What is your age? I ask because I can't tell based on the options you are reviewing. They seem all over the boards. Some of the jersey dresses had me thinking you were early 30s, and then some of the previous dresses have me thinking you're late 40s/early 50s.

I do think if you feel "frou frou" in something, it's not the right fit or style for you, but also keep in mind at black tie events, it's better to be overdressed rather than be underdressed!

OP again, thanks for your opinions. I guess I'm just in fear of showing up and being way over-the-top, you know? The short dresses that I linked above I thought fell into the fancy cocktail dress category which some other PPs said would be appropriate for an unofficial ball. Ok, back to the drawing board. I also tried on this one but it felt way too frou-frou:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-tiered-chiffon-gown/3408375?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLUEBERRY&resultback=0 (in smoke).


What about these?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-embellished-ruched-bodice-mesh-gown/3315927?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-matte-jersey-hammered-satin-gown/3136602?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-open-back-sequin-chiffon-gown/3394054?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

ugh, I feel so clueless about what to wear to this thing!

OP your choices are too casual.

I'm not crazy about this gown, but it was the first one that I pulled up. I would go with something more this style -

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/womensapparel-Dresses-LongCocktail-Orinda_Brown_Cowl_Sequin_Dress-lordandtaylor/248985

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, this is just my opinion, but I think all the choices you posted are too casual. Mainly due to the jersey type fabric.

Agree. Much too casual.

Third agreement. If you like draped jersey, maybe something with a little embellishment, like this?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-ralph-lauren-one-shoulder-matte-jersey-gown/3340068?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2875

Anonymous wrote:OP, this is just my opinion, but I think all the choices you posted are too casual. Mainly due to the jersey type fabric.

Agree. Much too casual.

OP, this is just my opinion, but I think all the choices you posted are too casual. Mainly due to the jersey type fabric.

OP here. Finally had the chance to go shopping and was torn between these three. Thoughts?

1. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pisarro-nights-cowl-neck-embellished-silk-dress/3351341?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

2. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-asymmetrical-jersey-gown/3408382?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Charcoal&resultback=0 (in either smoke or black)

3. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-cowl-neck-jersey-sheath-dress/3427922?origin=PredictiveSearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0 (in black, not green. I actually bought this one b/c it was so damn gorgeous, I figured I could wear it to anything even if I don't use it for this ball).

Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:technically, ball = ball gown = full length, full skirted dress
Since it is pretty tough to find a true ball gown at a reasonable price, any floor length gown will work. Of course, a ball is also white tie, not black tie.

More realistically, I'd see if I could find pictures from the past two inaugural balls thrown by the same group. That will give you a good idea of what is standard for that group.

This is DC. If the ball is not "Official" wear a cocktail dress if you want. No one will care.

technically, ball = ball gown = full length, full skirted dress
Since it is pretty tough to find a true ball gown at a reasonable price, any floor length gown will work. Of course, a ball is also white tie, not black tie.

More realistically, I'd see if I could find pictures from the past two inaugural balls thrown by the same group. That will give you a good idea of what is standard for that group.

Agree a fancy cocktail dress is completely fine. I've worn both and never judged either way.

Having never been to one, how would you go about choosing a good/fun ball to go to?

No one who is anyone will judge if you wear a short dress. Give me a break. I've gone to tons. The only time I wear a long dress is when I go to the official balls, which are a complete waste of money.

You will undoubtedly see people wearing cocktail dresses and other people wearing long dresses. Some of the latter group will think that the former group don't know what they're doing. If you don't want strangers thinking that about you, then don't wear a short dress. If you don't care, do whatever you want.

I'm shopping for a dress to wear to one of the zillions of unofficial inaugural balls next month. It's a black tie event but I'm wondering if it's ok to wear a fancy short dress rather than a floor-length dress. It's been eons since I've gone to a black tie event so I don't know if the rules have changed. I'd prefer a short dress, if that matters. Thanks!