most important of course!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

THUMBS UP. xo

Jaime

Love that sweater on you every time. Great outfit!

Gigi

I don't think this is too dressy at all. I have worked in business casual environments in the past, and some of the women who were on the dressier end of business casual would have worn an outfit like this on a regular workday. I think that the red in it makes it more festive. I say go for it!

I think it looks awesome as you have it styled, but I'd be curious to see what it looks like with your casual Blondo's and even the OTK boots. I'm not sure why the idea of such combos is tickling me!

retailgirl

I love it. I live in your neck of the woods (just south of Boston) and it is cold here right now! How about a satin ribbon sash for your waist? Although it looks fine without.