Is this appropriate for a formal dinner/awards ceremony?

[BraveStarr]

Please help!

I have a formal work evening event coming-up. I am menopausal, very puffy, and not feeling great about my body. I therefore do not want to show my legs, arms, chest, anything really! I would like to look nice though if possible

I am size 16 and 5 ft 8.

Would this dress be appropriate?

Thank you

https://www.reiss.com/style/SU044519/D04377?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADy9EnoE1DnG2ea39KODQbTYVT14t&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfDn2YlcUeFb4IlYrOoK00jb5jRxVzkW8u1l1I7xLy2UbZRctATSVnhoC6SgQAvDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#D04377

I would not do Shein. It won't look like it does on the pic. It will have been made in a sweatshop.

Those are all nice, esp the first one.

Why can't she sit at a dining table in that dress? Is it a law? What dresses are legal to wear sitting at a dining table?

I find ax Paris dresses really flattering, not too expensive either.

https://www.axparis.com/collections/occasion-dresses/products/teal-wrap-gold-buckle-midi-dress

https://www.axparis.com/collections/occasion-dresses/products/teal-short-sleeve-plisse-wrap-midi-dress

https://www.axparis.com/collections/occasion-dresses/products/black-high-knot-neck-wrap-midi-dress

Thank that dress is stunning.

Not only could she sit at a dining table in this, she could be the dining table:

https://18centurybodies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/submission_4_3_1.jpg

No it’s not formal evening wear. It’s a nice enough summer day dress.

And given what you say about your height and weight and general feeling about your body, I’m afraid I do t think it would be very flattering. I’d say you need something far more tailored and fitted. Blousing round the waist is rarely flattering unless you’re a sylph.

A good thing to remember is that no matter where else we carry weight our wrists and shoulder/collarbones often look elegant and toned. So what about looking for a dress that is fitted at the waist and off the shoulders with sleeves to your wrist (bracelet length sleeves I think they’re called)

This is where I’m glad I make most of my clothes - I have several patterns for formal dresses which are flattering but not completely OTT so I feel graceful but not overdressed.

Love your first and third latest options. If you can afford I would buy both to try and get whichever suited me best

Great choice, OP! It's a beautiful dress.

Have a look in the Coast sale there's loads of suitable dresses on there some at bargain prices.

Good choice, that one is lovely!

I was about to say the first one in your post of 3 is perfect but I see you've already ordered it!
I go to a lot of formal corporate events and that's very much the kind of thing I wear as a size 18 wanting to cover my flabby arms.

Beautiful dress but not formal evening wear x

I would wear something like this myself, and it comes in a lot of different colours
JJ's House Bridesmaid Dresses (255863) | JJ's House (jjshouse.com)

That dress is beautiful.

I used to attend formal events at the Grosvenor in Mayfair (just in case that’s on a par with yours) and actually your original dress would be fine as a back up too. But the Phase 8 will be perfect.

I love that dress. It will look great.

We host quite a few awards dinners a year and this would be absolutely fine for our events!

I'd say that's fine. It really depends. Is this an event that's been held previously, can you ask co-worker what the standard is?

I've been to many black tie/formal events/weddings etc where invariably I am the most over-dressed person in the room (apart from the bride obvs!). Lots of people don't stick to the direction on the invite, lots of people's interpretation of what 'formal' is is different.

If you turned up to a formal do with nice heels, bag, hair did, and that dress I don't think I'd give you a second glance for not being dressed appropriately (and this from someone who has pretty high standards for dressing up for events)

I love the second one here...

That is horrible. The OP might not be a size 8 but that doesn't mean she has to wear a tent.

I like these... if you are going to be eating I think the first would be more comfortable than the third

Yikes, that's certainly different

I prefer your original choice. Phase 8 is generally a good call but I'm not sure a work event needs sequins?

I wouldn't recommend Shein or that ridiculous orange thing.

That's a great dress, with accessories you could make it smart casual or very dressy.

With good heels and an evening bag I'd wear that to a formal dinner.

I wore something very similar to a black tie night on a cruise recently. I wore Jimmy Choo pumps, carried a small clutch and had a swishy blow dry and looked entirely appropriate. But I'll wear the same dress with boots and a denim jacket to an upcoming pub party and I think it will still look right.

I have to admit OP apart from the fact I can't stand big floral prints on anyone, I don't think this is suitable for a formal occasion, especially when youve looked at past photos & people are in evening wear.