Ask Angie & YLF: "Formal" Event - What to Wear?

Dear Angie and YLF,

I have been invited to an ambiguous event. There is no dress code on the invitation (it is a faculty dinner), and people I have asked said it is as "formal as you want" - which is no help.

I am unsure what I should be wearing to avoid being overdressed (although that is better than being underdressed, of course). Last time we went to a similar event, there were people in full out floor length gowns ranging to someone showing up in a button up shirt and slacks.

I have posted what I thought I might wear ... Any suggestions?

I am hoping to not have to buy stuff. :p But I will if I have to!

Dresses:
#1 - I have this in black, not red; although I can't find a pic of the red.
#2 - I wore this for my grad banquet, although not a repeat crowd.
#3 - A bit heavier for spring, I had intended this for a winter event.

Pumps:
#1 - A bit flashy for a not-solid dress, maybe?
#2 - Nude pumps go with everything? Boring?
#3 - Black pumps go with everything? Boring? :p

Accessories:
#1 - A peacock theme?
#2 - Easy to match
#3 - Ditto, easy to match!

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Ha, that sounds like the "cocktaily-business or business-y cocktail" banquet I went to on Friday. There was also a huge range of dressiness at that event. I wore a simple LBD, booties (it was cold, and I had to take the subway), and my lace-print blazer, and felt very appropriate. In general, for this type of ambiguous thing, I'll wear a fairly dressy knee-length dress and a blazer of some sort. The blazer keeps things looking more businessy if that's required, but if it turns out more cocktaily, you can always lose the blazer.

Remind me what types of blazers you have? I'd say, since all your dresses are black, maybe a colored or printed (for the solid black dresses) blazer would work well. I'd probably stay with a dressier fabric (suiting,or something silky like my Bellatrix blazer, not knit) for the blazer. Maybe something that echoes one of the colors in the peacock shoes (since those are awesome!).

Transcona Shannon

Do you already own the peacock pumps lyn? I love the idea of either the black dress in #3 with the peacock pumps and a coloured or printed blazer, or the polka dot dress in #2 with the peacock pumps and a solid blazer.

If you wear the peacock pumps, I wouldn't do the peacock earrings. Love the gold earrings in #8.

Suz

(website)

I love the idea of the grad banquet dress with a jacket, maybe a white one, if you have. Not sure which shoes or earrings. If you have a print blazer then the black dress and the peacock shoes would be great.

Don't you hate these ambiguous invitations! ARGH!!!

Still, I think you have some fab items and will look very pretty and appropriate, whatever others are wearing.

Jjsloane

Dress #2, Shoe #4 and Earring #9. Although any combination of above would work for this ambiguous criteria.
Nude pumps not boring if something sparkly up top.

lyn*

@ Diana - Hmm, I have a bunch of blazers: grey, black, cobalt, pink, coral ... I don't think this is a blazer-friendly activity, though. The cobalt could work to be similar to the peacock shoes!

@ Shannon - They are on their way to me from Quebec, actually! They are supposed to be at my place relatively soon I wore earrings #8 today, and they are simply fabulous - love them to pieces! Won't wear the peacock earrings with the shoes!

@ Suz - No luck with white blazers so far, I've tried quite a few of them, but I can't get past the "white coat" feel - not something I really like on my off-days! I am sorely tempted though, because all you ladies look so fab in yours! Tee hee, we are asking one of our colleagues not to wear jeans and she is confused, "BUT ALL I OWN ARE JEANS!"

@ Jisloane - Thanks! I will try on the nude pumps!

velvetychocolate

A bit of an outlier here, but I like dress #1, shoe # 5, earring #8.

Just try it on and see what you think. Might consider switching the black belt in dress #1 for something white or even possibly a subtle metallic.

Thistle

I love the peacock shoes. No idea how to style them, but I think those should be on you feet

10 years ago

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Dress #3 with the peacock pumps and diamond earrings! Add a clutch

That's not a dressy dress due to fabrication, but I think it will be dressy enough!

And MUST wear you hair down. You are going to look spectacular!

If I wear my hair down it has an indent in it from ponytails :p

Wash you hair and don't tie it up!

Tee hee - I will try to squeeze in a hair appointment; there are weird fly away bits when I wear my hair down after washing and it hasn't been put up in a ponytail. Possibly I'm not used to having hair down anymore :p

Precisley! And perhaps you need a little haircut for shaping.

dizzys

Active Member

Have a great time Lyn!

Susie

I like dress #3 with the peacock pumps and the gold earrings. Those pumps are so fun; you must wear them!

Category