What to wear to a work function held in a school hall?

[Howmanytimes]

Hi, I am a secondary school teacher and our end of year do is a live band in the school hall. What the heck do I wear?

Last year was a Barn dance, also held in the school hall. To this I wore jeans and a linen shirt and within 20 minutes I was so hot and red faced I looked like I needed medical attention!

I have a couple of dresses I could wear, but I also wear them to work, how could I look more dressed up but not too dressed up? My aim is to maintain a reasonable temperature all night and look vaguely stylish. I am 37, 5' 10" and size 14.

Cheers!

Are you wanting to buy something new or use what you already have?

I personally wouldn't wear a work dress but would get something new.

Perhaps a maxi?

What do you normally wear when you go out?

Hi Traceybath, thanks for your prompt reply!

Normally when I go out I'd wear smart dark straight leg jeans, heels and a floaty top. I just know that if I wore jeans I'd be far too hot.

I'm not sure about a maxi, being quite tall I worry about getting one long enough.

Dress

Pretty matching scarf tied into high ponytail.

When is it? I.e. is there going to be tropical strength school heating on?

Do you want to actually buy a new dress - could you dress up the dresses with a sparkly shrug/ bolero comme ca and a nice pair of heels? Plus jewellery that you wouldn't normally wear in the day and do you hair differently to work? Bit of extra eyeshadow and eyeliner - no-one would notice it's a work dress?

Whoamireally, that's what I was wondering could I change the look of a dress in the way all these magazines say you can?

I have this dress www.jigsaw-online.com/fashion/1000884/J09500/womens/dresses/knot-and-ruche-front-lyocell-dress in midnight

What could I do with it to look a little more dressed up?

Nice dress - nice sandals and a dramatic cuff bracelet.

Have seen someone wearing that with long sleeved t underneath and looked good so a very practical buy.

Would also look nice with a little denim jacket on top.

to that dress in midnight, I would add some red bead (deep, not tomato), a good foundation if you need it, hair long and loose (or sleekly gelled if short), some black eyeliner, mascara, red lipstick and leave it at that.

Oooh v nice dress - how about a lariat style necklace with a bit of a sparkle?

Some great suggestions thank you. I have been wondering about getting a cuff bracelet, I really like them so will have a look in town tomorrow.

The denim jacket idea is also great I can think of a lot of ways I could wear it.

Colditz I like your thoughts too, I could totally see this dress with red beads, I also have a cracking red lipstick that I seldom wear.

You've been a great help, thanks.