Help - Black Tie event and I NEVER go out

[OfMe]

So, DH and I are due to go to a ball next week (to do with work) and I was just going to wear my 1950's style black and white polka dot dress (halter neck, calf length, flarey out skirt with a petticoat). It's not floor length, but pretty long on me as I'm only 5'0". I last wore it about 5 years ago for my parents' wedding, but I've lost some weight since then. I tried it on and it's a bit baggy around the back. I may well wear a short shrug cardigan with it, but I was going to ask my mum to take it in a bit if she has time. Does it sound ok?

It's exactly like this, but I'm not sure where the red sash is!

here

It'll probably do if you haven't anything else but that kind of style is a bit dated and not very black tie formal in my opinion, especially with the red lacy stuff at the bottom and if the dress is poorly fitting.

I guess it depends on what sector you work in, how formal the work event is in terms of location/ colleagues etc and how dressy everyone else is likely to be.

I like it.

Simply be have some gorgeous stuff in at the minute.

Thanks for the replies - it's a ball for local businesses in the town, but there's not much information on the website other than that to go from. There's a four course meal, that much I know - so I'm figuring starter, main, dessert and cheese, and sparkling wine on reception.
I look awful in long dresses as I'm short and overweight, and when I search for evening dresses, both long and short ones come up, so I thought it might be ok. I've asked my mum as she's likely to know more about the businesses attending and how 'posh' it's likely to be!