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

[user8695940]

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

I think it is stunning! Lovely colour and style .I am glad not needing to go to events like this.

@user8695940 Many wedding guests now dress for the evening party even if the ceremony is 3pm. Especially if there’s no changing facilities in a hotel room! You have carriages at midnight or later and you wear your evening attire from the start.

I'm going against the grain to say that I think it's perfect. Yes, cocktail dress code is traditionally knee length, but i think the spaghetti straps, lightweight fabric, and print put this firmly in cocktail dress territory. It would be more out of place (although still lovely) at a black tie than cocktail event, I think. I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid for the situation you describe, except to admire you!

I hope you didn't get it shortened, I think the length and fishtail skirt is what makes it striking.

I really like it and if it suits you then stop over thinking it and wear it.
How many people remember what someone else wore after an event...unless they are famous!
It is more important to feel good it what you are wearing. Go for it and have a great time!

I think the pattern means it not too formal and therefore not a black tie dress. I’d go for it - cocktail doesn’t mean show a bit of leg, it just means slightly less formal.

The pattern is very fun. You wouldn’t look out of place next to a bloke in chinos rather than black tie.

I think it's absolutely fine. Long frocks are quite fashionable and it's not too dressy.

It’s a beautiful dress and absolutely appropriate for a gala dinner. A daytime event specifying cocktail dress maybe too dressy, but in The evening it’s perfect.

It's a beautiful dress and will be fine.

Sorry but for me that dress is just wrong for a cocktail dress code. It is an evening dress suitable for wearing on a cruise or maybe a formal summer evening party but not a true black tie event.

Cocktail dresses should show less flesh, be structured rather than strappy beach-like wear, and they should be classy and more businesslike. If this is a work function, I would say you would look out of place.

I thought everyone had a simple classic black dress in their wardrobe for just such an event! Maybe something worth investing in.

I thought everyone had a simple classic black dress in their wardrobe for just such an event!

I'm 52 years old, and do you know how many events I've been invited to in my life that required a cocktail dress or black tie? None. Nada. Zero (rounded up)

I think if you had it taken up it would look too informal, like a summer day dress, it’s quite an informal print in a formal style. I’d get something else, a knee length dress, in a block colour (or black).

This is not a black tie event and it's work adjacent, but not a work function.

I have plenty of black dresses, thanks, but a 'simple classic black dress' would be totally wrong for this.

Cocktail dresses should show less flesh, be structured rather than strappy

That's weird, because if you go on Net-a-Porter or My Theresa and do a search for cocktail dresses, at least half of them are strappy and showing lots of flesh (way more than this dress).

Yes, exactly, but that's a case of wearing your evening wear during the day. The poster I responded to said this was more of a day dress. I agree it's a dress you could wear to a daytime wedding and on into the evening, but disagree that it's a dress I would throw on for daytime.

Thanks all. I'm keeping it and have dropped it off to have it hemmed. I'm not going short, but not keeping it quite as long as gown length. I'm only 5'4" so was always going to need to take it up a bit.

Thanks - I agree with you, so hope we're both right 😅

My understanding is that the men will be in suits, but no tie necessary

I see a beach dress too

You’ll look fabulous, it’s a beautiful dress and will be perfect for the dress code.

I’m not sure anyone sticks slavishly to dress codes anymore anyway I’m sure you’ll see full length, short and everything in between at the Do.

It’s silk! The shape is not remotely like a beach dress. Very odd comments! Maybe understand cut and fabrics a bit more before commenting.

Not everyone wants to wear black. The print and spaghetti straps makes it less formal so I think you will get away with it.

It is wild how peoples opinions differ, i do not see this remotely as a beach dress.

I think people say "looks like a beach dress" when they don't like a dress but think saying something like that is more authoritative than just saying "I don't like it"

I don't particularly like it but it's clearly an evening dress. I think it's a bit OTT as a cocktail party dress but "gala dinner cocktail", is such a bloody stupid dress code, it's probably fine.

I would wear it as is. The pattern/fabric isn't screaming 'evening wear', and it's a lovely shape.

@Pinkgin00 Black has nothing to do with anything! Neither cocktail or black tie mean black. Floral or patterned is fine.

I agree that the print makes it less formal than a traditional evening gown so I think you should wear it if you love it. Nobody is going to think twice and "gala dinner / cocktail wear" is a stupid dress code anyway. I think any woman turning up to that sort of event in a reasonably nice dress would fit in.

I think that was in response to previous comments such as "I thought everyone had a simple classic black dress in their wardrobe for just such an event!"

@persilasper Oh! Hasn’t followed that!