What is difference between "prom" dress and cocktail dress? And which should i wear to a ball?

[blithedance]

Are prom dresses only for 18 year olds?

DH has got us tickets to his sports club ball. Probably is black-tie-optional so on the informal side. Is at local golf club.

Half of me wants to get completely glammed up like a siren. The other half is looking at sensible black dresses that cover the shoulders so I can wear a proper bra. (like this. I'm 90% sure it won't be a long-dress do.

If I don't go strapless/silk-and-satin etc will it just look like I haven't tried hard enough and just got out the dress from last summer's wedding?

No sorry, go long. I made a mistake last year and went to a spring ball in a lovely dress that would have been better for a summer wedding, good thing is that I have one to go to so can wear it again. If its an evening ball then you need a similar dress but down to the ground.

Hope this helps.

OK just read again. If you are sure it's not a long do then that dress is perfect. Very similar to one that I have.

If it's black tie optional, then most people will be wearing knee length ime. Do you know anyone from the club to ask, as it is a bit dependant on the group

DH is meant to be finding out tonight! I bet any money he will come back and say "everyone said just wear what you like"

lol whatever he says, wear a dress.

Have looked at a few dresses on ebay and maybe it is time to get my shoulders out... the strapless ones look really lovely and the long ones are not too OTT as long as I can avoid looking like a bridesmaid. (Bridesmaid's dresses are so tasteful these days- what happened to those bo-peep frilly dresses of the 90's?)

I guess if they have gone to the trouble to call it a "ball" then it merits something a bit more dressed up.