What is considered a "dinner dress"?

stacyk9 · 06-17-2008, 10:29 AM

My DH works for Edward Jones and we're going to his annual summer convention at the end of the week and I was looking over his itinerary and for the last evening there it says to wear a "dinner dress". I hate dresses so I only own one. I need some help here. I want to look good, but I'm not sure what to look for. Any advice? Include links if possible.

EDIT: This dress is very similar to the one I own except it's peach and brown. Is this dressy enough or go with the "little black dress"? http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/wome...oile+Dress.jsp

gailf · 06-17-2008, 03:33 PM

You cant go wrong with a little black dress.
I hate dresses too but found that in a pinch I can get away with one of these for almost any event.

cdjack · 06-17-2008, 03:37 PM

I would say it is less dressy than a cocktail dress, but still dressy.
Did that make sense? I think a tea-length black dress would be perfect. I'm not a big fan of dresses either, but I do have a little black Banana Republic dress in the back of my closet for just such an occasion.

tarrentella · 06-17-2008, 03:43 PM

if you don't like dresses then why not go for some smart tailored trousers and a pretty top. somthing satin or a corset/bustier style would work, as long as it is tailord to give it the formal look but in a dressy fabric or colour?

stacyk9 · 06-17-2008, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by tarrentella

if you don't like dresses then why not go for some smart tailored trousers and a pretty top. somthing satin or a corset/bustier style would work, as long as it is tailord to give it the formal look but in a dressy fabric or colour?

I did think about that. I think I'll look into that as well.

iza · 06-17-2008, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by cdjack

I would say it is less dressy than a cocktail dress, but still dressy.
Did that make sense? I think a tea-length black dress would be perfect. I'm not a big fan of dresses either, but I do have a little black Banana Republic dress in the back of my closet for just such an occasion.

I would have thought that a dinner dress is more dressy than a cocktail dress.

But maybe you're right, it's not like I have much experience in those things!

This being said, I think you can't go wrong with a little black dress. It would be perfectly appropriate, and you won't be over-dressed either. And you can wear this in so many occasions, it's a good thing to have!

I love that little dress you linked to though, how adorable!

jheatherley · 06-18-2008, 02:13 PM

from dictionary.com:

a dress, often long and having sleeves or a jacket, more elaborate than one designed for daytime wear but less formal than an evening gown

mks22300 · 06-19-2008, 12:56 AM

That dress you linked too is so cute. Too bad it wasn't a casual dinner, that would be perfect!

Debbie · 06-19-2008, 02:13 AM

I don't think "dinner dress" means you have to wear a dress. I think it means men should wear a coat and tie and women should wear something "not casual" ... pants or dress ....

knitasha · 06-19-2008, 04:36 AM

Edward Jones is a financial company, no?
Then probably the dress code (written or unwritten) is pretty conservative.
Sexist as it sounds, your function at this kind of business convention is to make your husband look good.
Think classy and sophisticated rather than sexy -- nothing too tight or too revealing or too "celebrity" looking.

IMHO, the little black dress is overdone and timid; color is fine, especially if the convention is in a warm climate. Pants can work, but they need to be in a dressy fabric and they must fit well. If you wear a bustier or camisole or corset-type top with them, you should also have a jacket or a wrap of some sort to wear during the dinner. It can come off afterward if there's dancing.