dress help - 80s prom themed gala, for a woman in her 50s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand these themes. Why not just have event where people where something nice and have a good time.

Disagree, this sounds like fun! Most formal galas are stuffy suckfests. If you can let people have an excuse to get a bit weird and still make money for your org, go for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Going-Costume-Jenna-Vintage/dp/B09GXXP6Z5

I went to prom in the 80’s and no one wore anything remotely like this.

This is Jennifer Garner in 13 going on 30 movie. That is an early 2000s dress not 80s.

Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrQlEnUYuB4

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand these themes. Why not just have event where people where something nice and have a good time.

Disagree, this sounds like fun! Most formal galas are stuffy suckfests. If you can let people have an excuse to get a bit weird and still make money for your org, go for it.

+1

We have attended countless galas, over the decades, and I have to agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sixteen Candles. Big hair, pumps, super frog frou dress: try to look like a cupcake.

Tbh this look was bad enough on teenagers in the 80s, why are we trying to have 50-somethings do it now!?

This is OP - and I really don't know! I also definitely do NOT want to wear a dress that's advertised as a costume - and I don't think I want to wear a dress that's essentially for teenagers. But at the same time the idea of spending a lot of $ on a dress that I truly can't wear again feels absurd. I don't really have time to scour thrift stores, either!

When we did a 20s themed gala a few years ago, I just wore a regular dress - and seriously everyone else was dressed to the theme. I missed last year's event even though I'd bought a great dress for it (I had COVID) so I do want to make an effort this year. But also - argh! I buy myself cocktail dresses so rarely.

I appreciate the people who've posted links - and thoughts. I need to relax a little and htink of this as fun instead of a burden, I think!

This is OP - and after all that I just found a dress I am actually sort of excited about. It's a Batsheva dress - on sale! - that seems sort of perfect. And it's silk, not poly, so hopefully it'll feel nice, too. Pockets, too!

https://batsheva.com/products/square-neck-mini-prairie-dress-in-iris-metallic-taffeta?variant=43442062786809¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxuCnBhDLARIsAB-cq1oMgXeuLAvSpqnAG4g65GVpSPA_poGDwgsCvxqGr0bY9q_cdX7CGRAaAhIAEALw_wcB

Still feels insane spending $ on a dress I might only wear once, but at least it's not a HUGE sum of money - and I do actually like the dress.

I didn't know this brand before - will report back on how the dress turns out.

This dress looks great! Have fun with it!
I think you can find ways to wear this again - holiday parties, NYE, ABBA concerts!

[Anonymous]

Search for “80s formal dress” on eBay. Filer for sizes 8 and 10 to account for the difference in sizing between then and now. Also, check the measurements to ensure proper fit. If the dress is a little large, you can have it taken in by a seamstress or tailor.

This will keep you well within your budget.

[Anonymous]

I would look for something that was a throwback to Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.