Is this dress OK for a ball?

[PingPongBat]

Having a wardrobe crisis.

Is this dress OK for a ball? (it's a Phase Eight dress from some years ago)
It's sleeveless, almost full length, & I'd wear it with the purple short cardigan from Hobbs it's pictured with. I wore it to a wedding years ago but wondered if it's too bright / summery for an autumn ball. I have a plain chocolate brown dress too but no decent shoes to go with it (and it's a bit unforgiving around the tummy area ), whereas I have some purple shoes to go with this one...

What kind of ball?

I think it is too informal, esp with the cardigan

It's my old school's centenary ball (I left 30+ years ago!)

Is it a formal ball? If its a very formal occasion then I'd say no, its too casual for that. The print is too loud & the dress is too casual as is the cardigan. The last ball I attended was in Vienna about 6 years ago, but it was strictly black tie and I had to wear an actual ball dress, floor length in satin or taffeta.

However a more relaxed/informal ball where the dress code is not black tie only, just smart it would be OK. Its also good for a wedding & any smart occasion.

It s a lovely dress & a smart dress but its not a ball gown no, sorry :)

Hmm, not sure it's formal /evening enough. sorry.

Maybe rent something?

What does the invitation say OP, is it black tie or white tie?

I don't like it :( sorry

Currently trying to find out about the dress code... and thinking a shopping trip tomorrow (the ball is tomorrow night!!!) Other people have said they are wearing black cocktail style numbers

This is another option, the less forgiving one, bit difficult to see but it has panels with different materials, all chocolate brown. But then I have a shoe problem!!

Yes it would work with sparkly jewellery.

If you want to buy a new one tomorrow try Debenhams as their formal lines are good in a pinch :) Cocktail dresses are shorter than ball gowns but still formal.

There are SO many ball dresses out there, OP, you may as well have fun dressing up for one! Experiment with your best colours etc.

ooh yes, Debs is a fab idea MagratsHair, thanks. It will have to be navy or similar as I have some suitable navy heels which will be fine.

Would you hire one? Www.girlmeetsdress.com is amaaazing

Depends how formal the ball is

Sorry - also meant to say maybe you could find something more dressy than the cardigan if you wear it.

I think if the ball were in 1975 the first one would be fine, I don't think the second one is dressy enough either.

Monsoon & Phase Eight are good for long dresses.

Ouch, Twinklestein!!

I didn't mean to be rude.

I don't dislike the first dress, it's funky, I just don't think it's right for a ball now.

£19

80% off here

Definitely too casual with the cardigan. The choc brown one might work (depending on the fabric) with dressy accessories

The second one could definitely work