Is this suitable for an event with a cocktail dress code ?

[user8695940]

I'm wondering if the length makes it too dressy/formal?

Not suitable if you're strictly adhering to the dress code. Cocktail dress should be knee length.

Yes, thinking it's too long.

I'm thinking I might keep it and have it taken up to the knee or just above. It will be a slightly different shape, but I think will still work.

No, it's too long.

What kind of event is it?

I only wear long dresses/skirts so I think it’s fine.

I wouldn't have it taken up, I would keep it as it is and buy another dress.

I think the one you have is this one.

https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/saloni-renee-long-floral-silk-spaghetti-strap-dress-prod198740020

Heavens, don't have it taken up. Either just say fuck it and wear it or buy a different dress.

They don't need to be knee length - they just need to not look like an evening dress. The length, fit and amount of flesh showing make that an evening dress.

It would be a waste to shorten it.

@TheSquareMile Yes, that's the one.

I just don't have a lot of time between now and then. I don't see having any time to shop, and I'm a tricky shape, so it's unusual for me to find something that fits perfectly, which this does.

Urgh.

It's a gala dinner at the end of a 3 day board retreat. It's been black tie in the past and people have gone all out, but has been changed to cocktail this year.

Not suitable if they have specified cocktail dress, it needs to be formal but not full length

Based on that info, I’d just wear the dress as is. They’ve switched it from black tie, people will likely just wear what they have so there’ll be a huge range of styles there. I don’t think you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons. It’s a lovely dress.

It's a great dress, you like it and it suits you, plus it wasn't cheap. It would be really wasteful to shorten it for the sake of a dress code that plenty of people won't even stick to. Just wear it.

I think the print makes that dress less formal than black tie, so it would work for cocktail dress code.

Sorry but you need a different dress.

I think that’s fine for cocktail dress code. Yes it should probably be a bit shorter, but it’s not quite formal enough to be an evening gown. It’s a lovely dress and if you look and feel good in it I’d just wear it and style it out.

When is the event?

I leave on Sunday and am pretty much flat out between now and then - it's in a different country

That's an evening dress. Bit too much for cocktails unless going to a formal dinner afterwards. I occasionally have to attend work cocktail parties with formal dinner afterwards and some attendees wear long dresses, but the dinner is the focal point of the evening.

But it is an evening event - a gala dinner. Just with a cocktail dress code.

Yes, this is the exact scenario

It's a formal dinner with a 'cocktail dress' dress code

Are you in an area covered by Net-A-Porter, OP?

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/content/help/delivery/

https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/clothing/dresses/party-dresses?orderBy=9

Stupid dress code. In that event wear it. Sounds like they wanted to allow the blokes not to wear black tie but didn't think it through. Bet the men who happily wore black tie, because it's clear and easy, are thinking what does that mean?

It’s not too long, especially as long dresses are in fashion generally. I’d wear it. Just steer away from any formal hairstyles.

I like this Rebecca Vallance dress, if you're looking for other options, OP.

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/rebecca-vallance/clothing/midi-dresses/amaro-crystal-embellished-pleated-taffeta-midi-dress/46376663162950806