What shoes with this Navy Dress for formal dinner

[Tauranga]

I'm going to a ' formal dinner' at a college. Son in a kilt. Probably full or gorgeous young things ...I have no odea what to wear so have plumped for this safe dress.

No idea what shoes to wear!
Am not too good in heels but could bear them for a while.
If you know a comfy brand maybe?

Or would flats be ok?????

You could try a block heel slingback. They are more comfortable than a kitten heal. Much more stable to walk on.

Do you know of any makes? I was thinking the same thought actually.

Thanks!

Pavers do comfortable lowish heels, Mary Janes sling backs, etc.

Imo block heels are just ugly and unfeminine, sorry. I would go for the sling back small heel. Pavers are great, as above wrote

Is this an Oxbridge formal hall?

IME, even if the dress code is “formal” rather than black tie, the young women tend to wear more casual evening/party style dresses rather than the kind of day dress you would wear to a wedding IYSWIM? I expect that it might vary by college though.

That said, the dress is fine. Flats are fine, although I would expect most of the students will be in stratospheric heels. I would still go for comfort over style 😂 I would style the dress for evening rather than day.

Yes, Trinity.
I did think more ladies would be a bit more dressed up.
I'm resigned to being the old bird there, but don't want to embarrass my son so want to look quite nice ( am 52), I might go for high black heels ( not blocks maybe mid or kitten heel ) and bigger earrings than normal. Black earrings? Clear tights or black?

I would go for some nice sling back kitten heels

Thank you everyone for your replies, I am going to Google all the shies and see what's what.

Much appreciated!!

Gold or silver earrings and sheer tights rather than black.

Some formals are black tie, some aren’t , but the dress code is normally evening dress/cocktail wear. I think that is a lovely dress but maybe too much like smart daywear ?

Van Dal have great flat shoes in wide or standard fit and half sizes.
https://vandalshoes.com/products/wedges-classic-timeless-limoges-ii-midnight-leather?variant=50322902909213

https://vandalshoes.com/products/lux-comfort-courts-ruby-midnight-leather?variant=50322906546461

https://vandalshoes.com/products/essential-comfort-courts-duchess-black-feature?variant=50818963800349

I have quite a few of these and they are great.

I like the dress, but it’s definitely got a daytime vibe, so you definitely need to go quite ‘evening’ with accessories.

It’s styled with navy/black slingbacks on the model which looks very ‘sensible’. I’d be wary of looking like you’re going to work!

Also a lot depends on your legs - I wouldn’t be able to wear kitten heels or flats with this as I’ve got rather sturdy legs. If your legs are amazing you might get away with flats, otherwise probably not.

You could try gold shoes - these have a block heel which I think can work well in a metallic If you don’t want to wear stilettos
https://www.johnlewis.com/paradox-london-imelda-shimmer-block-heel-sling-back-court-shoes/champagne/p111611871

the same brand does a gold clutch bag (not too shiny or matchy)

www.johnlewis.com/paradox-london-dianne-ruched-clutch-bag/gold/p113279843

there are lots of chunky gold earrings around too.

Be wary of anything that looks like a compromise - low wedges, apologetic kitten heels.
.

Hello!
I tried on the dress today, and I look like Maw Broon! ( cartoon older woman with matrons bosoms.) It is weird clingy material so gaped around the top and stuck to my legs. It was a nice length but just didn't flatter at all.

I found a long black dress from boden ( old) which has a v- neck. It is just jersey cotton but much more flattering. I have some shoes from Grace and Feather which also arrived and they look really nice with it.

So thank you all, your advice was great. Now I need earrings and maybe a wee top to wear or something for over the dress ❤️

@sisterteatime your advice was really appreciated thank you. Ivthink I will buy the bag you suggested as it will go nicely with the shies I hope. Thanks.

Thanks to all the lovely people who took the time to reply, I really appreciated your help xx

Thank you @Tauranga, the Biden dress looks lovely. Love the Ma Broon reference! I’m sure you didn’t look like her! I’m tempted by the bag myself. Hope you have a great time.

Why would you be the "old bird" at 52? Presume your son is at least 18. You're probably be very much around the average age.

It’s a formal dinner for students at a college, @Onelifeonly. The average age will be about 20! OP is over twice the average age… Not that that matters.

Students can invite guests, usually friends from other colleges, but sometimes they invite parents if they are visiting. There will probably only be a handful of parents. OP might even be the only parent.

It’s lovely that your son has invited you, OP. I love the shoes! Have fun!

You'll freeze in that Boden dress! The only formal I went to (also Trinity in winter) very few people were dressed to kill. it really isn't a 'cocktail party' atmosphere. Many of the academics will be the same age as you, and both they and the students will be wearing gowns. You don't need heels, your feet will mostly be under a table. For what it's worth I wore black wide leg trousers with a velvet top and a loose soft velvet cardigan jacket. That definitely felt dressy enough.

Ah… as I said in my first post, what goes may vary by college but it is always an evening vibe, which OP’s first dress wasn’t. Although we haven’t actually ascertained which Trinity it is 😂

Good point about draughty halls. Gowns are great for wrapping up to keep warm and hiding what you are wearing if you feel over or under dressed 😂

Oxford for us!

Oxford for us too!
Interesting about being cold; my husband said that to me, but I was sure South of England would be balmy!
I have a wrap ( from my student Ball days so older than all the current students!), so will wear it and could always keep it on.
I'm looking for a shrug or small cardigan type thing also.

Thank you for top tips!

I think your idea of cardigan and or wrap will be perfect- layers if you need them. How lovely that your son will wear his kilt, I think Scots are the most under represented minority at Oxford. Alas mine were, to quote Runrig, "lowland Scots with English manners" and wouldn't wear kilts once they were old enough to choose.

Have the very best time and enjoy every minute with your boy! X

Thank you, I can't wait to see him ❤️