Thanks to you both I managed the dress code confidently and got myself to the social event almost on time - but it was a disaster because the venue was outrageously noisy and no one could hear each other speak... however,

I pulled myself back together... and am planning another social event in one week's time. Partly I think that the intention and the effort of "getting out there again" is important - I suppose I'm not letting myself get too excited about it this time though!

I totally hate social events when you can't even exchange names without shouting! There is a problem with that in my city because venues extort maximum money so organisers may get gazumped by a higher bidder at the last minute. There is no such thing as a free meeting space any more.