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)

On the original question: the beige is for a 20yr old in summer and outdoors even and who would wear such high heels irl?
The red is smartest and with jewellery, bold necklace, big watch, it would be good.
Whatever you choose, please not opaque tights, colour yes.
The committee has decided that a wrap even with spangly glitter in it is not allowed. Pity...

I think you need a bright colour to help you stand out and make people remember you - black and beige are quite safe colours (although if it’s your time of the month I’m not sure if I’d risk the beige)

@politics4me oh no I just ordered the beige!! Lol - does it really look like a 20 year old?! Oh dear.

Not that there's anything wrong with 20 year olds it's just I'm not 20! So it wasn't the look I was going for. Also planning on wearing it with much lower heels

The black dress is just a black dress and a bit meh. The other one is grim, sorry.

It can be put on and taken off as required, and light to carry. It's a way to do professional and evening wear without being ott professional or evening wear, it's a good optional balance.

The red Hobbs one is awful!

Have you had a look at Cos? Some plain structured stuff not dissimilar to the first ones you posted that you can dress up.

I love the red one, very classy

@Namechangeforone 😂, the red Hobbs one doesn't look too bad in real life honestly! Just a bit too formal.

The black one is COS

@Flowers500

If you're younger than everyone else and keen to be taken seriously, I'd err on the side of being too corporate

I agree, otherwise everyone will think you're someone's PA.

Or Samsoe Samsoe? I know you said no wrap but www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/samsoe-samsoe-celestina-wrap-front-crepe-mini-dress_R03769505/

Short, bright, patterned fabric.

I wouldn't do what pps are encouraging and wear something old and boring. Be yourself. Out of your dresses I like the black the best.

I'd also have a look on The Outnet

@GreyTS

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

I agree with this. Any pictures from similar events to guide you? Failing that I'd go for black with sleeves, as I'd rather be boring than self conscious I'd got it wrong.

This is bollocks and sexist. Be authentic. You can look smart but not ball achingly boring at the same time

That was to the 'people will think you're a PA comment'

Have a look at the reiss sale. Reiss dresses are perfect for this sort of event.

Eg. www.reiss.com/p/jersey-drape-dress-womens-evelyn-in-charcoal-grey/?category_id=11000&gaEeList=W%20-%20Sale%20-%20Dresses

@Namechangeforone

This is bollocks and sexist. Be authentic. You can look smart but not ball achingly boring at the same time

Agree, I really really don't want to be ball achingly boring as you put it lol because it's not me at all.

Generally I'm into fashion and probably am misplaced in the industry I'm in in that sense! - I probably should have been more creative sector so I want to still keep it 'me' but also look respectful.

It's an male dominated industry

I think they are both chic and definitely fit the dress code. I am 30s too and live in London if that helps

I’m going to disagree massively and say I really like them both and the way they are styled.

I think number 2 is really cool, but number 1 looks more work event appropriate.
I like the way it’s styled on the model too with the neutral/tonal heels and bare legs, I’d wear it with a solid red lipstick and keep the rest of my make up toned down.

@Maremaremare thank you, I would say I want to go for the chic mid thirties london vibe, that's what I'm aiming for so I'm happy to hear that as I ordered the beige one just now!

@Marimaur thank you!

I also like the beige one out of the first three options. My only concern would be length if you are tall.

[quote stereeotype]@DramaAlpaca even number 1 with the high neck you think looks too much? [/quote]
Yes, it's a nice dress but just a tad on the short side. I'm not mad on the colour either, but that's probably because it would look awful on me. It might look fabulous on you.

I really dislike both options, although option 1 is okay in the black and khaki. The Hobbs dress is the best option if you want to wear something you own, but the Reiss dresses posted are the nicest and most appropriate IMO. If you're attending a male-dominated event with the intention of being taken seriously (and are presumably younger than most of the men) I'd err on the side of too formal/office wear. They'll all be in suits or shirt and trousers anyway.

@eurochick yes I am tall 🤦‍♀️

This is so tricky !! I'm really stuck. I'm going to try the beige on when it arrives and see