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Is this dress okay for a posh dinner dance?

80 replies

pipicalzaslargas · 19/05/2017 18:22

I have been invited at short notice at a posh dinner dance at a private school next Friday. Dress code is black tie. Do you think this dress is okay? www.whistles.com/women/sale/dresses/olivia-lace-dress-24251.html?dwvar_olivia-lace-dress-24251_color=Multicolour#start=1

I am short so it fits just below my knees. It does look very nice on me, I just don't know if it's appropriate as I haven't been to one of these functions for years!

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WorkingItOutAsIGo · 19/05/2017 18:26

To help useful to know if school is urban or country. You won't be wrong in that dress but you may find people are in long and this is more cocktail-y.

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scater · 19/05/2017 18:27

Perfect with a good shoe and posh hair/make-up.

You'll look great.

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hahahaIdontgetit · 19/05/2017 18:28

No I wouldn't class it as black tie.

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ClashCityRocker · 19/05/2017 18:30

I was going to say yes its fine based on the actual picture of the dress, but it looks more like a day dress on the model rather than a ball gown or cocktail dress so may be erring on the casual side.

Having said that, the black tie functions I've been to vary hugely in what women actually turn up in. I hate black tie.

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GladAllOver · 19/05/2017 18:30

It looks great, but not black tie.

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Mycutiemarkisrubbish · 19/05/2017 18:31

Fine with good hair and heels

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robinia · 19/05/2017 18:33

I wouldn't wear it for black tie - would always assume longer - but black tie events can be variable. Do you know anyone else who is going and/or has been before?

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pieceofpurplesky · 19/05/2017 18:34

I think it's fine. People tend to be less formal now - depends on the age of the people going though

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pipicalzaslargas · 19/05/2017 18:41

Thank you everyone. It's definitely not a day dress, but cocktail. I know no one will be wearing long dresses.

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Bluntness100 · 19/05/2017 18:43

I think uou will find most of the women in shorter cocktail dresses, I think it's probably a tad informal but if you wear it with good heels and do your make up and hair it will be totally in keeping...

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TheChineseChicken · 19/05/2017 18:43

I think black tie should technically be a long dress but I'm not sure how strictly that is generally adhered to.

How about this m.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-isobel-illusion-dress-red-cream/p/2111682

Or this m.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-cap-sleeve-lace-and-jersey-gown-ink/p/2889365

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TheChineseChicken · 19/05/2017 18:45

Maybe I'm wrong about the dress length actually

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dementedma · 19/05/2017 18:49

Eek. I have a black tie dinner at the end of the month and assumed full length was correct? Am I going to be over dressed? It is in a castle, if that helps.

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hahahaIdontgetit · 19/05/2017 19:06

Black tie used to be long, but many wear cocktail dresses now.

I went to a white tie last week and I was the only woman with evening gloves on, which I thought was standard.

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MorrisZapp · 19/05/2017 19:09

White tie? What fresh glove-involving hell is this?

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HotelEuphoria · 19/05/2017 19:11

I actually think it is a little too informal. Sorry. Not a lot just a bit. It may be the models shoes that downgrade it - looks a bit student edgy.

It is lovely though!

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Waltermittythesequel · 19/05/2017 19:12

I would say white tie is more formal than black. I don't think I'd have worn gloves though!

I'd say that will be fine, OP with the right shoes, especially if it's knee length on you.

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dementedma · 19/05/2017 19:28

White tie is more formal than black tie. Tail coats for the men and evening gloves for women

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carabos · 19/05/2017 19:34

Better to be over-dressed than under-dressed IMO. Long won't be wrong for black tie, but you say no-one will be in long at this particular do. I think your dress is only just dressy enough IYSWIM.

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wobblywonderwoman · 19/05/2017 19:36

I think it is absolutely perfect. Funky print yet black lace keeps it a bit classic

I think if you feel great in it, get it! You could get an up style to make it more formal if you hair suits that look. Have a lovely time.

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CrispyBathTowel · 19/05/2017 19:39

If you know that no one else will be wearing long dresses then it will be perfect if you dress it up. It's really nice

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ErrolTheDragon · 19/05/2017 19:52

Funky print yet black lace

It's not print (which might not have been 'dressy' enough), its all lace - close up looks fab, and it will look more formal on someone shorter with dressier shoes. I think its a really nice dress which will make the wearer look good.

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pipicalzaslargas · 19/05/2017 20:57

Very mixed opinions :-)
What shoes would you suggest? I'd favour wedge sandals...

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CrispyBathTowel · 19/05/2017 21:13

Sorry but I think wedge would be too casual for a posh black tie do.

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dementedma · 19/05/2017 21:14

Agree, wedge too casual for black tie dinner

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