What do you think of these dress options?

[stereeotype]

I have an evening event to attend where the dress code is 'smart'.

What do you think off these options?

Option 1 or 2 (2 I already own so is the easier option just worried it's about much skin)

I love that first dress !

[quote stereeotype]www.hobbs.com/product/joan-shift-dress/0220-5429-9045L00-POPPY-RED.html[/quote]
It's nice but yes to work-y.

That Hobbs dress is definitely smart, as I’d define smart, which would be corporate office suitable. And I do really like it. But I’m wondering if that’s what the host even means if it’s an evening do? It’s a really silly dress code IMO. Do you know anyone else attending so you can ask what they’re wearing? Does the location give any clues? The black one is ok, I personally dislike the beige one but whatever you decide don’t wear a wrap!

Out of the three the red dress is the best

The red one is most work-like and could be dressed up with some bling and nice shoes (not the beige stilettos though).
If it’s a fancy evening do though then it might be too ‘corporate’ - what’s everyone else wearing?

Hmm, definitely not number 2. Number 1 is at least a bit different and you could dress it up. Number 3 is the most eye-catching.

@LakeShoreD it's a posh restaurant in a city - don't want to say exact location incase outing!

If you don’t want to buy something then the red dress would work - quite corporate looking but that may well be the look you want for networking. Agree with pp that tailored black trousers and an elegant blouse would work too. Or a printed midi dress?

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Neither of them look "evening"-y to me. More daytime.

I suppose some opaque tights and awesome jewellry would jazz up the black one - maybe a colourful wrap for the shoulders.

Jesus Christ, no wraps....who has worn a wrap in the last 20 years. Dress 1 is fab, modern and glam, love the shape....I know you have dress 2 and it probably looks great on you but I'm choosing the one that would suit me. I can't do low necks

If it’s networking, the red dress is perfect, doesn’t matter that it’s slightly work-y for networking.

@SirChenjins

The red one is most work-like and could be dressed up with some bling and nice shoes (not the beige stilettos though). If it’s a fancy evening do though then it might be too ‘corporate’ - what’s everyone else wearing?

No idea I'm not in touch with any of women attending - I also don't like checking others outfit tbh I feel silly asking other people

The beige comes in variety of colours too...

www.karenmillen.com/military-tailored-dress/AKK98100.html

Do you like either of these? Just to get on a little journey of why you do and don’t like. Do feel free to say you don’t.

www.reiss.com/p/tuxedo-sleeveless-midi-dress-womens-cecile-in-black/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

www.reiss.com/p/high-neck-velvet-dress-womens-martha-in-black/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

Problem with asking for opinions on a site like this though is who's opinions are you getting? Age, where do they live, what would they call stylish? It's all so subjective

For a networking dinner the red is ideal. Possibly little conservative but as it is a work event that's not a big deal. Ticks enough boxes and saves you buying something else.

Ooh or this

www.reiss.com/p/petite-open-back-midi-dress-womens-petite-livvy-in-dark-red/?category_id=1121&gaEeList=W%20-%20Dresses

@SheWoreYellow that first black one is absolutely stunning! I saw it already but it's £200!!!!! I'm not spending that much

I think the Karen Millen in black would be good, with some eveningy earrings.

@SheWoreYellow I usually have no issue with buying for those prices but I own so many dresses it pains me to spend that money on something to wear once

The Reiss one is lovely and more eveningy. The red one is probably safest option and could be used again.
With the red one you need the right accessories to make it a little bit less conservative. Maybe some ankle boots and good well cut jacket. Some cool earrings or something???

I think it depends hugely on the sector you're in. If it's something like media or fashion, then interesting and a bit more flesh is fine. If it's law or something more conservative, second one is a bit risqué. If it's startups then these are all a bit on the boring and old-fashioned end.

How formal is the event? Is this like smart straight from work, or smart general--ie will people be coming from office in suits, or wearing a nicer event dress? Normally for evening though people would consider something a little more dressy, so it looks a bit less office.

I don't think anyone could take offence at the black one if it's with tights and a jacket (might depend on length on you). None of these are super evening looking at all, but I suppose an interesting jacket could jazz it up?

But again all depends on the sector you're in.

This is effectively a business event even though it’s for dinner. The red would work.

It was more to get an idea of what you like. I thought you might like the style of Reiss.

Oh, those Reiss dresses are gorgeous, I love the red one. I think the Karen Millen dress is better in a different color, but that might be because I can’t wear beige!

I think the first two look like they need something under them, like a shirt or something.
The red would be good in my eyes for a networking event