"Ball" at work. Does that mean dress like Cinderella?

[bzz7]

I recently moved back to the UK for the first time since childhood. At this point, I'm used to getting everything a little wrong and don't usually let things stress me out. But today I received an invitation to an annual "ball" at my work.

I have only heard that word in relation to Cinderella and dresses that cost as much as rent. There isn't anything else on the invitation about the dress code and the people in my office are all men who are abstaining from social interaction (it's that kind of workplace).

Can anyone tell me if the word "ball" is the dress-code? Does it really mean a long, pouffy, sparkly sort of dress is required? People at work usually dress pretty casually (jeans, etc), so it seems strange that they'd participate in a beauty-queen-style event.

I'm quite plump and really don't want the answer to be "yes" because finding a dress with sleeves that's flattering and won't clean out my back account is not something I relish. Thanks very much for any advice.

I've been to a few balls over the past few years, people wore anything from proper long ball gowns to short cocktail dresses to jumpsuits. All nice and dressy but it would seem anything goes. I always buy my dresses second hand off ebay, it's risky as you can't return if they don't fit or suit, but you can get such a bargain as it's the kind of thing people wear once then sell on.

Thanks, NotByChoice. I wasn't able to find anything on Ebay, so I went ahead and ordered this:
www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/gina-bacconi-harriet-printed-satin-maxi-dress/it387/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6279#colour:Black/White,size:

I am a little concerned that it may be too casual (it has a jersey bodice), but I'm hoping it fits your description of "dressy"! It seems more my style than something sparkly and huge. Thanks a lot.

If that dress doesn't work out, maybe try Carolina Herrera style? White shirt and fancy skirt e.g. goo.gl/images/cmq83g

Hmm, that didn't work, I meant the second image with Cate Blanchett.

I think that’s too casual. I’d wear that on a beach holiday in the evening.

Can you rent a dress instead?

A ball in my line of work, professional services, means a cocktail dress/ smart evening dress but definitely not a full ball gown as you’ve described.
Do you know any women that are going/ have been before who you could ask?

It means black tie type of thing. A formal gown.

That dress is lovely but quite casual and beachy. I don't think it'd suit a ball.

How about Reiss. They have some dresses in their sale including this one.

Generally speaking, a ball will be Black Tie. It won’t be White Tie which is very formal and tiaras may be worn!

So, it’s very smart evening wear that is either long or knee length. Shops like John Lewis will have loads of options. Black is safe but midnight blue, deep red and bottle green can look fabulous. If it was for winter, I would suggest velvet.

If it’s later in the year, look at lighter fabrics but don’t do day dress florals. Try and keep to plain with trims and dress up with jewellery. Hair can make a big difference.

Helpfully John Lewis on line dress selection has a Black Tie option. Hundreds to choose from. Formal to less formal. I would buy what you might wear again.

Or this, also Reiss, if you like black and white. Only available in size 12 mind you

This was the dress Cinderella wore which I loved the most. I'd love to go to the sort of ball where you have to dress like Cinderella.

Black cocktail dress with heels and statement earrings / necklace (depending on preference) should do you for a W ide range of occasions.

Is it partners-invited? That’s a crucial factor to establish.

*wide

House of Fraser and Debenhams have loads of this sort of thing online. Adriana Papell is stocked there, nice midi and maxi evening dresses.

Too casual OP. Search Ebay for 'silk dresses'. That should bring up the good stuff.

No idea how to link but Brandalley have some lovely suitable (bargainous!) dresses by DV Fustenburg, Coast, Damsel in a Dress, Reiss and many more ( i promise i don't work for Brandalley-I'm always banging on about them ).

I didn't realize that my browser had frozen and I had missed all these updates. Thanks everyone!

Well, it sounds like my choice (above) is too casual. The skirt is apparently made of satin and it has a belt made of sparkly things, but I'm assuming you guys could see that from the photo and it's still too casual, so I'll return it when it arrives.

My problem is that I'm a size 20 - 22 and don't like to wear sleeveless dresses. There's not much available in my size that looks good for under about 300 - 400 pounds. I looked for rentals (thanks for that suggestion) and don't see anything in my size! If I do find anything, I'll post a photo here and hope you guys take pity on me again and let me know if it would be appropriate!

Thanks a lot everyone.

By the way, in answer to questions, partners are not required (I'm pretty sure they're not welcome). I did actually see the dress I posted the photo of at John Lewis's formal section; they don't seem to have much in my size that seems more formal.

And I LOVE the Cinderella dress! If I thought I could get away with wearing that at work, I would! My problem is that my workplace is generally quite casual, so it's hard to figure out exactly what people expect for a ball. I would feel more comfortable in something quite plan. It's rather a judgey place for women and getting it wrong would not be fun!

Have you tried Monsoon? I don't know what size they go up to but they have that kind of dress I think - and their sizes often run large so an 18 may do you.

I think the dress you posted is fine, I used to go to a lot of these things and people wear all sorts.

Wear sparkly earrings and nice shoes and s clutch bag (cheap from monsoon).

drspouse, no I haven't. I know there's one in my local mall. I'll check it out if it's open today what with all the snow.

Thanks CrabappleBiscuit. I'm a bit worried though because "beachy" is exactly the kind of style I'm used to and that's how someone described the dress I picked! I'm wondering if a jacket would help or if that would look even more out-there.

Thanks Lizzie, I forgot to mention your photos. Really appreciate that. I don't think Reiss would fit me. I'm built like Brienne of Tarth. Love your choices though.

I really like the dress you chose. Satin for the skirt will add a sheen and make it look more formal, and with accessories like CrabappleBiscuit has suggested, it will look lovely.

Maybe another look at ebay? Anything here?