Request for Fashion Advice

I agree with your wife. The "business" part is more important than the "cocktail."

If this stock photo is anything to go by, 'business cocktail' means 1) smiling and 2) maybe unbuttoning the top button of your shirt.

Why don't you ask this at L Chat, OP?

Don't go, OP, nobody there likes you anyway.

R3, R4 is a much wittier response that appropriately upholds DataLounge standards. Learn from R4.

(Unless you are serious R3, in which case, really? L Chat?)

This is the look you want:

You're welcome, OP (and I mean the Tom Cruise mask, absolutely)

FWIW I went to a fancy shmancy party this week at a pricey old hotel in Boston with "cocktail attire' requested (mostly straight people in their 30s and 40s). Almost all the men wore blazers, about 10% wore ties, lots of suits with open collars. The guy in the navy turtleneck looked best.

The first half of photos in the linked. I would wear a nice, semi sheer blouse with a velvet fitted blazer, straight cut (or tuxedo) black slacks and nice high heels. some funky earrings.

OP, here's what you do: Wear a dark business suit, but wear a dressier top than you would to the office.

You don't have to go the full sequined-shell route (although that would smashing in red or gold for the holidays ... quite dressy though). But a beaded sweater or even just a bright-colored satin blouse would work - not a shirtwaist style.

yes , have fun with your footwear (you don't have to wear heels) and jewelry.

Interestingly (or, likely not), I consider business cocktail to be 'Sex and the City power lesbian' attire.

What were the women wearing R9? With the exception of the city that’s the type of thing.

Thanks for the ideas Rescue-chic! Unfortunately, as a lesbian I am contractually barred from having fun with jewelry.

Then get some fun glasses frames and trouser socks EL r14!

Ugly Christmas sweater. I know, I'm no help.

R14 LBDs (yawn), LOTS of sleek dark pants, turtleneck sweaters. Very little sparkle or color, pretty dull.

Overalls and a plaid shirt are proper cocktail party attire.

A black jacket over slim leg black pants with a burgundy or emerald green sweater or blouse. You can dress it up with a scarf in complimentary colors.

Wear something simple with an unexpected splash of green—or red.

r20 is on the right track, a nice large unusual fancy brooch would qualify

[quote] Wear a dark business suit, but wear a dressier top than you would to the office.

I was thinking exactly this. Whether it's a skirt or pants, just wear your nicest jacket with a more colorful and/or fancier top than you usually do. It could even be sequined or shimmery or whatever. Not that much of it will show, anyway, because you'll be wearing a jacket. (Don't take your jacket off at the party.)

Also, hair. Maybe wear it in a nice up-do, something different from normal. Maybe some nice earrings since an up-do will bring more focus to your earrings.

I, personally, would not want to spend much $ on trying to impress a bunch of coworkers at a work party.

Finally, don't get drunk in front of your boss & coworkers, even though it's a cocktail party. Get drunk at home after the cocktail party.

It’s more than co-workers R22; also spouse, friends, relatives. It is going to be a fortune regardless; the outfit will probably be the least of it. I promise to stop at slightly tipsy though.