What to wear to an awards ceremony

[stardust777]

Hi all,

I was hoping for some style advice...

I'm going to an awards ceremony next month and not sure what to wear. Money is tight at the moment so ideally I'd want to wear something I already own. Not sure if my potentials are quite right though!

I was thinking either this dark blue midi dress or this light blue one.

I've spotted a dress on Vinted that I like and am considering buying - it's this Ghost one. With the right accessories, could I make it work?

I'm 5"3, late thirties and have a boyish figure.

I think the only one that could be dressy with accessories is the light blue one.

What kind of award?

It could be anything from Buck Palace to a local town hall.

Context is needed. Inside, outside? Dress code?

If it's formal you might want sleeves, a jacket and even a hat.

Of the 3 dresses I only think the first one is formal enough. Can't really see the light blue one very well.

Definitely not the pale blue. It's net. That isn't formal enough IMO. More a party or wedding guest dress.

I think any of them are fine if you dress them up with good shoes/bag and looked groomed. The light blue one is possibly the dressiest, although it looks like it could be a bit see-through?

A lot does depend on the venue and if it’s day or evening though.

Thanks everyone! More info - it's an external work event (industry awards) - it's an indoor standing reception and party taking place in the evening.

No dress code was given on the invite!

@User6589310 yep, I wore that to a wedding

I rarely dress up or wear makeup so am struggling with this. I'd definitely feel more comfortable in a dress that's midi length and with sleeves (which I is why I was considering the Ghost one).

I'm leaning more towards dress number three.

With the right accessories, could I make it work?

https://www.asos.com/ghost/ghost-meryl-satin-dress-front-midi-dress-in-floral-print/prd/12577023?irgwc=1&clickid=_odcav2ayfkkfbwnduwrvb12wx22x6tgmi96bo1pe00&affid=25376&pubref=10078

Maybe Google the event in previous years and see pics of what the winners have worn? I’ve been to several awards like this and people have worn a range of things, from Phase Eight day dresses to trousers and jackets at the daytime/afternoon ones and full length dresses in the evenings.

Thanks @NotThisWeekSatan - I've had a google and it seems like a mixed bag (helpful, I know!). Also, last year was an evening sit-down reception whereas this year it will be a standing reception and party - I'm thinking I could go less formal.

The dark blue one

I really like the first and third dresses.

Oh, that is helpful isn’t it 🙄🤣 - I agree, you can probably get away with less formal in that case. I actually think any of the ones you’ve linked to would be fine - in my experience it’s a real mix and any of those would fit in. Good luck!

How annoying of them not to suggest a dress code!

Generally you’d expect an awards ceremony to involve a degree of dressing up - formal or fashion led depending on industry.

All your choices seem to me a bit wishy-washy - no shape or structure or punch to them, at all. If you’re looking to spend up to £100 (going by the Ghost dress??) I’m sure you / we could find something more exciting.

@MarciaSaysANumber Ha, I'm known for being very low-key!

Budget is about £40 max (I saw the Ghost dress on Vinted).

Open to other suggestions though! Preferably a midi dress with sleeves..

Oh - just noticed you said ‘midi-dress with sleeves’ … That’s a fair bit of fabric for £40 new. Would you compromise on sleeves or hemline?

(Would help to know if your work culture is generally formal or easy going.)

@MarciaSaysANumber Definitely! I've been scouring ebay and Vinted for secondhand midi dress options from Ghost, Reiss, & Other Stories, Rouje and Sezane. Also looked at Brand Alley to see if there was anything I liked.

Work culture is very easy going - no one has ever seen me in makeup and my 'uniform' is mainly black knee high boots, black skinny jeans and a blazer.

I like this https://www.warehousefashion.com/sparkle-jacquard-tier-midi-dress/AWW03824-2.html?color=168 but it may be too much

Completely forgot to mention the photos above are from & Other Stories - but you may have recognised the website anyway! Obviously you’ll get more for your money second hand.

Love the look of this - though it’s a bit single-wear …

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/flowing-open-back-dress-p00264369.html?v1=259606580&v2=2184112&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=web_mobile_sharing&utm_source=red_social_web_mobile

It depends on your industry I guess, but they all look too casual to my mind. I have one to attend in July for the construction industry and it will be floir length satin in red or emerald green but maybe that's cis it's nice to get out of wellies and hard hats.

If you preferred something casually blingy, then this skirt

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/sequinned-midi-skirt-p03133102.html?v1=251915415&v2=2184112&utm_campaign=productShare&utm_medium=web_mobile_sharing&utm_source=red_social_web_mobile

with a pristine white shirt you already own might be cool.

(I’m guessing if it was strictly black tie they would have let people know on the invitation?)

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! My favourite is the Zara sequin skirt. I've still got time so will try on the potentials before deciding.

Thinking ahead to next year your dressing up clothes seem so at odds with your usual style … Maybe you’d prefer this sort of look (video especially)? Obviously this example beyond your current budget but might be worth either saving up for or constructing from other sources.

https://www.matchesfashion.com/products/Raey-Soft-tailored-wool-suit-waistcoat-1500275

@MarciaSaysANumber I've never thought about it but that's spot on! I do like the odd super feminine dress from time to time. I like the waistcoat (and currently don't have one in my wardrobe). Eventually, I'd like to build up a capsule wardrobe of classic pieces. Matches is a fab shout - thank you!