Gala outfit: Help - YouLookFab Forum

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Gala outfit: Help

AndiB

Veteran

where I'm the honoree! I am receiving an award this Thursday at an industry gala and only just realized, after inquiring, that dress code is "after 5", what is that even. So not the chic biz ensemble I'd imagined. I bought two dresses and I need help choosing.

The first is an off the shoulder, banded waist, tulle skirt with a slim underlayer, and two over layers. so pretty. but I feel it makes me look hippy. Also I am in my 50's and wonder if it skews young.

The second is a patchwork silk tapestry, wide neckline, very interesting, and a very different look.

Both I'd wear with either the pointy toe black pumps, and I have a gold pair of pointy toe pumps too. And neither set of photos does justice to the necklines, which in the first isn't even arranged properly, and in the second, well, it is really interesting, not quite off the shoulder, and a pretty deep back scoop.

Not styled, and not only no make up, but post workout trying on session!

I can try to get some better pix later today, I see now why I don't like to take wiw's at home, I don't have any really good places to do that.

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Laura G

teri

Veteran

I love #1

I think it would look great in pictures with a nice colorful accent somewhere.

Anonymous

I like the tapestry dress best on you. It is interesting but still lets you shine.
Congratulations on your award.

JAileen

Veteran

I love 1. I don't think it skews young. It's very pretty on you.

Sara L.

Veteran

I vote for #2. It's pretty even so far.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer the tapestry dress with the black shoes - but what is going on with the neckline? Is it too wide, need fastening at the back, or does it need alteration?

Dress #1 seems like a better fit - but I don't fancy it with black shoes.

Zibbets

Veteran

Two great dresses! I'm leaning #2, but wondering if it matters what kind of industry you're in.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I interpret "after 5" to mean cocktail dress--good thing you inquired about the dress code! I prefer #2.

Anonymous

Congrats on your award!
Was the "after 5" designation included on the invitation? Have you attended this event in previous years or done an internet search to see pictures from previous years? Are most of the attendees local and, if so, won't they be coming directly from their places of work? I ask these questions because I genuinely wonder if female attendees will actually show up in cocktail attire to an industry event on a weeknight.
Obviously, you know your particular industry and locale. I might be inclined to stick with a carefully chosen "chic biz ensemble", rather than trying to substitute a last minute outfit without time for proper alterations and accessorizing.

AndiB

Veteran

thanks everyone! Ryce, great points, I do have the sense from talking to my colleagues at the organization hosting this annual extravaganza that it is dressy. I've never been before. It is a dinner and awards event 6 to 9, then dj's and dancing 9 - 11. The director of the organization said "after 5" attire, which I assumed to mean cocktail. and I didn't get an invitation exactly, as an honoree. confusing!

Angie, I will scrutinize the neckline of the tapestry dress tonight. I think I was taking the photo at an odd angle and trying to squeeze myself between the dresser and the bed, not a great location for pix. for the blue dress I have silver shoes, but they are wedges and don't read as dressy. also metallic flats with gemstones at the toes (my penny shoes!)

Barbara Diane

Veteran

First of all, Congratulations!

I had the same concerns as Ryce and would still check with someone, preferably a style savy woman, (or a non-clueless male-no one should ask my DH, lol, ) who has been to the event before. After 5 can mean that you add sparkle, dressy shoes, etc. to business attire. Your initial choice might be right.

Also, could you get a photo of the back scoop?

rachylou

Veteran

Love #2. It's a wow dress (brand?)! But agree with Angie about the neckline...

RobinF

Veteran

I prefer the first dress. The neckline of the second one is throwing me off, it makes the shoulders look like they don't fit correctly. Pretty though!

Congrats on the award!

Jane

Veteran

Congratulations on your award. I like 2 especially but the neckline of 1 is pretty.

DonnaF

Veteran

Congratulations! I vote for the tapestry dress. But I'm wondering how tall you are. On both dresses the waist strikes me as about an inch too low.

AndiB

Veteran

DonnaF, I'm 5.7, the belt on the second one is loose, I"ll need to take it in to fit, it's drooping, but I'll look carefully when I try on again tonight about where the dress waist falls, thanks! thanks everyone! I'll get someone else to photograph the top of the dresses tonight, so I can ascertain the true fit of the shoulders AND the waists.

You are the best

rachylou

Veteran

Oh yes! Haha! Congrats on the award! How cool is that?!

chouette22

Veteran

First of all, congratulations! How wonderful to be honored like this.

I think a few more pictures would be very helpful. I am undecided at this point. And I know exactly how holding the camera can create strange folds at the neckline and sleeves.

binkle

Veteran

#1 for sure! I'm just not getting what #2 is about, sorry.

jill58

Veteran

Is #2 zipped up totally in back? As others have said, there is something odd about the neckline, particularly the way it seems to be lifting up over your shoulder in photo #6.

unfrumped

Veteran

I agree with searching for pictures of people at last year’s event.

I’m stuck- you look good in a sheath type dress and the tapestry color and depth look very good with your coloring, but it’s hard to tell if it’s a perfect fit , and maybe there’s a “ lot going on” with the pattern blocks.
The #1 is more of a “ dancing “ dress, if you plan to do that, is a bit ballerina - lije— I’m not sure too “ young” but not a power dress, maybe? It would be more Gala-esque with sparkly shoes and accessories than “2, but less appropriate if more people are in semi- business attire.

I’m no help!

Anonymous

Congratulations! I guess that since you're the honoree you can probably wear whatever you like but I'd feel more confident about my choice if I knew more about "after 5" and the other attendees.

Number 1 looks very pretty, graceful and will not distract attention from your face or anything you might say. The skirt is full but well balanced by the open shoulders. Angie's suggestion of different shoes is super interesting.

Number 2 might be very nice in person but is kind of jarring in a photo which makes me think that from a distance it might not read that well. I find it very distracting with the high contrast panels and the mid section that looks like a bodice or corset.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! Both dresses have potential and a lot depends on your personality and how you want to present yourself. Also will there be official photographs? Are you in a conservative or more creative industry? How big is the crowd? A lot will depend on styling too. Sorry for the no advice advice!

Christina F.

Veteran

My advice in these situations is to google for pictures of previous years. Love both dresses but I think it depends what they mean by the dress code.

AndiB

Veteran

You guys are brilliant!!! The two dresses go back. After trying again yes the neck and shoulders of the tapestry dress don’t work, too big, thank you for seeing and sharing honestly. The waiste of the tulle dress is off as was mentioned. And I did google images for past events and everyone was in short cocktail dresses! Last night I tried on a long velvet skirt and ball skirt, which are my usual go tos for very deessy events but I need a short dress for this one. Thank you all so much. Shopping today. May post additional desperate pleas for assistance

JuniperGreen

Veteran

Keep us posted AndiB! So lovely that you're being honored, can't wait to see what you pick

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Andi, I'm glad you have a plan. Keep us posted on the outfit and we're happy to guide you should you need the assistance.

Laura G

Veteran

I didn't post earlier because I felt neither dress did justice to you and since they were the only choices, I kept my mouth shut. Both were too harsh for your soft coloring, I thought. The black because--well, black, and the tapestry because the contrast draws the eye away from your face, where it should be.

I think you could really glow in a softer color palette.