Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking that I may need to step it up a bit

Could you "get away" with the outfit you had planned? Sure. I see this a lot. But, this really is your chance to shine. A simple party dress is a rock solid investment (especially in this town)! Simple patent leather pumps and a nice dress will see you through just about every occasion moving forward.

Something like this. The shape is nice, and jewelry will take you wherever you want to go. It comes in absolutely every size and price-point. Sheath top or long sleeved.

http://www.luulla.com/product/408539/hot-sale-black-knee-length-vintage-50-s-chiffon-prom-dress-simple-black-bridesmaid-dress-black-party
http://www.thecelebdresses.co.uk/a-line-princess-black-simple-design-sleeveless-prom-party-wedding-guest-dress-tcb0115.html
http://mixweddingdress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Simple-Black-Party-Dresses-For-Juniors.jpg
http://amazingdifferent-dress.blogspot.com/2015/11/black-party-dresses-plus-size.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Womens-Fall-Fashion-Desigual-Women-Dresses-Long-Sleeve-Evening-Party-Dress-Elegant-Simple-Black-Red/32532648788.html


Enjoy!!!

Since the gala is black and white cocktail, I would opt for something with more white (of course, still seasonally appropriate). Or at least, I would if I could go a night without spilling something on myself. Sigh.

If you're less clumsy than me, consider something white.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, is it a 'real event'? Is it an event where you can find previous photos from last years in magazines or online? If so, see what people actually wear.

I attend a lot of charity galas and for people who don't get out a lot (and even some who do) they tend to overdress. I'd rather be underdressed than overdressed so OP, the boots/dress combo is something I would wear, especially if wrangling kids.

Interesting thoughts. I appreciate the ideas. (OP here)

+1,000,000 - I work from home so I don't get dressed up for work too much. But my husband and I got invited to some supposedly very fancy gala that Bill Clinton was going to be at. I put on a fancy cocktail dress - and felt like such a hick, given that most of the other women there were just wearing suits and work clothes.

To go back in time, I'd dress WAY more casually, even for something billed as a "gala."

That Banana Republic dress looks like it might be perfect - sort of splitting the difference between glam and super casual

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. Here is the dress I have. Do you think it is just way to casual, or OK with heels and a shiny necklace?

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=534121

If it matters, I'm in my 40s and am 5'7" and 130 lbs. Have very short boyish hair that is noticeably graying. So I'm not going to look like a super-feminine type regardless. We are taking our 2 young kids to the event, so my husband and I will be on duty for parenting type stuff. (grandparents want the kiddos there, and its their night)

This sheath from banana is a similar shape, but the material is dressier and more appropriate.

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1808660020000&pdn=search

I like that! Thanks. (OP here)

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. Here is the dress I have. Do you think it is just way to casual, or OK with heels and a shiny necklace?

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=534121

If it matters, I'm in my 40s and am 5'7" and 130 lbs. Have very short boyish hair that is noticeably graying. So I'm not going to look like a super-feminine type regardless. We are taking our 2 young kids to the event, so my husband and I will be on duty for parenting type stuff. (grandparents want the kiddos there, and its their night)

This sheath from banana is a similar shape, but the material is dressier and more appropriate.

http://m.bananarepublic.gap.com/product.html?dn=bp1808660020000&pdn=search

Anonymous wrote:Run to Nordstrom and get a stylist.

Going to second this. Did this when I needed help pulling together an outfit for family pictures. It was great - she pulled together a whole bunch of different looks for me, and I got a great outfit, in my price point .

And you sound like you have a great body. There are some great dressy flats you could wear given that you'll have kids in tow. You can get away with that. I would do a black wool sheath, sheer hose, and sparkly flats. Get s dress with sleeves rather than wear a cardigan.

Wearing a cotton dress is not seasonally appropriate and just looks tacky. Buy a simple wool sheath. It sounds like you are not one who cares about style so I'm nervous about what you have in mind re little black dress, I'll be honest. If you want to blend in you can't be the least well dressed person in the room, which is where you're headed. That outfit screams kindergarten teacher parent meetings. You don't have to shop at net a porter but it's time to upgrade a bit.

The etiquette rule is to always err on the side of overdressing! I wouldn't wear some ball gown OP, but that outfit is business casual at best. "Cocktail" has a very specific meaning in terms of dress.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, is it a 'real event'? Is it an event where you can find previous photos from last years in magazines or online? If so, see what people actually wear.

I attend a lot of charity galas and for people who don't get out a lot (and even some who do) they tend to overdress. I'd rather be underdressed than overdressed so OP, the boots/dress combo is something I would wear, especially if wrangling kids.

Interesting thoughts. I appreciate the ideas. (OP here)

Honestly, is it a 'real event'? Is it an event where you can find previous photos from last years in magazines or online? If so, see what people actually wear.

I attend a lot of charity galas and for people who don't get out a lot (and even some who do) they tend to overdress. I'd rather be underdressed than overdressed so OP, the boots/dress combo is something I would wear, especially if wrangling kids.

I think that dress is too casual. A sheath might be fine, but in something a little nicer than plain cotton. Either wear something with some lace or detailing, or punch it up with accessories.

The Boots look great OP, definetly wear them.

There are no gala boots and if there were these are definitely not those.

Absolutely do not wear that GAP dress, OP.