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D


Hermes

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fancy ass dinner - what to wear? UPDATE "business attire"
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My husband and I have been invited to the Consul General of Japan's house for dinner next Tuesday.  This will be a sit down dinner with servants and the whole nine yards.  I love doing stuff like this -- it just feels so frivolous and decadent.  The food and company will be interesting too.

Anyway - Tuesday fancy dinner.  What to wear.

I recently scored this almost $2000 Gianfranco Ferre dress for $180.  It's midnight blue and I thought I could wear some midnight blue opaque tights with it.

This is a horrible picture but it was the best I could retrieve.  It has a detachable embellishment/pin at the front of the waist that I removed.  I was kind of hoping to wear my black pearl necklace/earrings/ring, but I thing the strand of pearls on top of the dress might look weird? How do you feel about wearing necklaces with a high neckline?

ferre dress.jpg Then I wonder about shoes.  Trying to think of what I have.  I have these lacroix pumps, but I fear they may be too bright? the trim is an iridescent blue.


I also recently scored this missoni skirt on etsy (brown/peach/gray):
90's Authentic MISSONI Stretch Knit Skirt90's Authentic MISSONI Stretch Knit Skirt

Thought I could maybe wear a nice blouse and jacket with it?  Then I'm trying to think of shoes... I could wear gray tights and shoes...

Thoughts? suggestions?

ETA:

I also have this faux-missoni dress that would look really nice with the pearls since it has an open neckline.  keep it simple with charcoal tights/pumps:

London Times Women's Long-sleeve Dress



-- Edited by D on Friday 4th of February 2011 01:44:09 PM

-- Edited by D on Saturday 5th of February 2011 11:09:20 AM

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wetbandit42


Marc Jacobs

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RE: fancy ass dinner - what to wear?
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I like the last dress! However, I've never been to a dinner like that (sounds fun!) so I really could be wrong.

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D


Hermes

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wetbandit42 wrote:

I like the last dress! However, I've never been to a dinner like that (sounds fun!) so I really could be wrong.



 you know, I kind of leaning toward the last dress too.  I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard, and I fear the ferre dress might be too fancy?



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greendiamond


Marc Jacobs

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I think the event calls for a dress, instead of a skirt and blouse/jacket.

I think if you can dress up the faux missoni that would be a great option. Plus, the black pearls with it would be beautiful.

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Boots


Gucci

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Count me in as a vote for the last dress. It does look effortless and chic, which sounds perfect for a fancy dinner (or at least what I imagine a fancy dinner to be like.)

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NCshopper


Hermes

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greendiamond wrote:

I think the event calls for a dress, instead of a skirt and blouse/jacket.

I think if you can dress up the faux missoni that would be a great option. Plus, the black pearls with it would be beautiful.

Ditto.  The skirt and blouse doesn't seem dressy enough to me.  The first dress seems pretty, but it also seems short, imo.  I think the third dress would be perfect, actually.  Definitely take photos!

 



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pollyjean23


Marc Jacobs

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I agree with everyone else.

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Suasoria


Chanel

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Ditto - a skirt/top isn't as up-market as a dress. Since it's a state dinner, I would go with something closer to evening/cocktail attire than a sweater dress.

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Yana


Dooney & Bourke

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Hi! I also think the last missoni dress, I love anything by gianfranco ferre, but it's too short for a formal dinner.

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D


Hermes

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UPDATE: engraved invitation reads "business attire" -- maybe I should wear a suit?

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Boots


Gucci

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RE: fancy ass dinner - what to wear? UPDATE "business attire"
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D wrote:

UPDATE: engraved invitation reads "business attire" -- maybe I should wear a suit?


That changes it, doesn't it?

What about a sheath dress and a blazer?

I did a google search just to see what would come up and found this.

BUSINESS ATTIRE ~ Etiquette Dinner
The requested attire for this event is business attire. Business attire is a more formal approach to professional
dress and the preferred style for an employer related dining function. This attire will support and enhance your
professional image if you follow the guidelines and tips below.
General Guidelines
Develop a look that is successful, polished and professional. The focus should be on YOU, not
on the clothes you are wearing.
Wear clean, pressed clothing that fits properly. Your clothing should not be pinched or gap
when you breathe or walk.
Check clothing for missing buttons, hanging threads, lint, dandruff, stray hairs and stains.
Remember to remove the tacking stitches and external tags from new clothing.
Hair should be clean, groomed, styled and appear natural looking in color. Multi-colored hair
such as orange, purple and green stripes is not professional.
Hands and nails should be clean and trimmed. Buff nails or use clear nail polish.
Wear deodorant. If perfume or cologne is used, do so sparingly. Clothes should not smell like
moth balls or smoke.
Breath should smell fresh, but do not chew gum, toothpicks, candy or breath mints at the reception or dinner.
Jewelry should be minimal and not make noise. Remove all visible body piercing other than one
pair of conservative earrings for women.
Cover any visible tattoos. The focus should be on your professionalism not your body art.
Cell phones should not be visible or on.
If you would wear your attire to a club, you probably should not wear it as business attire

 

 

So D, remember the deorderant and cover up those tats.   Apparantly you are allowed at least one visible body piercing however, so the nose ring can stay.



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Yana


Dooney & Bourke

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Yeah, I also thought a dress with a blazer. enjoy the dinner! Sound chic fun!!!

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Suasoria


Chanel

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Boots wrote:

Wear deodorant.



Wow, that *is* a fancy dinner.



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alb


Marc Jacobs

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Even though it says business attire, I think you could still get away with that last dress and definitely the first dress you posted. My husband works for the Amercan Consolate in Istanbul and we've gone to the Consul General's house quite a few times for events (and other homes hosted by his counterparts). So - sort of a similar vibe to what you are going to. Usually "business attire" at these events (at least here) means the men have to wear suits but the women I've seen (and myself included) usually can get away with a conservative dress or a suit (and nothing sleeveless in the summer though that doesn't apply now) . Depending on the time of the event, some of the guests might be coming straight from work. I think the term "business attire" is more applicable to men than women - just means wear a suit and tie and for women - don't wear anything too "going out." You could also wear a stylish pantsuit with some nice jewelry (ie your black pearrls) and a clutch. I've worn DVF dresses on occasion to these and felt totally comfortable.

Hope that helps some. I think it will be less intimidating then you think (though, yes, there will be servants and such) and I know you'll look fabulous!

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Hermes

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I've actually been to the Japanese Consul's house a few times, so I do have a general idea of what to wear. I was just trying to choose from what I have in my closet and get some opinions. The Ferre dress is definitely out. I might end up wearing that missoni skirt with a dusty rose silk wrap top and a gray sweater jacket, gray tights/gray wool pumps...

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Boots


Gucci

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D wrote:

I've actually been to the Japanese Consul's house a few times, so I do have a general idea of what to wear. I was just trying to choose from what I have in my closet and get some opinions. The Ferre dress is definitely out. I might end up wearing that missoni skirt with a dusty rose silk wrap top and a gray sweater jacket, gray tights/gray wool pumps...


That sounds really pretty.  I like the idea of a dusty rose in late winter to soften the look.

I'm so envious (but in a good way!) of you and Alb getting to go to these fancy dinners!  They sound like fun.  I just won a football pool that I was in and I'm blowing the wad on a mexican dinner for my family for my mom's birthday next week.  Margarita and salsa for everyone!


 



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D


Hermes

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Boots wrote:

 

D wrote:

I've actually been to the Japanese Consul's house a few times, so I do have a general idea of what to wear. I was just trying to choose from what I have in my closet and get some opinions. The Ferre dress is definitely out. I might end up wearing that missoni skirt with a dusty rose silk wrap top and a gray sweater jacket, gray tights/gray wool pumps...


That sounds really pretty.  I like the idea of a dusty rose in late winter to soften the look.

I'm so envious (but in a good way!) of you and Alb getting to go to these fancy dinners!  They sound like fun.  I just won a football pool that I was in and I'm blowing the wad on a mexican dinner for my family for my mom's birthday next week.  Margarita and salsa for everyone!


 

 


I'm more of a mexican dinner girl, but seeing how "the other half lives" is always a fun diversion :)

still dont know what I'm going to wear.  I may just go with a black sheath suit I have hmm I'll probably end up trying on a few things before I decide.

 



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alb


Marc Jacobs

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D wrote:

Boots wrote:

 

D wrote:

I've actually been to the Japanese Consul's house a few times, so I do have a general idea of what to wear. I was just trying to choose from what I have in my closet and get some opinions. The Ferre dress is definitely out. I might end up wearing that missoni skirt with a dusty rose silk wrap top and a gray sweater jacket, gray tights/gray wool pumps...


That sounds really pretty.  I like the idea of a dusty rose in late winter to soften the look.

I'm so envious (but in a good way!) of you and Alb getting to go to these fancy dinners!  They sound like fun.  I just won a football pool that I was in and I'm blowing the wad on a mexican dinner for my family for my mom's birthday next week.  Margarita and salsa for everyone!


 

 


I'm more of a mexican dinner girl, but seeing how "the other half lives" is always a fun diversion :)

still dont know what I'm going to wear.  I may just go with a black sheath suit I have hmm I'll probably end up trying on a few things before I decide.

 


Boots, don't be too jealous (of me anyway).  While some of them are fun (France's Bastille Day, Germany's Oktoberfest), some of them suck (ie the ones with no alcohol).  I also prefer a casual dinner any day.  D - you're right about the Ferre dress.  On second glance it may be a bit short and trendy to qualify as business attire.  Too bad, as it's a cute dress.  I'm sure you have something in your closet that will qualify though. :)  

 



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