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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Formal dance quandary

41 replies

GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:23

I am attending a very, very formal ball in a few weeks. I have bought a lovely corset bodiced, full skirted (8 layers), floor length gown for the occasion. Looks beautiful but is very heavy and hot to wear.

My question is:

AIBU to omit underwear and go commando in an effort to:

a) keep my nethers (and legs) cool with help from a liberal sprinkling of talc,
and
b) take some of the faff out of the PITA that is going to the loo in such a frock.

Opinions appreciated :)

OP posts:
Sharney · 21/06/2011 14:29

YANBU, it's not likely you're going to have an indiscreet moment. No-one would ever know. Have a great time. ;)

Mandy2003 · 21/06/2011 14:31

If it's good enough for Vivienne Westwood...

Numberfour · 21/06/2011 14:32

ew.

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:34

I am just worried my completely daft shoes will get caught in the skirt, I will fall flat on my face and the skirt will flip up to reveal all (at least I'll be lovely and cool that way!Wink

OP posts:
Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:35

NumberFour, why 'ew?' This thing is 8 layers thick!

OP posts:
LadyClariceCannockMonty · 21/06/2011 14:37

I wouldn't dare go commando at a formal occasion. Sod's Law would kick in with a vengeance and a highly unlikely but excruciating scenario like the one the OP describes would ensue.

Disclaimer though: I'm too much of a wimp to ever go commando anyway.

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:38

Thinking about it, it isn't 'hooped' so is unlikely to flip up in a dramatic -wobbly- bare assed fashion.

OP posts:
waitfortheblackout · 21/06/2011 14:39

wow i'd never go commando.

what if you get all hot and sweaty?!

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:39

Whoops wobbly

OP posts:
Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:41

I will be hot and sweaty, the dress is floor length so there will be no air circulating under it (from experience, wore similar dress last year)

OP posts:
madwomanintheattic · 21/06/2011 14:44

just don't decide to ride any mechanical bulls on the way home.

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:46

madwoman you have sussed what type of ball it will be, I would NEVER attempt a mechanical bull, that is my daft DH's domain!

OP posts:
Triphid · 21/06/2011 14:46

Do you have a piccie of said dress Ginger? Would love to see it....

ExitPursuedByAKitten · 21/06/2011 14:49

Ooh yes - photo please. And no - I would be too worried that I would fall over drunk and reveal things I wouldn't want too. Can't your research undies that wick away the sweat a la horse rugs?

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 14:49

Triphidwww.verbdresses.co.uk/web-hosting/Prod/Xcite.php

OP posts:
PatriciaHolm · 21/06/2011 14:52

I would, (and have, when I got married, as I decided right at the last minute that I had VPL!)

How many times have you seen someone fall over in a long dress so dramatically that you could see their pants? Ever?

issey6cats · 21/06/2011 16:07

stunning dress cant see the scenario where you would fall over badly enough to see wether you have nickers on or not happening so why not go commando for once but also cant see how a couple of inches of cotton as in a thong will make you hot to me wouldnt be much different with or with out undies

CaveMum · 21/06/2011 16:11

"mechanical bull" - it's not a military ball is it Wink

Just two weeks ago I was in a floor length gown on a dodgems ride!

HuwEdwards · 21/06/2011 16:15

Only if you're sure you won't get absolutely slaughtered and be tempted to flash at anyone.

Would think if it's hot and sweaty, a pair of cotton knickers would be more comfy than commando.

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 16:41

Wouldn't like to say CaveMum Wink

HuwEdwards I am not the type to get slaughtered and to flash to all and sundry, I leave that sort of entertainment to those who are!

Hmmm, now big cotton pants are a definite option, or I get my machine out and fashion a pair out of one of DH's Helly Hansen type shirts

OP posts:
bubblecoral · 21/06/2011 16:46

I quite often go commando in dresses, I'm shocked that people find it wierd. But I do it because I don't want VPL, I've never thought of it as something that would make a difference to being hot.

Lovely dress btw

Binfullofmaggotsonthe45 · 21/06/2011 16:48

Well it's not satiny so you won't get a big damp bum crack shape on the back or VW Bonnet on the front at least!

It does look a little susceptible to the wind.

I have done my share of ballgown army dos and i used to just keep nipping outside for a waft! You're not going in a mini bus are you? That always involves a bit of gathering and exposure!

I would wear some pants and take a clutch and just take them off if i was too hot.

minipie · 21/06/2011 16:51

Is it man made fibre? If so then I think you'll actually get less sweaty if you wear cotton pants underneath.

olderandwider · 21/06/2011 16:52

Just make sure you shave Grin

I am laughing at vision of OP toppling backwards and her hoops and petticoats inverting into a frilly arch, flashing her unprotected nethers and scandalising the older guests.

Original poster
GingerWrath · 21/06/2011 16:57

Yep, man made fibre, no mini bus involved, the venue is in walking distance.

Thanks for the dress compliments.

Last year the friend I went with and I made regular 'smoke' breaks out side for some enthusiastic wafting.

The dress I had last year was quite fitted, will be interesting to try and cram myself in the toilet cubicles this year!

Looks like cotton apple catchers are the way ahead (with a nappy sack concealed in my clutch in case of removal!

As an aside, when I purchased my clutch bag, my 4yo DD took great pleasure informing everyone,'Mummy has bought a ball bag.'Hmm

OP posts: