Black-tie/cocktail dress?

[Renee]

My husband is a military officer, and we are attending a black-tie Thanksgiving event in November with some bigwigs (both military and the local German community). Black-tie isn't new to me, but I'm ready for a new dress and have decided to go with something I think would be a little more versatile than the long, basic black one I currently have.

I've read that shorter "cocktail" dresses for ladies are now considered appropriate for black-tie dress. Do you think the following dress from Anthropologie meets a "cocktail" criteria?

http://www.anthropologie.com/jump.jsp?itemID=12708&itemType=PRODUCT&iSubCat=1792&iMainCat=17

I think the dress looks very classy and formal, and would probably do for "cocktail". Just wanting opinions, though. Every dress I've researched online generally comes with bare shoulders or arms; the thought of sleeves (even sheer lace ones) is appealing for Germany in November!

I'm thinking of wearing it in November with my "fancy occasion" diamond studs (1 carat each) and a vintage crystal bracelet. I also have some vintage amethyst earrings, and thought that this dress would look really pretty if I made a sash like the black one it comes with, but in a lavender/lilac shade. I also think the gold flats and earrings they show with the dress online look kind of cute (though at age 42 I'm thinking I'd want more of a heel with a dress). Basically, I think the dress just looks nice and far more versatile than a long gown, as well as pretty.

What do you think?

 

[texasgirl]

Oh I think it's lovely! I would definitely think it would be appropriate, at least here in the US- Maybe someone from Germany know their customs better. But I think it's really pretty, I like that it has sleeves, much better for November

 

[RetroModelSari]

I really like the dress (but I´m not very familiar with Thanksgiving-Events in general as it doesn´t exist here) Where in Germany are you located? (Finally someone else in Germany... jiphie!!!)

 

[Nashoba]

I have the Marine Corps Ball every year which is also a Black-Tie event. I've always worn a long formal gown but I have seen shorter dresses look quite nice. I would say if it's dressed up properly it would be very nice. I usually stick to the long ball gowns though mostly cause it's the one night a year I really get to glam it up!

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

That certainly is a beautiful dress! Don't you just love Anthropologie.
I don't know what the current rules are for black-tie affairs. I always thought that a longer gown verses a cocktail dress was more appropriate. But, that's just my opinion, and I just love any chance I get to put on a glamour gown.
I think this dress you have chosen is intricate in detail and with the accessories you are planning, it is sure to be a knock out. However, it is short, and I'm not sure what the rule books say about wearing cocktail dresses to black-tie events. This is only my opinion, I really do like that dress, it is beautiful. But, if it is a black-tie event, I'd wear long. Just my little opinion. Either way, whatever you wear, I hope you have a great time at the ball and take lots of pictures!

 

[Vanessa]

It is a lovely dress, but I'm not quite sure it meets a black tie code. I'd rather you be over-dressed than under-dressed at an event to be comfortable. I've seen a smattering of cocktail length gowns at black tie events in the past couple years, but it is usually during the warmer months and the gowns themselves were just as fancy as full length gowns - usually beaded with a 20's influence.
Don't be afraid of a sleeveless gown - you can always pair it up with a stole - fabric or fur (very elegant) or a lace shrug.