NYC Gala - YouLookFab Forum

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NYC Gala

old chic

My husband and I have been invited to attend a black tie gala in New York City by a nominee for an award. The party, which starts with cocktails and ends with an after party is in very early March. I am ancient (almost 70) and don't want to be too glitzy to outshine the nominee (who is my age). And I am pretty big -- 5'8" and probably a 12 or 14. I have ordered this dress from Neiman Marcus (though it is at Nordstrom now), but it has not arrived yet. I am so afraid it won't fit! Do you think it will be appropriate? (i need to cover my old arms.) Do you have other suggestions? I have been trolling SO many sites, and I haven't come up with anything else that seems suitable. I want to wear my new (Christmas gift from DH) silver south sea pearls with it. The nominee is wearing a black chiffon long skirt with a gold-and-black oriental printed 3/4 sleeve jacket and top.

Kay Unger Kay Unger Drape Neck Evening Dress | Nordstrom

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28 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

Runcarla

Veteran

FWIW at 5ft 8in and a size 12-14, you are not ' big' you are 'statuesque'! Is your hair still dark? You had posted once about letting it grow, so I am wondering.

The dress is subtle and entirely appropriate for a gala. I am glad you are not going for 'plain' black. The skirt pattern looks ivory, white, and grey on my monitor. The asymetrical neck will be lovely with your pearls.

Pic below is outfit I wore to a formal occaision (I'm 5ft 7in, but DH is taller!). The skirt is Adrianna Papell and the shirt is Karl Lagerfeld.

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think that dress would be stunning and good for the occasion! Not showy, but dressy enough for the gala. You will be beautiful. Maybe you can show it to us once it arrives!

rachylou

Veteran

That’s lovely! Entirely appropriate. Hope it fits(!)

unfrumped

Veteran

Great choice ! Finger crossed for fit. Add dressy evening clutch.

With the asymmetrical neckline you MIGHT have issues with adding a necklace , so be prepared to consider other jewelry options.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That dress is gorgeous! And, by the way, so are you -- I have seen your posts before! I am crossing fingers that the fit is right. I would love to see it when you are ready.

How exciting for you and your friend!

Gigi

Veteran

I think that the dress is perfect. Keeping fingers crossed for fit!

kkards

Veteran

gorgeous dress! and i'm sure you will look fab in it!

and isn't 70 the new 50. (LOL)

April

Veteran

Early March in NYC can be unpredictable weather-wise -- this seems like a good choice that won't leave you freezing if it's snowy, nor fainting if it's more springlike.

Enjoy the gala!

Anonymous

Beautiful! And definitely gala appropriate!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think that looks like a great gala outfit! I would leave off a necklace (which may fight with that neckline) and go for dramatic chandelier earrings.

RobinF

Veteran

That is a gorgeous dress and I think would be very appropriate for a gala. Hope it fits!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Wow,lucky you.That looks like a beautiful dress and very appropriate for the event.

viva

Veteran

I love the dress - the top is understated and the bottom has just the right amount of glamour. I hope it fits well!

Joy

Veteran

This looks like a great dress for the occasion. I hope it fits. If your necklace needs to be longer to work with the neckline, you might try a necklace extender. They are very inexpensive and come in gold and silver tones. Places like Hobby Lobby sell them or you can ask at a department store jewelery counter.. If the necklace is long and needs to be shorter, try wrapping it around twice.

nemosmom

Veteran

What a stunning dress for the event! I don't think you would overshadow the nominee at all! Fingers crossed it fits!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How fun and fabulous.

I like where you're going with the outfit, and can see you look stunning in it. Hope it works out.

MsMaven

Veteran

Back when I was only 70 I would have worn this dress. (Unfortunately I can no longer wear dresses with waists like this one.)

I have done very well with Kay Unger for the last decade or so. I like her styles and fabrics. Good luck with the dress.

Sal

Veteran

Gorgeous dress!! I hope it works out as I think it is exactly right.

old chic

OK, it arrived. I tried it on, and it seems to fit! Bonus -- it turns out to have pockets! (Not in the online description) I love it! My husband said WOW! The fabric and finish are great, and I am definitely keeping and wearing it. It may be a little long -- just hits the floor when I am wearing my heels. What do you think?

Photos below -- PLEASE ignore the hair/makeup/ridiculous expression on my face. Pix #3 and 4 show shoes I plan to wear (15 yrs. old? from Delman) and my evening purse.

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Sal

Veteran

It looks fantastic on you - stunning.

April

Veteran

The length looks luxurious to my eye, but I can foresee a couple of issues to consider.

1. Be very careful not to step on the hem and trip yourself, especially if you're wearing heels.

2. Watch out for puddles.

3. I would feel uneasy wearing this length in a public restroom in NYC. I'm sure your gala will be at a posh venue where you won't have to worry about this, just putting it out there.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I love this! The colors suit your perfectly! Love the pearls with it, and your bag, and I like the length, it looks Vogue editorial, very romantic!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Fabulous!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER to the POWER of KILLER

The gown couldn't be more perfect. I LOVE it with the pearls!

Hmmm. I think you need a little hack, since you're in already in heels. Unsafe otherwise.

anchie

Veteran

Just stunning. But I agree with Angie - maybe tiny bit too long, but do you have the shoes on?

Vix

Veteran

Hi Old[VeryGlamourous]Chic --

Totally amazing both on you and for the festive occasion -- esp given the tricky time of year!

Am surprised your husband wasn't totally speechless but glad he got out the "wow."

If you're not in your heels in these photos, I would hem to show a peek of shoe for all the reasons mentioned upthread.

The Cat

Veteran

Beautiful and elegant--and would look even better if the dress was a little bit shorter.

Christina F.

Veteran

It's fab on you, and it has pockets?! What a winner of a dress. You look great. If you are going to continue attending galas, it's worth it to have it hemmed. I've worn rented dresses that are too long and spent the whole evening in dire fear of tripping.