NWR: Work Party Dress Code

Miss Esa

FI's company is having a work party next month at The Chicago Theater. The dress code for this event is cocktail dresses for women. I am not fasshion savvy at all and I don't want to end up wearing something totally off, but I don't own a coctail dress, nor do I have the funds to purchase/rent anything.

I do have an old black bridesmaid dress from last year but I don't know if it will be too formal. The dress I have is very similar to the one posted below, but mine is in black with silver beading along the neckline.

Would this be an acceptable dress to wear?
If so what shoul I wear with it?

Maggie0829

I think the length is what is stopping me from saying that it would be perfectly fine.  I would check with a local seamstress to see how much they would charge to chop the bottom off (to the knee or whatever length you prefer).  You would also get more wear out of a LBD then a long black gown.

Since it is cocktail attire, I just think a long gown would be out of place.

Miss Esa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_nwr-work-party-dress-code?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:3f6b0642-a95b-46f7-b62c-15b93dc38757Post:060e4c01-c47c-4a2a-a8f8-cf590a8a17cd">Re: NWR: Work Party Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]I think the length is what is stopping me from saying that it would be perfectly fine.  I would check with a local seamstress to see how much they would charge to chop the bottom off (to the knee or whatever length you prefer).  You would also get more wear out of a LBD then a long black gown. Since it is cocktail attire, I just think a long gown would be out of place.
Posted by Maggie0829[/QUOTE]


Not a bad idea, thank you.

When I get home I'll look into shortening it. Do you think it would look ok just below the knees? I absolutely hate the way my knees look, and I would prefer to keep them covered.

mcda04

I think it's too formal for a Cocktail party.

I wore a London Times knee length dress to my Christmas party and I scored big time since I bought it on overstock for $8 + shipping was free since it was my first order.

JcPenney's has some really cheap dresses on sale most of the time. Do you have a small budget for a new one? Hitting up the clearance rack at your department stores might be a good option.

Peavy

I agree with the others, the length makes it too formal for a cocktail dress.  You could try to have it shortened, but my fear is that it would look like a bridesmaid dress that was shortened.  I think you're better off spending whatever it would cost to hem it toward purchasing a basic LBD that can be worn over and over.  You should be able to find good sales on party dresses this time of year.  Or maybe you have a friend you can borrow a dress from.

Avion22

Do you have a TJMaxx, Marshalls, or Steinmart in your area?   They can be hit-or-miss, but I've found some inexpensive dresses in a pinch at those stores.   Or borrow one. 

If not, I think shortening that dress could definitely work.   Since it's black with silver beading, I don't think it will look too bridesmaid-y, but you really won't know until you do it.   

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_nwr-work-party-dress-code?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:3f6b0642-a95b-46f7-b62c-15b93dc38757Post:229ae61f-3d4e-4f3f-89bc-08a82a460279">Re: NWR: Work Party Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: NWR: Work Party Dress Code : Not a bad idea, thank you. When I get home I'll look into shortening it. Do you think it would look ok just below the knees? I absolutely hate the way my knees look, and I would prefer to keep them covered.
Posted by Tlanute[/QUOTE]

The length is really up to you and what you like.  I would suggest taking the shoes you plan on wearing with you and then have the seamstress hem it to where you want it and see how it looks.

Good luck!

Edit:  I am not a fan of my knees either :)