Dress for military function! Please help.

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My husband is in the armed forces and we have a mess function to attend. It’ll be my first one. I’ve ordered these four dresses but had some mixed opinions from a friend. What do you all think?

And the fourth one...

I’m a size 8-10, average height. 31 years old... incase that’s relevant ☺️

What kind of function is e.g. formal dinner or ball?

Have you been given a dress code? They often state ankles and shoulders covered (no thigh split!)

They all look okay, but it's impossible to say which is really suitable without more information. Which Mess fo example. Corporals mess or officers mess might make a big difference to what's acceptable p, plus the occasion too

It’s the sergeants mess and all I know about the dress code is it’s to be floor length. My husband is away just now so that’s all the info I have unfortunately.

Check dress code. 3rd and probably 1st would not pass muster at events I have attended. 2nd may require a shawl or jacket.4th is safe.

I love number 3 and 4

It's normally shoulders covered as well, I would say the 4th one is probably the most appropriate, but it might be a bit glitzy. Your DP should be able to get more details on the dress code for you.

Do you know any other wives (or serving women) in the mess?

I’ve called my husband and asked him to ask someone for the official dress code. I really love dress number 3 so I’m really hoping that’s acceptable 🙏🏼

Dress to the floor and shoulders covered. Number 3 will be fine! If it's anything like ours used to be, everyone will be hammered and just in their pants by 10pm! If someone shouts naked bar, it's get naked or get out!

Is it the Sergeants Mess Xmas function?

Ours is in 2 weeks. I like a bit of sparkle for the Xmas functions, and pay to get my hair put up too!

It's the highlight of the year, enjoy!

Thanks @FuckBalls :)

Yes @everythingmagnolia, sergeants mess Xmas function I love your username

If its the Christmas ball then dress code is more relaxed for civvies. I've been to a few Raf Christmas Draws over the years. RAF are traditionally very strict with dress codes but at the Christmas draw you are fine to go glitzy, expose shoulders and if you wanted a shorter dress, a knee length cocktail dress would be acceptable. The last one I went to a couple of years ago I wore a full ball gown with a few crystals on the bodice. I didn't feel out of place.

No 3 in the navy velvet is lovely and perfect. No 2 is good too. No 4 is also great. I’m a big fan of navy velvet but you might get hot if it gets lively!

Thanks all... I will upload pics of them on once they arrive and you can help me choose ☺️

The velvet. Definitely need to cover shoulders and be floor length for a Christmas ball.

I’m really unsure...

The split goes really high and sits more open than it looks on the website. So when I walk, basically my whole leg is exposed! This is the only dress that’s arrived so far.

You can’t see the navy colour in the picture but the colour and fabric are lovely. It’s just the split that I’m not sure on!

It does look lovely. Whether it would be suitable or not would vary from one mess to another. Some regiments are more formal than others.

It looks lovely and you look gorgeous.

The trick to formal events is to know that you are within the guidelines of the dress code.

Is there anyone you know (other than your husband? Who can tell you about the dress code. It won't be secret, it will be very well publicised. You just need someone to tell you about it. The FB purpose is to make you all feel included so it's a pity to not know.

Welfare people, anyone you just need a name.

DH text last night to say he contacted the PMC of the function (not sure what that means) and they said normally ankle length but people will get away with below the knee. He also told me the RSM is happy as long as everyone is having a good time and “doesn’t look like the cast of shameless”

They’re all beautiful dresses, you just need some advice on whether they fit the dress code or not. Your DH sounds about as useless as mine would be when offering BF opinions on the suitability of a dress... he has no clue, none at all

There’s bound to be someone you can ask though, you can’t be the only one with a not particularly clued up other half, surely?

Green green green! I have lots of friends whose partners are in the military and I think any of those would be suitable. How exciting! Have a great time.