What to wear to a dinner dance

Toast4532

Hi,

My boyfriend last night announced the GAA club he plays for are having a dinner dance in a month's time. There has been no mention of a dress code, not yet anyway.

So I'm wondering on what to wear? A dress, obviously, but what type of shoes, I'm desperate in heels, though I can manage kitten heels, just about.

I'm 5"5, size 12 with a tummy (and I bloat after eating), don't want anything too fitted, would prefer something loose and something I can wear black tights with too. I'm small busted, so no worries about showing too much, although I still wouldn't like anything too low cow.

I saw these and loved them, not sure if they are suitable though, opinions and suggestions are much appreciated. Having never been to a dinner dance before, I'm not too sure what the dress code usually is.

http://www.riverisland.com/women/dresses/party--evening-dresses/dark-pink-cap-sleeve-tulip-dress-626241

http://www.riverisland.com/women/dresses/party--evening-dresses/black-cap-sleeve-tulip-dress-621760

http://www.riverisland.com/women/dresses/party--evening-dresses/Khaki-sleeveless-wrap-dress-631409

http://www.riverisland.com/women/dresses/party--evening-dresses/Orange-cap-sleeve-cocoon-dress-633192

baby and crumble

I'm pretty sure dinner dancers are usually black tie, right?

jubella

baby and crumble wrote: »

I'm pretty sure dinner dancers are usually black tie, right?

Not necessarily! And even if they are a lot of women wouldn't wear 'gowns' to events like these.

I think the first 2 dresses are lovely. And if you're not comfortable in high heels, don't wear them! you'll look much better in a smaller heel than hobbling around in high heels.

ams

You can get some lovely mid heel wedge shoes that won't kill you - if you're wearing black tights you'll get away with something plain.

dudara

All those dresses would be perfectly fine, you'll just need to match them with some nice accessories. As they're all kinda short, I wouldn't go bare-legged either, particularly in this weather.

NeonCookies

I love the first one. Would go nicely with black tights, and the back of it is beautiful!

2rkehij30qtza5

For a dinner dance, i would be inclined to dress the same way as I would for a wedding.

Personally, I don't like any of those dresses you picked. I think that type of skirt on the dresses adds bulk to hips. Sorry!

Have you had a look at some of the current range of Ted Baker dresses? There are some really nice dresses there.

hillbloom

The four dresses are lovely. You will look lovely in any of them with your hair done & make-up on!! Who would waste money buying a long dress for a dinner dance.

Toast4532

Theo Agreeable Gristle wrote: »

For a dinner dance, i would be inclined to dress the same way as I would for a wedding.

Personally, I don't like any of those dresses you picked. I think that type of skirt on the dresses adds bulk to hips. Sorry!

Have you had a look at some of the current range of Ted Baker dresses? There are some really nice dresses there.

I have no issue with weight or bulk on my hips, only my stomach.

I have had a look at Ted Baker's range and due to the high price tags I won't be purchasing from them.

As for weddings, well generally I would wear dresses similar to those I have linked in my original post. I don't wear long dresses as they don't suit me and I don't want to spend money on something that will sit in my wardrobe unworn, and a long dress would sit in my wardrobe unworn.

Thanks for the opinions/replies everyone, I do appreciate them and I do appreciate any suggestions.

2rkehij30qtza5

Toast4532 wrote: »

I have no issue with weight or bulk on my hips, only my stomach.

I have had a look at Ted Baker's range and due to the high price tags I won't be purchasing from them.

As for weddings, well generally I would wear dresses similar to those I have linked in my original post. I don't wear long dresses as they don't suit me and I don't want to spend money on something that will sit in my wardrobe unworn, and a long dress would sit in my wardrobe unworn.

Thanks for the opinions/replies everyone, I do appreciate them and I do appreciate any suggestions.

I'm not suggesting a long dress, a short dress is more appropriate for a dinner dance. Not saying you have issues with your hips either-I just think tulip style skirts add bulk to even the skinniest of hips. However, if you were to pick out of the 4 you listed in your op then I think the khaki green one is the most flattering. Have a look at ASOS too. Lipsy have some nice dresses, there's a lovely lace one, pencil dress to the knee and the price tag is good too! Wear what you are comfortable in...just because the dresses you have above are not to my taste doesn't mean they are not going to be nice on you! Have a great night and I'm sure you will look fab!

Ms. Captain M

Any of the GAA dinner dances I've been too have been quite informal. I've found the older ladies tend to dress as they would at a wedding maybe but for the younger ladies it's quite relaxed.

Any of the dresses you've linked would be perfect op, and if you're not comfortable in heels and nice pair of dressy pumps and black tights would be fine. You could always get your hair done differently in an upstyle or something if you wanted to feel dressier.

I'm laughing at the thought of a dress code though, I doubt there'll be mention of one unless it's very different to my GAA club!

convert

Hi OP, any of those dresses would be perfectly suitable for a dinner dance. Paired with a nice pair of shoes that you're comfortable in and a bag and some jewellery, you'll be looking fabulous. Dinner dances are generally quite relaxed. A friend of mine just wore a shirt and trousers to a GAA dinner dance in Offaly and it was grand. Enjoy the night.

Toast4532

Thanks everyone.

I have these Shoes from Barratts which are dressy so I think they are fine with that pink dress, and as as mentioned, I will probably do my hair in an up-style or something anyway.

Kablamo!

Just a note, I have that pink dress. Be careful with the size, as I found after eating dinner the band kind of part rather uncomfortable. Although I did eat two meals. Anyway this is getting ramble-y, just make sure you have room in the dress! Also I found it very flattering on and got loooooads of compliments. Enjoy your night!

Toast4532

Thanks a million everyone, just a quick question; would black tights be too dark with the orange dress or would it be OK?

Kablamo! wrote: »

Just a note, I have that pink dress. Be careful with the size, as I found after eating dinner the band kind of part rather uncomfortable. Although I did eat two meals. Anyway this is getting ramble-y, just make sure you have room in the dress! Also I found it very flattering on and got loooooads of compliments. Enjoy your night!

Is the dress very fitted? Is it very short?

I usually have to get a 12 in dresses to make sure they are long enough on me and that usually gives me a bit of room around my tummy/hips, as the dress is slightly too big around those areas.