Dressing for a formal dinner party

I managed to land an internship, but there's a formal dinner party I am required to be at, that turned out to be a lot more formal than I thought it would be. Most of my coworkers have pretty much stated that they'd be wearing cocktail dresses, but a few problems:
1) For starters, I don't own a cocktail dress, and I'm not a particularly feminine person; quite frankly, I am pretty uncomfortable dressing that way.
2) I have a very tight budget; I am a college student on full financial aid.
3) On that note, I just don't really have much...in general. No jewelry to speak of, and a few pairs of shoes.
Here's what I was thinking of to attempt to get by:
1) I have this dress (my only dress), that I was thinking of pairing with a black blazer.
2) These shoes, except that the tweed part is black and the front is beige/gold. I also have black wedges with a silver buckle in the front, or sandal heels that I personally find kind of...ugly (just my pair in particular-they were given to me).
3) Buying some cheap-reasonably priced jewelry (probably a necklace or something; my ears aren't pierced). Suggestions?
4) I should have makeup covered at the very least...I think.
In case that's a total no, would there be any remedies/suggestions/etc. within a budget of say...around $50?
General things about me:
I am not very tall (5 foot 3.5) but my legs are comparatively long; pear shaped but with really wide shoulders (so an hourglass but not quite), usually a size small in tops, 6 for bottoms, but overall appear a little more wide set but curvy. I'm ridiculously pale (I mean it-the palest person I know) with black hair; my face is round, and my neck is a little on the short side (though I think my hair can take care of that).
Links to any items in particular would be appreciated, but In any case, thanks for your help!

11 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I'll let others chime in on the appropriateness of the dress. I've been spending a bit of time looking at Threadup lately since I'm also on a tight budget. I've seen some nice dresses, skirts, and tops for reasonable prices. Pm if you want some coupon links, I have a few. I wasn't finding much in the way of shoes but that's probably very dependent on the size needed. I'm the same height as you, actually, and wear 6 petite a lot.

Sorry, trying to get a link to work for a cocktail dress

kristinarouse

Active Member

if you are attending a formal occasion, formal cocktail dress is required，what do u think the two?
$99 Strapless Cocktail Dress
$70 Diamond Cocktail Dress
As for the shoes，u can get them in local store.Convenient and timely.

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Jen W

Usually cocktail attire would be less professional than the dress you've linked to. Since you are young and just starting out, I would purchase something on the basic side that can be transformed with accessories for these types of events. I'm thinking something like this dress from Target would be well within your budget and leave room for either a bracelet or a necklace and an evening clutch.
http://www.target.com/p/labwor.....large_2_28

I also had great luck when I was younger finding cocktail attire at Nordstrom Rack. I found a great dress once for $11. I wouldn't spend money you can't afford on this event, but would spend just enough to be dressed appropriately and to feel comfortable in your own skin. Good luck!

cjh

(website)

Cocktail/formal means more glitz or shine than gray ponte, though that is a cute cute dress. I also think you would be happier going for a more sophisticated look than the two pictures shown above even if you are a young student, especially if just starting a new job and hopefully want to make a good impression. Go out on a limb and decide you need to look grown up and classy rather than "out on the town" - this sounds kind of judgemental, but only meant to be helpful since it is a work occasion.
Can you borrow from a friend, sister or even mom? Black chiffon or crepe sheath with a bit of lace, perhaps, or even as suggested, the pretty dress mentioned above - love it!, with borrowed jewelry?
Explore all avenues, and find just the right thing - you won't regret it.

Diana

What is the context of this party if you don't mind me asking? The reason why I ask is because I've been to some so-called "cocktail receptions" for my husband's work, where a lot of people come straight from the office wearing suits or even business casual. At this type of event your dress + blazer (so, a daytime businessy look) would be fine. But at a real cocktail reception (say, like an arts event or even an awards banquet) I think you need something dressier.

What I would do in either case is look for a simple black dress - sheath or a line, depending on you preference. This is professional enough to be a fake "suit" with a black blazer and low heels and dressy enough to pair with some jewelry and fancier shoes for evening. Look for something in a dressier material - woven (not knit), not too shiny or sheer.

If check out places like nordstrom rack, tj maxx, outlets, consignment stores for good deals. You should be able to get a decent dress in your price range at these places.

rachylou

Seconding Diana's question... what's your internship field?

I'm tempted to say, as a native preppy, to wear the Uniqlo dress and court shoes. I'd be so crazy as to say get a string of faux pearls and a silk scarf, and run with it. Heck, man, I'd trot out a velvet headband and a pink pashmina. It's a seriously serviceable outfit.

That may be a little too '70s preppy for you, however... in any case, a little velvet goes a long way.

Neelie

You could also look at layering something OVER the dress you already have...a dressy blouse, a silky shawl, kimono jacket, all of which you could use for other occasions that might be less dressy, eg: with jeans etc. That way the dress will read as an A-line skirt, and the attention can be all on the top. Here are a couple of affordable options:
http://www.target.com/p/ambar-.....dSlot=_3_8

http://www.target.com/p/xhilar.....odSlot=_2_

Good luck!

carter

I would wear the Uniqlo dress in a heartbeat. Forget the blazer. Add a double strand of fake pearls or pastel beads ($10 at Steinmart), a big inexpensive scarf ($10 at Steinmart) wrapped around your shoulders and upper arms (in whatever favorite color). Add a small clutch ($10 at resale shop) and an inexpensive pair of black or silver sandals or pumps ($20 at resale shop) from a resale shop or discount store.

unfrumped

I'm thinking it is a matter of, which items can you party-up the easiest.
The dress, though gray ponte, is very classic and has some features of a LBD, so if you look good in it--meaning, a dress that fits your figure well is better than a dressier dress that does not--and it is not pilled or shabby, then I'm with Carter--add "pearls" and dressy clutch and look refined and elegant. OTOH if you have great luck wih dress shopping then you might find a dress that "does the talking" .
Sometimes if I'm in a kind of ditch I'll shop over a week or so and since I'll be looking at several depts--jewelry, bags, dress--I'll buy potential outfit-makers I come across, as long as returnable, since I won't have time to make the rounds again before the event, and then decide what to keep--e.g. will buy my inexpensive clutch for my existing dress, or a dress but might not be able yet to find shoes, but then if I find a dress and already have shoes and bag that goes with that, I'll return the items that don't help. This of course is not possible without a credit line or cash outlay initially so may not be feasible.

Zibbets

What a great dress! I think with the addition of some inexpensive, sparkly jewelry you could wear it and feel fabulous!

You could also check out your local thrift stores. I have found some fabulous after five dresses at Goodwill and other thrift stores for $20 and less. You might be amazed what you'll find.

Suz

I think Diana has asked some good questions here. Knowing the exact nature of the event will help you know which way to go.

lynn

I agree with Diana about after work cocktail parties. I used to get anxious about having a "real cocktail dress" until I went to a few functions and realized that they were not very dressy at all. Don't worry and don't spend a lot of money. I liked that Target dress linked above but if your dress is flattering on you, wear it with confidence!

Gigi

Are you close enough to anyone at work that perhaps you could bring in your dress and show it to her and ask her if it would be appropriate?

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