This week I was invited to attend a Navy Dinner Party, hosted by the Chief of the Navy at his formal residence in Devonport. It was a dinner attended by all the current Commander's in the Navy, of which my husband is one. It was a lovely night, with some old friends and the chance to meet some new friends.
When my husband told me about the dinner I immediately asked what the dress-code was, as there always is one with Navy functions, it was Smart/Casual. This dress-code sounds so ambiguous, and it always used to make me wonder exactly what was appropriate. So when I started the blog I researched dressing for the right occasion, (you can find more about this on my Other Tricks page), and I found the correct definitions for all occasions.
Based on these categories I searched the shops for gorgeous outfits to give you some inspiration. Also refer to my Shoes and Accessories pages for how to add to your outfits, and if your interested in what I wore to my Navy Function, check out Look of the Week.
Smart / Casual
I have picked dresses and a jumpsuit, as well as pants and a skirt to give you some ideas on how casual it can get.
Country Road Ruched Sleeve Dress $229.00, Flo & Frankie_Staple & Cloth Red Comet Dress $285.00, SABA Penelope Olive Dress AU$199.00, MAX Drape Long Sleeve Jumpsuit $149.99.
When my husband told me about the dinner I immediately asked what the dress-code was, as there always is one with Navy functions, it was Smart/Casual. This dress-code sounds so ambiguous, and it always used to make me wonder exactly what was appropriate. So when I started the blog I researched dressing for the right occasion, (you can find more about this on my Other Tricks page), and I found the correct definitions for all occasions.
- Smart/Casual - this means no jeans, no jandals, and not taking it too casual. It could be a fashionable top, a jacket (if you need one), pants or a skirt. Dresses, short or maxi would also be acceptable although steer away from anything too strappy or cut away, i.e. not your summer dress.
- Cocktail - a short gown, although nothing shorter than above the knee, is ideal, although longer is also acceptable.
- Formal/Black Tie - an evening gown or a long flowing dress are the pre-requisite.
Based on these categories I searched the shops for gorgeous outfits to give you some inspiration. Also refer to my Shoes and Accessories pages for how to add to your outfits, and if your interested in what I wore to my Navy Function, check out Look of the Week.
Smart / Casual
I have picked dresses and a jumpsuit, as well as pants and a skirt to give you some ideas on how casual it can get.
Country Road Ruched Sleeve Dress $229.00, Flo & Frankie_Staple & Cloth Red Comet Dress $285.00, SABA Penelope Olive Dress AU$199.00, MAX Drape Long Sleeve Jumpsuit $149.99.
Smart/Casual
The CO-OP Mesh Mash Top $149.00, CUE Wide Leg Pleat Detail Pant AU$249.00.
Karen Millen Lace Short Sleeve Silk Collar Top AU$115.00, Ruby Zlata Pleat Skirt $269.00.
The CO-OP Mesh Mash Top $149.00, CUE Wide Leg Pleat Detail Pant AU$249.00.
Karen Millen Lace Short Sleeve Silk Collar Top AU$115.00, Ruby Zlata Pleat Skirt $269.00.
Cocktail
You can keep it simple with a little black dress, or try sequins, lace, and detailing.
Top row; French Connection Diana Swirl Dress $199.90, Ezibuy Sara Stretch Lace Dress $149.99, Forever New Emily Embellished High Neck Dress AU$129.99.
Bottom row; Moochi Gild dress $379.99, French Connection Geo Lace Dress $269.90, Ruby Lila Gown $429.00.
You can keep it simple with a little black dress, or try sequins, lace, and detailing.
Top row; French Connection Diana Swirl Dress $199.90, Ezibuy Sara Stretch Lace Dress $149.99, Forever New Emily Embellished High Neck Dress AU$129.99.
Bottom row; Moochi Gild dress $379.99, French Connection Geo Lace Dress $269.90, Ruby Lila Gown $429.00.
Formal / Black Tie
It can be hard to find full length gowns here, a couple of the High Street Stores do stock them, Forever New and EZIBUY stock some. Otherwise you do need to go to specialty stores, designers, or look on-line.
Top row; Ruby Loco Gown $750.00 & Ruby Aleatory Gown $800.00, The Iconic Starbright Maxi Dress AU$108.99.
Bottom row; ShopBop Badgley Mischka Collection Racer Neck Cutout Gown $416.50, ASOS Curve Maxi Dress with Embellished Overlay $235.01, Shieke Harlow Maxi Dress AU$149.95.
It can be hard to find full length gowns here, a couple of the High Street Stores do stock them, Forever New and EZIBUY stock some. Otherwise you do need to go to specialty stores, designers, or look on-line.
Top row; Ruby Loco Gown $750.00 & Ruby Aleatory Gown $800.00, The Iconic Starbright Maxi Dress AU$108.99.
Bottom row; ShopBop Badgley Mischka Collection Racer Neck Cutout Gown $416.50, ASOS Curve Maxi Dress with Embellished Overlay $235.01, Shieke Harlow Maxi Dress AU$149.95.
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