STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

tina242 · Kate Spade

RE: Could this Anthro Dress be black tie?

jah · Dooney & Bourke

As I posted earlier, I think black tie can mean a short cocktail dress, however, I think that dress needs to be "fancy". I hate to say it, but I went to look at this dress in the online anthro catalog and it looks pretty casual, so I don't think this is the right type of short dress for a black tie event. Too bad, because it is bee-you-tea-full!!

Lilykind · Hermes

I'm not one to buck the dress code either. I think black tie means short or long dress in a "dressier" fabric like beaded lace or satin. Silk jersey is as casual as it gets, and under no circumstances does a cotton dress (organdy or otherwise) make the cut. Sorry to put it bluntly, but Anthropologie has never sold a dress suitable for black-tie IMO.

The dress is very pretty, but it will be very casual. My Twinkle by Wenlan skirt is in the same fabric. I think the dress is definitely going to look very casual and to some extent summery IRL.

ETA: I'm going to take the Anthro doesn't sell black-tie appropriate dresses comment back. Here's the dresses from their website that can pass, IMO.

haute sweetheart

st. charles dress (this is organza, but organza is a weave that is originally attributed to silk, not cotton)

-- Edited by Lilykind at 02:37, 2006-09-09

Hermes

For the record, and as much as I hate to keep this going (it is kind of hilarious that a skirt length dispute can get so heated), I think it's necessary that I clarify my opinion.

"I have been to many black tie events and those who do not wear full length, regardless of age, look ignorant. I find it hard to believe this is exclusive to Michigan."

My use of ignorant is not in a context of referring to someone as stupid, but as ignorant: "lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing," as stated in Merriam Webster. It was not my intention to insult anyone with the use of the word ignorant.

I also do not feel that etiquette applies differently to different adult age groups.

"Traditionally, white tail means formal. Black tie means semi-formal. Formal means full length. These days, black tie tends to be interpreted as formal."

I still stand by this - note key word "traditionally" and not "currently." I was recognizing that traditional etiquette is different than what is currently being touted.

Instead of using the word "current" I used "these days":
"Things are skewed these days as middle class younger people like to buck traditional etiquette."

I consider myself middle class. I do think that young middle class young people like to buck traditional etiquette as they think it's antiquated, stuffy, old, and not cool. It's simply an observation of society. I was in no way trying to offend anyone based on social class. That's still my opinion, and I'm allowed to have it.

Thus, I still stand by my conclusion:

"Wear what you want, just be aware of how you might be perceived. If you don't care what people think (which doubt to be true, otherwise you wouldn't have posted), then wear whatever you want. Personally, if there was this much doubt over short or long, I would err toward traditional etiquette."

I too, was only sharing my opinion. I apologize to those who may have found my opinion offensive.

-- Edited by D at 08:34, 2006-09-09

Hermes

tina242 wrote:

For the record, Midwesterners and lower-to-middle class are not necessarily synonymous.

Simply put, white tie is a long, formal gown, black tie is a long or short evening gown.

Sorry to hijack.

-- Edited by tina242 at 23:36, 2006-09-08

I think that was just cc's way of trying to get under my skin because I got under her's. I think we all know, including cc, that this is not true.

sfclinevandy · Coach

Not to add fuel to the fire, but what exactly does the invitation say? The time of the event and if it specifically says "Black Tie" or other dress designations should be what you dress around... not our opinions.

firefly · BCBG

Oh my goodness... I had no idea this would be such a spirited conversation!
But thank you all, honestly, for your thoughtful opinions.

The wedding is a 4 o'clock ceremony with reception to follow at a very swanky New England Country Club...

As much as I love the dress, I've decided that I don't think it's right for this event. I may still buy it for general wear (if I can justify it), but think it will be more appropriate to find something more formal for this event. Plus, it's fun to have an excuse to get really dressed up.

Thank you all for your great input-- I always know I can count on you!

k1ate · Nine West

firefly, I know you are trying to clsoe this topic (which I respect), but I can't help but point out the following:

1. the dress is short (-ish)
2. cotton
3. print

It's the combination of all three that makes it an absolute "no" for black tie.Cotton aloen might be a deal-breaker, although I am sure tehre is someone somewhere who could make it work, but it's really all three of the elements togeehr that make this difficult. I'm surprised no one pointed out the print issue (again, technically all THREE are rule breakers but one or two of these are workable). Prints= afternoon tea dress!