I will do that, Sadie. The gray dress might actually be best, but my shoe limitation is making me lean more towards a long dress. What I love about the dress I just ordered is that it's less conservative than my other dresses and will showcase my shoulders. I also like the print, as it's a mixture of dark and light colors and won't wash me out. The event is a gala that will feature entertainment, so it doesn't sound as stodgy as most of the other events we've attended. My hope is that the entertainment won't be country music. Most of the time it is, but since this is a delegation from Liberia, I have no idea what they have planned.

I just talked to 2 lady coworkers of mine who recently attended a gala. They said they saw an assortment of short and long dresses, and that I should be able to wear whatever I want. Yay! Still, I think this event is going to be a little more posh (for lack of a better word) than the one my DH and I have been invited to. That said, I'm greatly relieved. Now to figure out what to wear and how to accessorize!

I hope it works out for you. The maxi dress reads a bit casual to my eye, but I am used to working in Corporate America where we lean towards more conservative dress in situations like this. I know academia can be way different and if there truly is an "almost anything goes" air to the event, it should work out fine. I'm sure others will chime in as well.

Thanks, abc. I know the maxi isn't very formal, but I think it might work in this situation, and it most definitely will work for our upcoming cruise. My LBD is as conservative as it gets, but not the type of dress I think of when going to a gala. If a long dress isn't required, my gray lace will work beautifully. I may get lucky and find a long formal gown for not too much $, but I can't bank on it.

Good luck and keep us posted. Of course if the maxi works for this event AND the cruise it is a no brainer

I agree with you about footwear, BC: with a short dressy dress, it's all about the shoes; with a long dress, you can sort of tuck your feet out of sight. I should think this dress will be perfectly appropriate for the occasion. If some of the ladies are in traditional African dress, there will no doubt be some stunning and colorful printed fabrics on display, so if you think this color, silhouette, and print will look good on you, why not go for it?

Thanks. As luck would have it, I found a pretty formal gown with a beaded bodice on sale at J.C. Penney - a place I never shop but I already looked at other websites & couldn't find one I wanted for an affordable price. I ordered it, too, and am hoping for the best. The worst that can happen is that I'll have to return both dresses and wind up wearing one of my short dresses. I doubt that will happen unless I get very unlucky. I know my size and most flattering silhouette and colors, so I'm thinking positive thoughts.

The formal gown is some sort of granite gray color. I like staying away from black when I can do it without looking out of place.

I like the idea of the dressy short dress better than the Nordie's maxi, for the formal event. But it's a grand dress for vacation.
However, I so hear you on shoes, with long dresses--sure, killer shoes can be worn but aren't the focal point with a long skirt or dress--just toes peeping out. And no "legline" issues for footwear to work into. Whereas with short dress, flats can look too casual (although, I feel I'm entering a phase of saying, says who, and exploring very dressy flats, if needed) and usually footwear "needs" to be streamlined. Booties can be dressy but not often low-heeled ones! So yes, I think long gowns can be much more forgiving of footwear.

I have my black snake print Dansko sandals and a pair of almost-flat silver metallic gladiator sandals. What I choose to wear will depend on the length of the dress and how they look. I really don't want to fork out more dough for footwear right now, as my Danskos and Alegria clogs (not for the gala - just making that clear lol) are pricey and I just recently bought them.

Here's the pic of the long dress. I ordered the gunmetal color, which has sold out. Here it is in navy:

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom.....038;cmvc=J...

Well, it looks like I'll probably need the long dress after all (see pic and link in previous post). Thank goodness my DH invested in some great suits recently! I was looking at more information about the gala, and it turns out there will be some international elites, some athletes, and some other VIPs. I just think I need to play it safe.

The Penney's dress looks like the perfect dress for the event you described! Add some sparkly earrings and you will be all set. Well done on doing your research on the guest list.

Looking forward to seeing pictures.

Thanks. I hope the dress fits, as I have not been able to find another dress that I like for under $200. Do you think my DH will need to wear a solid black tie? I'm not sure if he has one or not.

I hope the new long dress fits. As Greycat said, add some sparkle and you're set. As for your husband's tie, unless he is wearing a tuxedo, any nice formal silk tie should do nicely.

Thanks. He has a nice classy and understated gray tie. It's not a solid color but is a very small print that almost reads as a solid.

I'm glad I found a dress because for me, it all goes back to the shoes. I probably would have had to pay more for new shoes for my fussy feet than I ended up paying for the dress.

That is s beautiful dress! Great find. It's one you can wear again too and should have some staying power.

Great dress. Such a pretty bodice. You would only need sparkly earrings. I hope it fits you.

Thanks, everyone. Style Fan, I agree that it doesn't need a necklace. One less thing to worry about, right?

We took my DH's boss out to dinner tonight, & he brought up the gala, saying that it will be formal. Now I'm really glad I ordered the long dress, because I've been to "smart casual" dinners at his house where all the women were in dresses. So just showing up in a dress won't be enough.

Ooh, need pics when it gets here. Fingers crossed!

The dress got here, & it fits perfectly. I won't need a necklace with the eye-catching lace & sequined bodice.

I'm off to yoga class now. I hope to get pics once my shoes get here.

That is GREAT news! Looking forward to, hopefully, seeing some pictures!

Looking forward to seeing the dress on you. Glad to turned out.

Can I just say that I've enjoyed reading about your decision? I go through the same thing sometimes. I try hard to keep an LBD and some great shoes ready at all times (and I've always got some blingy jewelry) but there are times when you just aren't sure if you need something new and fancier. Looking forward to seeing the grey dress on you!

Thanks. I think the whole point of threads like this is so that everyone can benefit - not just the person posting. Yes, I have a LBD, and it serves its purpose multiple times over. Maybe if my LBD were more formal it would work, but then it wouldn't be suitable for funerals and other such occasions that I need it for. I can't really kick myself for not having a formal capsule. With the exception of my wedding day, I haven't needed anything that fancy before in my entire life. I do love to dress up, though, and am looking forward to the gala.

The gala is this coming Saturday evening, the 24th. Thanks again to everyone who helped me plan what to wear. I appreciate your valuable input.

I hope you have a blast