If you were going to a "Gala Dinner" (evening) which includes the CEO of a company, what should you be wearing?

[ElfOnTheTopShelf]

Please?
I am presuming the tried and testing trousers-and-a-sparly top may not be okay?

I went to a gala dinner of a professional organisation just this week actually. Dress varied from long posh frocks to smart trousers and tops and short dresses. Personally I wore navy trousers and top with a pretty scarf/shawl thing and a very sparkly necklace.

LOL
i went to one in america where they called it a Gaylar dinner

Well it depends on your body shape, your budget and your taste. However something like this

I usually go with the safe bet of a long but fairly simple gown (my staple is floor length black, navy or red).

There is usually a huge range of dress at these things though.

ooh, that dress is pretty.
I'm a size 18/20, though dieting at the mo, I'm not sure whether I'll be any thinner given that its in June.
Its also going to be hot; as its in Miami.
The people attending are all senior to me.

I've been in a similar situation with DH a couple of times. Each time everyone there wore long evening or posh cocktail dress

(sorry, that should be all the women, not EVERYONE there )

I really feel in the mood for a 'gala dinner', probably the warm weather. Go for a long dress.

Gah.
I have to collect a presentation as well, so its an all-eyes-on-the-shy-wall-flower situation.

Ok so how about one of these:

This one

this one

or this one

Oh, I like the top part of the first dress.
I may have to casually ask somebody I know who is going what they're planning to wear, but most of the people I know going are guys.
I'm slightly freaking out at having to sit at the table with the ceo

would this be okay?

here

Yes that would be lovely with some glam heals and a nice bracelet and earrings.

Hi, I found this advice on a really useful fashion blog that discusses what to wear in a formal workplace. If you scroll down to the comments there are some really useful suggestions there too.
corporette.com/2009/09/10/reader-mail-what-to-wear-to-a-professional-gala-event-in-dc/

thanks - thats really useful