To wear this to a posh do?

[HeadChog]

DH and I are invited to a black tie event. It's a military dinner (but we are both civilians) and there will be a senior member of the Royal Family there.

Dress code is uniforms for the officers, and black tie for civilian men. Civilian women are to wear long evening attire, or black tie equivalent.

This is the best dress I own. Will it do? I wasn't worried about it until I found out there would be royalty there, and now I'm worried it's not dressy enough. Help!

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/julissa-ruffle-wrap-midi-dress-22180560010.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=ltxqwmaqm&istBid=t&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19651720071&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=19651720071&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote9wQNHB-PhClO0MLFh9QfIQanyhkuj6GWO8f3BNE72O9LJlUOOGrhYaAoXBEALw_wcB

Hope you find something. Needs to be reasonably modest, floor length, arms covered and not open toed footwear. Think that’s the main points….so glad I don’t have to attend as I don’t own a single thing that would be ok.

Over budget but would probably be ok
https://www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-amber-asymmetrical-cape-maxi-dress-dark-navy/p110933876

I think its because traditionally purple is a colour of royalty and I must admit, it's something I hadn't considered before

I think the purple dress is lovely but I'd dress it up with some accessories such as this badge.

That's not vey nice @ChoppyWater why did you post that.

I hope you have a lovely time OP and if you are able to splash out a bit really spoil yourself with a new dress and pampering for a memorable occasion

And? So what?
Don't get it!
But then I don't get the royal family at all.

Well don't bother going to any military do with that on - you'll probably be asked to leave. If it's not your thing, that's fine but no need to piss on everyone else's cornflakes at a formal event.

@ChoppyWater surely not the time or the place - poor @HeadChog only asked for fashion advice.

I would look for full length and more formal too.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/goddiva-long-sleeve-sequin-v-wrap-maxi-dress_p-1d733d70-e801-4765-9655-dc540f4900b3?colour=emerald&size=12&istCompanyId=76f7277d-6e78-4dc2-aaff-1eb77fae16b0&istFeedId=258a4886-8f3c-47ef-9369-d1eda8d84501&istItemId=riwwatllw&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo-6X9ePQgQMV9YpQBh28yQCpEAQYDyABEgLqhvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This would look stunning with a silver crop, statement earrings and a nice ring.

@SadlyACupOfTeaDoesNotSolveEverything @PinkFootstool @belgiumchocolates

Blimey, I wasn't being mean to the OP! Nor did I mean to derail the thread. I hadn't anticipated anyone would respond to my post tbh. Just deeply dislike people simpering over the mention of royalty. The fact that the King is the head of the armed forces is ridiculous. It's time the links between the royals and our country's armed services are severed.

For those saying open toed shoes. Senior officers wife here - have worn open toed shoes.......

plus as a civvy she will get a pass.

While your dress is not ‘black tie, black tie’ its fine (I have worn knee length in the past.....), and as you mention you will dress it up with statement jewellery and get hair done. While there will be a lot of people a lot more dressed up, there will also be some less dressed up. Just go and have fun! Enjoy the entertainment - hope you have a fabulous time.

So I had a great time at the shops yesterday (when I say shops, I mean shop. It's Phase Eight or TK Max in my town, and TK's don't have their evening wear in yet) and this is the current leader.
Although sequinned, I can turn up the hem myself, so don't worry about that. Considering turning it up more at the front to leave a puddle train, for extra glamour (although it might not survive the night if I do)!

It feels very special - heavy, but with a cool lining, so should be great for a boozy dinner.
I really appreciate the effort that many have gone to, to find me things that are out there for sale. I know secondhand would be more sensible, but I don't like the uncertainty involved, and I will wear it again.

@HeadChog its gorgeous! Thank you for sharing - it’s so lovely to see the dress that made the cut! Have a wonderful evening

I didn't take your comment amiss at all, @ChoppyWater - I appreciated the cheeky humour.

That's beautiful! Great choice.

Great choice op

Beautiful - have fun!

Fabulous, you will look amazing!

Oh perfect! You look and I bet feel amazing. And such a classic dress I hope you will get lots of wear out of it!

Love the dress. Enjoy your evening!

That looks great! I was just about to post a link to a navy dress on TK maxx website...

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/edits/occasionwear/occasion+party-dresses/navy-beaded-maxi-dress/p/30724287

that's gorgeous OP. you will be turning heads!

That’s such a lovely dress!! Hope you’ll have a great time!! If it’s a free bar just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint 😂 I might’ve learnt that the hard way in one of the Battle of Britain dos….

Lovely dress @HeadChog Great choice!

Its a beautiful dress, but I would say no. Go for a long dress for black tie evening event. Preferably one colour,incase someone else has it on too, as you can change it up with a crooch, jewellery, a flower maybe. Have a lovely time.