Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Is this ok for an awards ceremony?

137 replies

Woahtherehoney · 18/10/2023 22:07

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)

Is this ok for an awards ceremony?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
mybrainisbusybeingawesome · 19/10/2023 15:25

I've bought this dress for my work Christmas party. It's always a dress to impress theme and I can't wait to wear this jumpsuit. Mine has just arrived and it's even more lovely than the pic. I say go for it and have a fantastic night

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 19/10/2023 15:26

OP. If you want to look appropriate for your event, wear the outfit you have chosen. It’s perfect.

On the other hand, if you want to look like a cross between an overgrown toddler and Grayson Perry then wear a Joannie dress.

NetZeroZealot · 19/10/2023 15:44

It's a lovely outfit OP and perfect for an awards ceremony.

Frasers · 19/10/2023 15:53

BrakeLights · 19/10/2023 14:17

Normally S & B is one of the more supportive boards but I'm really surprised.to see the pile on in this one. So someone likes Joanie and thought the OP might too. Most people don't. Looks like people are just commenting now for the opportunity of saying something horrible about Joanie rather than something useful to the OP.

Not that I've got anything more useful to say ironically..

OP, I've got no dress sense whatsoever but I do like the outfit you posted. Seems exactly right for a work award ceremony. A bit sparkly but not over the top.

I’m not sure I align with your summary of that’s what happened, Natasha clearly is very fervent in her deep love of joannie dresses, and was derisory of the ops choices and became quite rude about it whilst trying to push joannie dresses.

which to be fair I can understand , if you obsessively love joannie dresses then you’re unlikely to like clean elegant lines as per the ops taste.

her posts set the tone, as everyone else preferred the ops taste. The joannie dresses are as said a very very niche taste, honestly if I saw someone in some of those creations I’d do a double take and not for positive reasons.

i think though if you’ve a very niche dress sense and like to waft about in joannie dresses you probably aren’t going to find your tribe on here.

i mean look at this polyester beast. 😱

https://joanieclothing.com/dawn-o-porter-x-joanie-pinacolada-floral-print-midaxi-dress-orange.html

Dawn O’Porter X Joanie - Pinacolada Floral Print Midaxi Dress - Orange

Dawn says: Embrace your inner goddess with THE best sleeves. This dress is inspired by everything I love most about the '70s. This is the dress I searched for day and night in vintage stores and online. Trust me - it’s a mission. And so now, here it i...

https://joanieclothing.com/dawn-o-porter-x-joanie-pinacolada-floral-print-midaxi-dress-orange.html

StasisMom · 19/10/2023 15:58

Your jumpsuit is fine OP, but it isn't really dress to impress. You may not be super confident and would rather look subtle though. Have you looked on Vinted? Or Asos, H&M, Zara and Warehouse are worth a look. I agree with PPs though, a top and black trousers is probably the most budget friendly option. I think this is Dress to Impress... But if I had mucho more moolah, I would go Zimmermann or The Vampire's Wife.

ASOS DESIGN halter shoulder midi dress in black | ASOS

Shop ASOS DESIGN halter shoulder midi dress in black at ASOS. Order now with multiple payment and delivery options, including free and unlimited next day delivery (Ts&Cs apply).

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-halter-shoulder-midi-dress-in-black/prd/205465717#colourWayId-205465718

category12 · 19/10/2023 16:00

Frasers · 19/10/2023 15:53

I’m not sure I align with your summary of that’s what happened, Natasha clearly is very fervent in her deep love of joannie dresses, and was derisory of the ops choices and became quite rude about it whilst trying to push joannie dresses.

which to be fair I can understand , if you obsessively love joannie dresses then you’re unlikely to like clean elegant lines as per the ops taste.

her posts set the tone, as everyone else preferred the ops taste. The joannie dresses are as said a very very niche taste, honestly if I saw someone in some of those creations I’d do a double take and not for positive reasons.

i think though if you’ve a very niche dress sense and like to waft about in joannie dresses you probably aren’t going to find your tribe on here.

i mean look at this polyester beast. 😱

https://joanieclothing.com/dawn-o-porter-x-joanie-pinacolada-floral-print-midaxi-dress-orange.html

Show quote history

That is splendidly retro. I kind of wish I had the balls to wear such a thing in public.

I like OP's choice.

Seaside3 · 19/10/2023 16:58

Just a thought, op. Of cash in an issue, have a look at charity shop girl on Instagram. She has some great styling ideas for clothes from the charity shops. And I know in the shop near me there are lots of hardly worn evening outfits.

Annalouisa · 19/10/2023 17:56

If those Joanie dresses are 'special occasion' dresses, I can't think what that special occasion would be.

Unless popping to the corner shop has become a special occasion 😬
Nice dresses for everyday wear, but really not special.

justasking111 · 19/10/2023 18:12

Annalouisa · 19/10/2023 17:56

If those Joanie dresses are 'special occasion' dresses, I can't think what that special occasion would be.

Unless popping to the corner shop has become a special occasion 😬
Nice dresses for everyday wear, but really not special.

A hay ride or barn dance.

Stressedoutmammy · 19/10/2023 19:15

Yes, I think it’s perfect for what you have described! Can never go wrong with black.

Pewpewbarneymcgrew · 19/10/2023 19:19

Joanie dresses would be great for an awards do in 1973

Sooocold · 19/10/2023 20:10

Looks lovely. Would look nice with some sparkly jewellery

rickandmorts · 19/10/2023 20:29

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 19/10/2023 15:26

OP. If you want to look appropriate for your event, wear the outfit you have chosen. It’s perfect.

On the other hand, if you want to look like a cross between an overgrown toddler and Grayson Perry then wear a Joannie dress.

Omg perfect description 😂

VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia · 19/10/2023 20:29

Assemble your best evening shoes and bag and pick a solid colour or subtly patterned outfit that goes with those. Jump suit or a longer dress for an awards ceremony, blouse and trousers/skirt only if it looks like a jumpsuit or dress.

What you've pictured would work.

Monsoon's sale might help you:

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/tracy-twist-me-tie-me-maxi-dress-blue-24288102.html a bridesmaid's multiway dress in a dusky blue

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/katherine-satin-maxi-dress-pink-24294973.html A sleeveless fitted maxi with shirred detail in a dusky pink satin

Or Next:

If you can push to £60, this jumpsuit is silver and long-sleeved https://www.next.co.uk/g85257s2/775176

https://www.next.co.uk/g85217s2/449046 in either colourway, high neck and long-sleeved with a leg slit.

Buy Pink Geo Sparkle Long Sleeved Ruched Midi Dress from the Next UK online shop

Shop for Pink Geo Sparkle Long Sleeved Ruched Midi Dress at Next.co.uk. Next day delivery and free returns to store. 1000s of products online. Buy Pink Geo Sparkle Long Sleeved Ruched Midi Dress now!

https://www.next.co.uk/g85217s2/449046

Mrsgreen100 · 19/10/2023 20:36

Needs a good jacket, and something like big statement jewellery, other wise it’s a bit casual

Elle2018 · 19/10/2023 20:41

It looks great, you can dress it up too. Also have a look at AX Paris, this dress is really very flattering if you’d rather wear a dress

Is this ok for an awards ceremony?
Boopeedoop · 19/10/2023 21:48

Think I'm going to have nightmares after seeing those Joanie dresses.

RachelGreensHair · 19/10/2023 22:38

I don't think it's a pile on, think everyone has had enough of one specific poster being condescending on numerous threads.

Anonymouseposter · 19/10/2023 22:43

OP-your own choice is the nicest suggestion that has been posted on here.I also liked the Monsoon dress.
The Joanie dresses look like the worst examples of 1970s prints, especially avoid them in shades of brown and orange. (I wore them the first time round , they weren't very nice.).

HunterBidensBurnerPhone · 19/10/2023 23:06

NatashaDancing · 18/10/2023 22:36

It'll do but that's about the best that can be said.

Second recommendation tonight for Joannie. I really don't have shares in Joannie but for dresses under £100 they are exceptionally good.

If you're a new customer you can get 10% off which takes you near your budget on full price items.

Joannie Dresses size 14 -16

Are you on crack?

PloddingAlong21 · 19/10/2023 23:18

I work in corporate place which is casual during the day and we have award ceremonies and your outfit is great.

the Joanie dresses are defo not awards ceremony or corporate and very daytime mum type dresses. Not appropriate for your event.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 20/10/2023 00:23

Lentilweaver · 19/10/2023 10:11

Not for OP- way over budget- but am just sharing this which I adore for anyone else looking for a party/awards dress, shared by another poster. I hate sequins usually, but loved this. https://www.east.co.uk/products/brogan-black-velvet-dress . I like a lot of stuff on East lately, but expensive, of course.

That's beautiful .