Help with a dress

[twinmomma]

Since you guys are so great at this! lol 

I have to go to a "gala" fundraiser for my husband's school this weekend. According to him, dress code is "fancy." Whatever that means. It's at a local country club/wedding venue type place. 

I own this dress in a red and black print (can't find a picture of it anywhere online) www.lyst.com/clothing/jones-new-york-short-sleeve-boat-neck-dress/

Does that seem like it would be dressy enough if I accessorize? Or do I need to go more cocktail/sparkle? The invite says "semi formal attire required."

Basically, it's going to be cold as all hell this weekend and I'm trying to avoid sleeveless or strapless if possible. 

[2chatter]

I'd go with something more cocktail (above the knee = semi-formal) or a LBD like the one pictured over a patterned dress - am I correct in thinking the dress you have is something you would wear to the office? I'd go one level above that if so to meet the semi-formal parameter, but nothing insane. Better safe than sorry with sequins when you don't know what others will wear.

Can you google pictures from past years to see what people wore?

[twinmomma]

The one I have could be worn to the office, but I've also worn it to a wedding and it fit in fine, so that's why I was torn. I think you're right though - I need to step it up. This is the first year the event has happened, so no guidelines or photos from past years. DH was like "You girls have it so easy for stuff like this!" Uh, no. You wear a suit, the end.

[k3am]

If it were solid black, I think it you might get away with it, but the pattern makes it more casual.

The term "gala" makes me think it's more on the formal side. Does DH have any female coworkers you can talk to?

[twinmomma]

Thoughts on this one? www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/rvn_dresses/scrolldownsheath

[twinmomma]

Jan 29, 2015 13:00:36 GMT -5 privacy said:

twinmomma I've actually rented that one! I loved it. I thought it ran a bit small though, so get 2 sizes if you can.
ANd it is easily dressed up or down

Awesome! I'm normally a small and the medium isn't available on such short notice, but I took the chance and rented it anyway. I'm excited to try out this service after seeing you all rave about it. Fingers crossed I don't look like I"m squeezed into it. 

[twinmomma]

privacy No six pack here either. Twins =/= a flat tummy. lol

[k3am]

twinmomma - that's a great choice!

And spanx for the win. Even in my best shape, I still like wearing them.

[helenahhandbasket]

I would go for something more cocktail. Even in solid black, that dress is strictly business casual.

I like the idea of RTR, but if you are going to have more events like this it might be worth it to do some shopping and have something in your wardrobe permanently.

[twinmomma]

helenahhandbasket I think it'll be a yearly event, but nothing this fancy beyond that.
I did find a great dress at Macy's tonight but it would need a little alteration before I could wear it, so I'll probably grab it to have on hand after this event this weekend.

[twinmomma]

privacy damn, you weren't kidding when you said the dress was tight! I can pull it off, but it's a good thing this is mostly a stand around and sip cocktails event. If dinner was involved, there's no way I could cram myself into it!

[indyrowergirl]

twinmomma - So how did it go?

[twinmomma]

It was... ok. It felt really tight, but I think it was just a bit out of my comfort zone.
[img src="s23.postimg.org/fo4uijjzv/10428567_10100284372282907_3777250858841457460_n.jpg" src=" imagur" alt=" "]

I think I actually could have gotten away with the original one I already owned. The term "gala" was VERY loosely used apparently. Some women were in basically dress pants and a sweater. It was a bit strange. Some folks were dressed up like me and others, not so much.
But, as a fundraiser, which was the main point, I think it went really well. This was the first year they held the event, so I'm curious to see how next year's turns out.

[twinmomma]

Also... clearly I did the image wrong. But that link works. lol

[mustardseed2007]

Well I don't know how all those other jokers looked (pants and sweater to a "gala?"), but you looked great!