What to wear to Oxford Uni college formal dinner?

[Sparebutton]

My undergraduate niece has invited me to her Oxford college formal dinner as her guest. It's a do for parents, but, as hers are unable to attend, she's asked me.

What do I wear? It says 'jacket and tie' on the invitation so does that mean it's not black tie? But what do women wear? How formal is formal? I guess a skirt, cardigan and boots might not be quite right?

Normally the Dons and students wear subfusc which is dark suit, white shirt, white bow tie (for men) and gowns.

In our formal dinners guests generally wore a business suit or dress. Think halfway between a wedding and a funeral, no hats.

Ask your niece. Some colleges are less formal than others. But you can't go wrong with a dress and shoes rather than boots.

Dress and shoes. Is it on a weekend night? Students in sub fusc is meant to be the equivalent of a suit, the tutors will be in suits (day dresses for women). Your suggested outfit would be fine, but more formal would also be fine.... shoes mainly

Btw. .. its a diverse place these days and that is reflected in students families too!

Thanks, everyone! It's a weekend dinner. I think I will wear:
Smart black tailored wool dress
Black heels and tights
Nice necklace / day jewellery

Does that sound ok?

spare button I think that sounds grand, when in doubt a little black dress looks right in a wide variety of settings. I would definitely go for a dress myself (am old Oxonian) but then I usually do wear dresses.

That sounds perfect! Have fun :)