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

Beautiful, I'm sure you will look stunning in this dress & perfect for the occasion 😁

It’s more of an address than a dress.

When I first clicked I thought it was a Halloween costume for a she devil or something 😂.

I’m obviously out of touch with fashion though, there are lots of similar styles at the moment and they seem to be selling well. Being under 5 feet tall if I wore it then I’d look like one of those dolls that people covered toilet rolls with, but a fancy one.

'Crimson Parachute' Better get on, I'm in stitches now😂Reminds herself to visit threads like this more often 😂😂😂

This may but be everyone's favourite but I love duck egg blue.

https://www.debenhams.com/product/ax-paris-gathered-midi-dress-with-shoulder-pads_p-ec943682-101f-4120-8b7c-7881b7aa8e36

I think the Phase Eight dresses are very dull. I much preferred OP's first choice.

How is that allowed to be advertised as a silk dress? 85%polyester and €702?!! Utterly bonkers

If you want to play it safe with a black dress I just got this one. I went up a size so it’s not too clingy, the material is textured too so it doesn't show lumps and bumps.

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su216466/q72444#q72444

Yes it’s really nice. It’s appropriate unless it’s black tie formal imho.

I think it's beautiful!
With right shoes and hair style it could definitely be formal.

Number 3. Absolutely beautiful. That’s a knockout dress. 🥰

Unless its an outdoor event where you are required to bring your own tent I think I would give this one a wide berth .

Each to their own. I think the Phase Eight dresses are so dull.

I didn't post the link for the Phase Eight dresses but would opt for dull over ridiculous any day .

I don't think it is ridiculous. It will look fabulous in real life. The fabric will move beautifully.

Yes, it's really beautiful

I actually think the floral is best and would be formal enough with heels.

I think sequins are just for Christmas or festivals personally. The velvet phase 8 one is nice but again velvet is quite Christmassy.

@BraveStarr Don't over think it. The floral dress is lovely. Elegant hair, shoes bag and smile. Have a good time it's only work .

The only dress I like is the Pauww one. Though it's very expensive for that fabric.

The Phase 8 dresses look very dated and Tory wife to me with those sequins.

I think that Roksanda dress is gorgeous too @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle - but only on a tall thin model! Or suitably altered for us mere mortals - I'd wear it as a knee length frock for going over my swimsuit on the beach - it would feel so gorgeous. And the quality of fabric (silk) for price is much much better than all of the others suggested on this thread, most of which are polyester which is yuk.

But the Roksanda dress is probably not for the OP !

I prefer the Roksanda dress to the Phase 8 ones, and I am not at all high fashion. I could carry off that colour, not sure about the cut of the dress though. I wouldn't call it ridiculous. The second Roksanda dress is actually very wearable, but not keen on the print.

Love these too.

The first black Phase Eight dress is absolutely perfect for the event you described. I’m sure you’ll look lovely in it.

The Pauw dress is a staple for the brand. I bought mine in 2017. It's gone up €250 since then.

Of the OP's choices I much prefer her first choice.

I think that Roksanda dress is gorgeous too ^**^@IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle - but only on a tall thin model!

Honestly, you don't have to be tall and thin. Dresses like that are so dramatic they will look good on anyone.

1000000% agree. That dress is hideous!

You wouldn't wear a ball gown to a dinner, you'd wear it to a ball to dance.

Brides have people to help them with chairs.

The Apothecaries concur with me: "Avoid wearing voluminous dresses for a dinner because they’re not practical."