Ok, fair enough.
Not sure then Shannon. I think buying a special occasion dress to fit you in the interim, is probably less "worth it" than altering the lace dress twice. I would not invest on anything of the sort, unless you buy something that can be put on regular rotation.
By the way, my tailors here would guarantee their jwork for up to a year, and will readjust for weight gain/loss, amongst other things. Ask your tailor about it!

Good thing you tried it on!

Never mind re: pics of the black sheath. I think I found it. It's a v-neck, right?

I think maybe the v-neck is what makes the style a bit more casual than another neckline would. HOWEVER, that neckline is crying out for a big, blingy necklace to fill it in. Do you have anything like that, just to try? I think the right jewelry (big blingy necklace) and a festive shoe would make a big difference in how dressy/casual the sheath looks.

And here's a friendly reminder. This is what friends with large accessory collections are for. If you have a buddy nearby who likes bling, and if you don't have the right item, it is perfectly acceptable to borrow such an item for a special occasion such as this. Do you like hair accessories? Something sparkly and fabulous in your hair might up the dressiness factor, too. So long as it doesn't compete with the necklace.

Late to the party, but glad you decided just to dress up the sheath. Honestly, I think they put "formal" in the title just to keep people from showing up in blue jeans. At least they do in the US . . . .

And...after some more thought...

The school may have specified "formal" in order to make sure parents who don't normally dress up for anything to at least put some effort into it. OR, it's possible that the person who wrote up the invitation equates "formal" with "dressed up". As confusing as these dress code designations are for us, it's even more confusing for people who don't put as much thought into their clothes as we do.

Thistle - I'm starting to wonder if you are spot on with your assessment of why they use the word "formal".

And now I have a rather embarrassing confession - I just remembered a black sheath style dress with lace front that I bought at a consignment store 8 months ago (and I did post about it) and then tucked away for "that special occasion". Well...this is the special occasion. Here's a pic of when I posted it - now to pull it out of the downstairs closet and try it on. It was a bit snug when I bought it so think it could be a winner now. And it would be perfect, don't you think?

Well, there you go. Did I not just say the solution would fall into your lap? I should have said "out of your own closet"!

OMG, I am chuckling so hard here.....

you are going to be the belle of the "formal" ball, Shannon. And you will do your son proud!

Una & Suz - glad I made ya laugh and probably shake your head at me. Maybe I should get rid of that downstairs closet? Who knows what else is in there I forgot I had!

First congrats on your workout programme - that is truly fantastic. AND - thank goodness you tried the dress on early - not sure I would have been organized enough to do that.
Honestly I would wear the black sheath - I think it is timeless and elegant and can work for many situations. And you look fantastic in it.

Sweet!!! That dress looks great on you.

Talk about "shopping your closet".

You need to post a side-by-side of the found dress then and today - can't wait to see the difference!

Wow, Shannon, you have treasures tucked away all over the place! Hope this one works for you!

Thanks for all the clarifications, Shannon. Thank goodness you tried on that navy lace frock!

LOVE the black frock you found while shopping your closet. Perfect

You are very welcome Angie - I realize it was all a bit confusing.

Yep - black lace frock it is as long as it fits, which I have a really good feeling about. And if not, will simply dress up my v-neck BR sheath. No more fretting

And clearly I need to give that downstairs closet a thorough exam - lol!

We are lace kindred spirits, Shanon. We spoke for the first time on this forum about our love for retro lace

Oh, you had the perfect dress all along! Beautiful!

Your back and forth is making me laugh. Glad you found something you like that works.

I have been fretting over my coming formal event. Found a dress, bra, jewelry and now I am searching for theperfect shoe. It does not exist.

Shannon can you have the lace dress altered?

Problem solved TADA!
Amazing dress

Wow, gorgeous dress!

I am glad Shannon!
Pictured you having to thaw-out your credit card so soon

Just like Suz's pink suit!

Shanon, you are looking so beautiful!

I haven't read all the responses but would suggest you make a quick run to the Jones NY store on Kenaston. They have a lot of dresses in both regular and petite in varying degrees of formality. I find the Anne Klein to fit very well.

Yay! Here's to Secret Downstairs Closets!!

(I have one too).

It's almost like the universe conspired to make sure you got a chance to wear that beautiful dress from the 'other' closet.

You look fab in that black dress from the basement - and I bet it will be just perfect on you now. Onto gorgeous shoes, clutch and accessories

It's perfect

the black dress looks lovely!,

Shannon, I can guarantee you, you are the only woman to 'forget' she had something in the closet I think this dress is just beautiful and between this and the BR Sheath you should be good to go. Your thread is a great reminder for us to shop our closets first.