Gaudy Dinner: What to wear

[ChadySharacter]

So dress code for men is black tie OR lounge suit. September so possibly still warmish. I don't do black, pastel, shiny, frilly or knee-showing. I am a 16, 14 in some shops, hourglass, 5ft 9. I know from previous experience that academics can turn up in all sorts, but obviously there will be lots of civilians at this and I'm not quite sure of where I should be pitching the 'dressed up' level.

This?

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-debra-floral-print-dress/p3343946

Wow. The Gaudy actually is a real event. Harriet and Peter eat you heart out!

Lorelai - now that is actually rather nice, thank you. Trouble is I don't have any black accessories at all as I never wear black, would need some similar coloured shoes/bag which could be a nightmare and expensive.

Schnitzel - he hee, that's everything I don't like!

I am NOT wearing a gown .

I've never had to wear a gown for a Gaudy

What colour accessories do you have?

Yes, I didn't mean good-stamping I shan't, I just meant for clarification as some people are keen to put me in one!
Accessories are mostly navy and orange.

Damsel in distress?

Did you have a look at the Issa dresses? They're understated but really flattering and come in the shape you are looking for...

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/issa-kate-tie-wrap-dress/d792480.pd#286310736

I did look at them, the shape is good but I was somewhat put off by the reviews which seemed not great. And the long sleeves. I also wondered if they would look a bit frumpy on a mere mortal??

Bombshell dresses? Maybe a bit ££££

Or the Pretty Dress company who have a lot of variations on this sort of thing.

An interesting neckline is good for an event in which you are seated much of the time.

Alternatively, you could always glam up an existing work number.

Just a cheapie option...boohoo nina dress

I actually tried a Bombshell dress once, but I really didn't get the wow factor that the price suggested. My shoulders are quite small in proportion to the rest of me and so although I love the style of that Boohoo one (although I would be dubious about fabric quality) I know it wouldn't work. I have a Diva Catwalk ultimate wiggle dress that I can't wear.

Academics are appaulingly badly dressed. I live in Oxford. Son't feel afraid to dress up. It's all allowed. Too casual looks worse.

You absolutely do not wear subfusc or a gown to a Gaudy.

PP have it right - knee length cocktail dress suitable for black tie. Even when lounge suits are an option IME the men will universally be in dinner jackets.

However, absolutely crucially, you must find out the seating arrangements in Hall. Some colleges have individual chairs, which is marvellously luxurious and makes for a very easy life. Most, however, have long benches, and it is PERILOUSLY EASY to get stuck trying to climb over in a tightish skirt and heels unless you are at the very end of the row. If the latter and you’ve chosen a fitted skirt, get into Hall early enough that you can shuffle down from the end or have enough space to pivot over the top. Going to the loo mid-meal requires so many contortions as to be basically impossible, so go beforehand.

I speak from bitter experience.

Ha ha, yes I know what you mean as I have say on said benches before. In a fitted skirt. Nothing will persuade me to wear a flared skirt though.

I read this as Goady Dinner, haha.

Um, I have to wear gowns to gaudies! But forgot that the rules at my old college are particularly archaic, and that it's probably not like that everywhere! (Had to wear gown to eat in hall every night, too!). Sorry - as you were - enjoy whatever lovely dress you choose without a massive stupid batcape having to go over the top

Sorry - so many exclamation marks. Was the giddy gaudy overexcitement talking

Sounds like you’re an old hand, OP. I still mourn the vintage pencil skirt with zero stretch which was the victim of a mid-row seat at formal hall some time in 2002.

Interesting that you have to wear gowns, JeanMichel! We don’t, but we also don’t get plus ones so we don’t have anyone in OP’s situation. I’d have to go shopping - I only hired my BA gown and had my MA conferred in absentia so I only have my daft commoner’s gown.

This is a bit too expensive but it did make me think about your orange accessories?

gestuz leopard dress

Another orange thought? Better price...
orange dress at Debenhams

Met DH at college so neither of us were a Plus One, and neither of us wore subfusc for either of the two Gaudies we've been to. I did wear a knee-length cocktail dress from Phase Eight tho, and most women were similarly dressed. Then floral tea dress for the next day's garden party...

Annadale, that gestuz dress is quite a look - I have to say I have never considered green leopard print before! (Shame the model couldn't be arsed to stand up). Quite intrigued but £160 really rather a lot. Debenhams dress has a frill (runs away in terror).