Is this ok for an awards ceremony?

[Woahtherehoney]

Hi all, some advice needed please.

I’ve been invited to an awards ceremony at work - the dress code is ‘dress to impress’ and it’s at a ballroom. It’s not an actual ball and my workplace is corporate but more like casual corporate if that makes any sense at all!

it’s definitely not as formal as black tie and so I’m struggling a bit with what to wear. I feel very meh about myself at the moment and was wondering if something like this might be ok? I’m 5ft6 and a 14-16.

I don’t have a huge budget (ideally under £50 which this is)

Agree.

That's a great choice. The Joanie stuff is awful & totally wrong for an event like this.

😂😂😂

I'd have to agree!

That's worse than the George outfit. It's as if you were given a remit to find the cheapest looking outfit possible.

Why are you being so awful?

As an aside, those Joanie dresses are completely wrong and also monstrous.

But people don't talk like that on Style and Beauty. It's a supportive place. One might say 'I think those Joanie dresses are more suitable for the day time' for example.

The outfit is fine op and crucially reusable.

A sparkly top or even better just a silk blouse with black trousers is always acceptable but the trousers can be standard workwear ones if black. When budgets are tight a new blouse is more doable than dress!

When I was working in London I found building up a wardrobe of classic separates really useful, things that won't be out of fashion next year and not standing out so i could use again without people noticing.

The dresses recommended are not the right vibe for dress to impress. Dress to impress means red carpet but not strict so no need for men to buy a dinner suit!

I think it’s perfect I’ve done 3 dress to
impress this last month I would say that is on par with what everyone was wearing

Those Joanie dresses are awful. They're like costumes!

I think what you're going so east is fine. Get your hair done and dress it up with heels / bag / earrings.

Being made spend money on an outfit for a work do is my pet peeve!!

That's lovely OP and also agree with sentiment of not spending a fortune on something you won't use again.

One might say 'I think those Joanie dresses are more suitable for the day time' for example.

Lets face it, even that isn't true.

Some of the Joanie dresses are perfect (if you're hosting Tom and Barbara Good for Christmas and Jerry is taking care of the cooking)

I've been to loads of awards ceremonies and that outfit is perfect. Joanna Lumley hosted one at the Park Lane Hotel and her outfit was similar to your choice.

Steer clear from the Joanie website.

Enjoy!

Another vote for the OP's outfit over those Joanie dresses.

I don't understand the love for them. I have been to several formal dos in my time and a Joanie dress would definitely look out of place. These affairs do tend to be more "black tie" than "quirky playgroup teacher" TBH.

The dressier Joannie dresses could be worn to loads of other things and a better use of £50.

Which one specifically @NatashaDancing ?

I've looked at them all and I can't see one that would be suitable for a dress to impress evening awards ceremony.

@NatashaDancing , goodness you really love Joannie dresses. I am not sure why you’re attacking as folks don’t like them.

i guess you have a very quirky unique taste , but for the vast majority of people those dresses are not remotely suitable for an awards ceremony ,and are either considered frumpy or just too out there even for normal wear.

there is one blue and pink wrap dress I’d consider for normal wear but even the model is falling out of it, so makes me think the cut is dodgey. There is one navy maxi dress arguably you could wear to the ops event if you were a bit desperate and that’s all you had in, but none of the others are suitable at all.

It's nice, but personally I'd go for separates, especially with a small budget, as more versatile going forward.

Also, if you're not feeling great about yourself, go for something that makes you feel amazing, not 'acceptable'.

I quite like this, with accessories.

Jumpsuit is great. Some fabulous accessories dangly earrings, bracelet and clutch bag will help elevate it to the ‘dress to impress’ dress code. You could look for the accessories (not shoes) on Vinted as there’s quite a lot of occasion wear that’s hardly worn, sizing won’t matter and will help your budget.

There is one navy maxi dress arguably you could wear to the ops event if you were a bit desperate and that’s all you had in, but none of the others are suitable at all.

Is it this baby cord one?

Your outfit choice is great. The Joanie dresses are definitely not appropriate.

I'd definitely go with the jumpsuit, I like the sparkly top.
You could add a contrasting bag, silver would be nice and some glittery silver earrings and black heels.
You wouldn't need a necklace, too much with the top.
If you don't have a bag look in Primark or charity shops or ask friends and family to lend you one, saves spending additional money

Another vote for your outfit OP and I also agree with the majority, those Joanie dresses are awful

That jumpsuit would have been fine at my very similar event last month. I would see if there are pics from last year’s event on social media and check it fits in.
ours was an NHS event and there was a mix of party wear and smart workwear.

www.asos.com/prd/203526970?acquisitionsource=com.google.android.gm

I think something like this would be more appropriate. It's a little over budget, but they have 20% off at the moment and you can usually get codes through honey and cashback.

Those dresses in that link are far from 'dress to impress'

I actually quite like some of the Joanie dresses (mind you, I'm wearing ruffled plaid vintage Dolce &Gabanna today, so what the fuck do I know?).

Not a big fan of the George jumpsuit, charity shops are always quite fruitful for evening-wear if you've got time for a bit of a browse OP.

@Woahtherehoney are the men being told to dress to impress?