STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

Formal Dress

small fry · Chanel

are you looking for a long or shorter dress? any colors in particular? I like the dress but with the bow and the dots its alot going on. Is the bow removable?

ILoveChoo · Hermes

I think it gorgeous, but it might be a little too formal because of the length. It's very "red carpet"...if you were willing to hem it to take that little train off I think it might work for the occasion, but that also changes the dress a lot.

CheryleB · Kenneth Cole

If the invitation identifies the event as formal, I would either wear a long dress or a very formal cocktail length dress. I find it much better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed in these situations particularly when it involves work.

I am not sure about the bow either. The first thing that came to mind when I saw it was the dress Charlize Theron wore to the oscars last year where the bow overwhelmed her body. The fact that it is bright red against black and white may emphasize it too.

Collette · Chanel

For a work awards dinner I think it's a bit much. If the dress is formal I would go more with a really nice cocktail dress. This dress is much more special occasion black tie.

lynnie · Chanel

personally, i think its too much. I don't think anyone else will be wearing something that formal and it might make you uncomfortable. The main thing that bothers me is the full skirt and train- if it was floor length but a column gown- it could work.

ps. i HATE when models stand like that. I'm okay with it being photographed from the front, but from the side, it looks stupid imho.

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

I was actually planning in keeping the red sash and losing the bow. I am thinking it might be too much. Now I must resume my search. I am afraid to go too casual, which is my tendancy.

dangergirl · Kate Spade

i like it but also think it would be a bit much

CheryleB · Kenneth Cole

I think something like this would work. Its black which normally is a bit overdone but the last few semi-formal and formal events I attended had more red than black. The dress is formal enough for almost any event but since it isn't floor length, it won't seem over the top.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I think it will be too much as well. I think if you wear a long gown, it should be simple, one color, one material. Adding color and pattern just screams LOOK AT ME! The same dress in a knee length would be much more appropriate.