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What to wear to an engagement party ? 2 choices

LJP

Veteran

DH and I have been invited to an engagement party for the son of dear friends . I'm already confused because they were engaged last summer with a bit of party for their family , so I don't know what this is, but anyways....it's at someone's home on a Saturday evening in June for "cocktails and canapés". And then this: "please do not wear black or white ".

The two suitable options I have are both black and cream, so there goes that idea. I'm not enthused about buying something new that I'll rarely , if ever ,wear again, but since the colour palette is being dictated, I'm going to have to buy something . I've picked out two options:
1. a 2 piece set from Mango in a crinkle fabric in chocolate brown. I can see it being fairly seasonless.

2. a linen dress from Massimo Dutti, and both colours appeal (evergreen and mulberry )

Having never been to an engagement party, I have no idea how suitable these will be but I'm trusting my judgment vis a vis how to dress.

The big question other than which of the two.......what the heck am I wearing as a third piece/topper here for AC or chilly weather (maybe it will be in their backyard - I have no idea) ?? Again, hoping not to have to invest in something I'll never wear again but at this point......I'm giving in . I'm not sure about footwear either, to be honest, and unless I go with my older cream coloured retro looking slides, I might be on the hook for new shoes too . G*dd*mmit.

Thoughts are most welcome . ALSO - does one bring a gift to an engagement party, and what kind of gift?? Ack!

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37 replies

Latest reply was from Runcarla

SarahD8

Veteran

I am distinctly Not Good at this sort of event dressing (which begs the question of why I am replying at all, let alone first, I know) -- but the chocolate brown two-piece really looks promising to me. It seems like it would be really versatile because you could wear the pieces separately later, and it really has LJP vibes to me.

(I am annoyed on your behalf about the dress code!)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FUN event and items

I MUCH prefer the broomstick pleated two-piece set to the dress - (which looks a bit too casual for the event. Although you know your friends of course. Maybe not!)

The top on the two-piece might need a hack. Easy to cut. It looks a bit long to wear untucked, IYKWIM. Can your wear your tan linen blazer over it? Shoes to match in a tan. You have lots of mules! Don't you have animal print?

Brooklyn

Veteran

I agree with Angie. The 2 piece set plus your new H&M blazer over the top. Necklace. Mules.

I think the dress (while nice) is too summery. It will be hard to find the right topper for it, and you will probably need one.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Two piece set for sure! I really think it could be versatile. Might need to shorten the top a bit, as Angie said. Linen jacket, maybe for a topper? Fun necklace. Mules or wedges of some kind (in case it's on the lawn). I guess a low block heel could also work okay in that situation.

missvee

Veteran

The linen dress would be really versatile for hot weather dressing and you could change the vibe easily with accessories. I’m biased a bit because I had something similar a few years ago and used it for everything from parties to a bathing suit coverup.

The brown 2 piece is a bit more avant garde but doesn’t read as summery.

Irina

Veteran

So it happens that I do have that MD dress, the green one which is more teal than green I love the dress but it is linen and might look too casual for a party. Try the set first.

LJP

Veteran

Interesting that the linen dress looks too casual . I can’t imagine wearing it anywhere other than “ out” . But - that’s why I asked the question The length and cut look really elegant to me , and with jewellery and shoes , I envision chic- ness , lol.

I have no idea about the length of the pleated top - it’s probably noted on the product specs which I paid no attention to .

The only mules I own right now are chunky black and actually might be ok with the brown set but not terribly summery . I went into literally every shoe store in Wpg last weekend and found exactly nothing that inspired me . A metallic mule might be nice here though and maybe I’ll have to look again though fresh eyes .

The linen blazer is an interesting idea - I dismissed it as being too big and loose for a dressy topper .

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think the linen dress could look great! And could be accessorized to any level. But if it crinkled up it might read too casual.

It also depends on the temps you are expecting. Unless it's a heat wave, the linen might not be warm enough for June.

LJP

Veteran

Deleted thoughts on what constitutes summer weather . Lol . I clearly live in my own hemisphere

Vildy

Veteran

If these are dear friends then it ought to be easy to ask and find out whether it will be indoor or out.

CarolS

Veteran

Nice options, Lisa, but i get the frustration of having to shop for the occasion!

FWIW I don't see the dress as too casual for a party. To me that's exactly the kind of simple piece you can dress up or down as needed. It reads as simple and elegant.

I do agree that the brown two-piece seems like maybe a more versatile option, and easier to toss a jacket over for a bit of extra coverage if needed. I can't believe you don't have a sandal that would work?!?!?

I'd probably expect to bring a gift to an engagement party. Maybe they are registered already and you can choose something you know they want. I hate trying to choose gifts when I don't know the couple's tastes or needs.... Leaves me utterly paralyzed.

LJP

Veteran

No mention on the invitation of gifts or not . The mother of the groom lost her husband 6 months ago ( my husband’s life long best friend ) so I am not asking her anything about anything . The whole thing is fraught with emotion already .

Anyways , indoors or out , anything I’d wear will work for either option . These were honestly the first and only two outfits I saw online today and that was enough searching for me . I’m terrible.

Bijou

Veteran

Do you think this may be a surprise wedding? Both outfits look appropriate to wear, I would try both and see what you feel best in. As for toppers, once you get it home, a try with the jackets and blazers you own is likely to find one that works.
When dealing with these situations I rely on either a denim or leather jacket for my topper as if it is outside that makes the party a bit more casual and if indoors then I only need the topper to when travelling to and from the party.

LJP

Veteran

Bijou - that did occur to me (surprise wedding ) .

I haven’t actually ordered the dress yet , just the Mango 2-pce . But I’m so enamoured with the colours of the dress I’m going to order it tonight . I think in the green .

My denim jackets are black , as are my leather jackets .

Carol - no suitable shoes , hard to believe eh ? I had to laugh at myself too .

Ket

Veteran

Also agree with everyone: I vote crinkle chocolate 2piece set <3 BUT! I also think with accessories, shoes, etc, the linen dress could be dressed up. Weddings and parties have also become far more casual than times past. So I think it just depends. Feeling comfortable and good is the most important thing!

kellygirl

Veteran

I always enjoy thee kind of posts thinking they will help prepare me! I like the green dress best and am surprised it’s viewed as casual. Although—if it wrinkles, perhaps. The no black and white is perplexing unless it’s a surprise wedding… good luck!

Sal

Veteran

I like these options Lisa - for my crowd the dress would not be too casual. But I like the set and think you might wear this more in the future.

In terms of a gift my Mum always gave expensive towels. Practical and useful for everyone. A voucher for a home wear store? A garden pot - if they have a deck or garden?

CarolS

Veteran

Funny, the idea of a surprise wedding had crossed my mind, too! And no, I just can't believe you don't have a shoe somewhere that will work!!! Sigh. Good excuse for something new!

Katerina

Veteran

Oh Lisa, this is hard. The set looks good - love the colour for you. The dress is beautiful too, but a bit more casual. But it can be dressed up surely. Maybe the dress would be a better investment - could be worn dressed down in the summer. Do you have a large scarf to wear as a topper? Or would that be too traditional? Sorry, I obviously don’t have a clue…

Anonymous

I like all the options and they definitely look like things you could wear often after the party. Does the no black or white request apply to shoes too?
I wouldn't think you'd need a topper in June, but agreeing a wrap is an easy solution.

kkards

Veteran

Love love love the green dress! Which IMO is perfect for a party at someone’s house. the mango pieces would also work, but the dress feels more you to me…

Re the gift, I would think so, but an easy solution is money that way if you see that others haven’t brought gifts you just leave the card with the money in your bag. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love getting cash.

Irina

Veteran

Oh, what about the blue shirt dress from Anthro? I think you mentioned it before. Maybe cotton will not get as wrinkled as linen.

Helena

Veteran

Agree with kkards on the gift!

I vote for the Mango set ... It's really cool and I think you could then break it up and make all sorts of other outfits with it. The linen is gorgeous too but the Mango one speaks to me for some reason. Re shoes, I feel like with those pants, the shoes aren't going to be front and centre, so if you have a passable black pair, I'd be inclined to have it in mind to wear those and if you find something better, great! But takes the pressure off.

I was slightly annoyed at the dress code on your behalf until this surprise wedding idea came up and now I'm excited lol!!

Kyle

Veteran

I agree with you about the olive dress. Elegant. And that color! Yummy with gold accessories.

Dee

Veteran

Yes I like Kkards idea for a gift, then you’ve got all your bases covered here.
As for the outfits, I think either one would work wonderfully. In my neck of woods both of these outfits would work for this sort of event even if it turned into a secret wedding. I guess you’ll know best once you’ve tried them on.

SW Ann

Veteran

I love the green dress, and I don't view it as too casual. The accessories will make the dress either more or less casual. I think it is elegant. Shoes in cream or a metallic would be great. A slide, which I am jealous that you can wear so well. I stumble, and lose the shoe! Jacket? Not sure. I have linen short jackets that would be great with this dress (Tommy Bahama) but doubt you want to buy a jacket. Great, now I want that dress......

Roberta

Veteran

I love the two piece set! The color is so rich and yet neutral. I hope it is a wedding, clearly they are planning pictures of some sort. The guests will be a rainbow, which is a nice idea, even if the marching orders are annoying.

I would bring a gift card for Home Depot or its equivalent. Every couple needs a grill or a rug or garden supplies or a microwave.

ChristelJ

Veteran

I would think one of the two options will work beautifully. I think the green color is spectacular but I love the modern shapes of the two piece set. Now we are all excited to find out not only what you wear but if it's a wedding or not!

Bonnie

Veteran

I think it's a good idea to order both options and try them before you decide. I like both of them in the ads but I've had too many surprises when I've ordered something for myself.

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