OP this dress in navy has been one of my black tie dresses for several years. It's been to black tie industry events and it's first outing was all day, black tie wedding in a private members' club in Mayfair. It's never looked out of place- far from it.
I think the material makes the difference- not the length. Heavy silk, satin or jacquard isn't every day wear. I have a similar, long- sleeved one in green and navy silk jacquard
Pauw dress