What would you wear to an informal party? I was invited to a party and ran around like a headless chicken, throwing on this and that. What are 1 or 2 basic party pieces to have in my wardrobe? I have a very formal outfit for weddings but nothing for inbetween: just a fun party, not too dressy but not too casual or too office-like, either. In fact, I have very few fun and flirty shoes, even! (And not too summery: this is England. I wore gloves this morning....) Thank you! :-)

I would wear a simple stretchy dress (a jersey fabric) paired with a cardigan (I live in the Netherlands, so I feel your pain! Or rather, your cold...). Something printed, maybe. My go-to dress for informal parties is a simple black jersey dress (I also have one in a dark plum). I dress it up for weddings in a pinch (pair it with heels, a jacket, done-up hair, nice jewelry) or down for an informal party (sandals or flats, cardigan, I'd wear my hair down, simple silver jewelry). If it's too cold for bare legs, go for a simple dress in a darker color and wear it with leggings (quite informal, of course) or pantyhose. You could also opt for elegant pants and a cute, colorful top. Add a cardigan, again. I have cardigans in black, grey, and three different colors - my go-to items! Have fun!

1. little black dress and trendy, seasonal, flashy, funky or silly earrings 2. any dress and fabulous colorful shoes or boots: hot pink, lime, red, royal blue 3. Same shoes with almost-matching-color chunky necklace, dark straight leg jeans, and non-decript white blouse 4. same with dark miniskirt instead of jeans 5. Sundress

Recently, my go to has been a sparkly or silky tank and white jeans or white linen shorts with my gold leather flip flops or metallic peep toe flats. I have a 3/4 sleeve flyaway cartigan I can pop over it if it's a bit chilly. For the cooler weather, I wear the same tanks and instead some cream colored lightweight wool pants or dark wash jeans. For shoes, I wear a fun flat or a kitten heel.

Thanks, everyone; these are great ideas!! Hey, ueberhilde (*waves from across the Channel*). Brilliant combinations, catwomanber: I like the being able to switch from dress to jeans. Thanks, bostonali: the gold flip flops sound amazing. I clearly need to obtain: a useful LBD (I have several but they're all useless and I never wear them....a purge is waiting). Some colourful shoes. Some good trousers. And ueber and cat: I, too, have tons of cardigans!!