Totally NFRC. Question for any etiquette mavens - what to wear?

[andreaindc]

The company I work for is having a 40th anniversary celebration around the holidays. It is dinner, drinks, dancing from 7:00 to 11:00. The invite reads: formal attire (black tie optional).

I would guess there will be a couple of hundred people there. My boss (a principal) called me to say he wants me and my husband to be sure we are there - he wants to introduce me to the principals from other offices who I haven't met yet and plans to put me up for a promotion this year. (Note to self - go light on the drinks!)

Question is: long dress or not? (I have one and will have to shop for another dress if not.) If I do go for long, does my husband need to rent a tux, or can he get away with a dark suit?

Thanks for any input!

 

[debbie_in_ga]

I can't vouch for their credentials, but this article from Bella Online

is quite informative without strictly applying to weddings.

And remember "It's better to be overdressed than underdressed."

Hope this helps and Have fun!

Debbie

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art21667.asp

 

[CathyZ]

I agree with what Debbie found, Andrea- floor-length gown for "formal"

 

[marg]

Your hubby can wear a dark suit if it's black tie optional with a dark tie>>>

Maybe a nice french cuff shirt with cufflinks to make it look a little more formal and a pocket square in the jacket that matches the tie.
Long dress for you with a nice evening wrap unless it has a jacket, a small clutch purse, and you're good to go.
Have fun!

 

[heather_in_sf]

Having had to attend lots of black tie/black tie optional events for work...

in my past job at the Opera, may I offer my advice?

For DH, a dark suit with any classy tie is fine, a subtle color is best.

For you, since buying a dress can be so pricy and hard to find one that fits properly and flattering, here's what I used to do - buy separates! It's easier to find long skirts in a variety of colors, but basic black is always nice and for your locale a nice velvet would be good. You could even have your local dry cleaners run you up a skirt with an elastic band waist. Then you can spend a little more on a lovely top. Talbot's catalog is showing a nice variety of holiday blouses (and dresses) and you can wear the top with other things for other events. Or my favorite trick was a plain black velvet tank top, a glamorous wrap for warmth (and to cover the arms), a long skirt in the color de jour and fun glitzy jewelery (my secret place is QVC for "diamonds").

Sounds like a fun party, enjoy! (and don't forget to alternate a glass of mineral water between a cocktail, and have a little sandwich at home right before leaving if the cocktail hour is going to be long - staves off pre-dinner tipsiness!!

 

[andreaindc]

You guys are the best - I knew you'd keep me right! Thanks!

 

[dawnnys]

Me too. And no tux, just a dark suit. Have fun!!

 

[Marg CDN]

Ya see, now I would have said that if I were to wear floor-length then H would necessarily be in tux

 

[gail_in_fl]

Since your boss wants to "show you off" it might ber a good idea >>>

to find out what the boss is wearing--tux or suit--and have your husband follow suit (pardon the pun). Since he specifically invited you it sounds like it will be more than just "hope you show up." So the attire may be somewhat important. Take your cue from what the boss will be wearing.