Dress code advice from any forces wives/partners please

dizzygillespie

My partner of a few months is in the forces and asked me to a summer ball which I wriggled out of as I'm not a ball gown sort of girl. I feel like I therefore have to make an effort to attend the xmas do, can you please advise how dressy this is. Is everyone in full ball gown mode and how the heck do I get around the fact that my top half is 2 dress sizes bigger than my bottom half and I look rididulous in any sort of dress, never mind a full length posh frock oh yeah and I'm skint too so where do I find something that looks expensive but is cheap as chips?

aliasojo

No idea about dress code I'm afraid but I have seen seriously nice posh frocks and ballgown type dresses in second hand clothes places.

I have to admit to not being a lover of buying second hand clothes (worn by strangers) but I was amazed at the quality and cleanliness of the dresses I saw. By the nature of them, they are obviously only a very short term wear type of garment so will likely be as new.

Maybe worth considering?

dizzygillespie

Thanks, that is something to consider. I've also thought about hiring but that seems to be quite expensive, and I don't suppose they can alter a dress if you hire it, and anything I buy will definitely need altering.

mountainofdebt

I don't know what size(s) you are but have you thought about a top and skirt outfit?

I had one from Moonsoon and it was a sort of chinese affair and I wore that to a ball gown event.

What sizes are you ?

13Kent

Try e-bay I had a lovely dress from there (was a bridesmaid dress) which I wore for a summer ball. I wore my wedding dress for a Xmas ball - a gold strapless top, with a matching long skirt and a wrap - the dress code is usually mid calf to ankle length and something to cover you shoulders most people wear a wrap or pashmina (but you don't have to wear that all the time!)

jungliemac

Usually are full ball gowns but it's a lovely chance to dress up! You could try a ball gown that laces up at the back perhaps? Try ebay. Loads of people have possibly worn them once (bridesmaid?) and want to sell them on. Go and enjoy yourself!

helsee

go and enjoy yourself, what your expected to wear depends on what hes wearing- is it black tie or dress uniform? its fun to dress up even if just now and again and you've left yourself plenty of time to find something that makes you feel completely comfortable and confident so go for it!

try e bay or i find debenhams gets some fabulous stuff in at reasonable prices....sometimes its just trial and error, trawling the shops. Loads of sales and discount events on at the moment. Dont worry too much about feeling "on show" at these things just concentrate on having a fun night out with your other half!

Trying_to_be_good

I've seen very few 'ball gowns' at balls, which I think of as sort of full length, full skirt (or Strictly Come Dancing waltzing) dresses. I normally wear an evening dress - i.e. long (below mid-calf) but straight rather than full - these can then have slits so you can actually walk. Bear in mind that at summer balls there are often dodgems and other fairground rides, and at Christmas balls there are fireworks - it's not really v posh frocks, just something that scrubs up well but allows you to eat and drink what you'd like to, and dance the night away.

A pashmina style scarf to 'cover you shoulders' but also keep you warm for the fireworks is a must for me at a Christmas ball.

Enjoy the ball!

abijanzo

Your partner needs to find out the dress code for you. But my DH has been in the Army and now is in the RAF and the Christmas ball is a very posh affair - it does have to be a ball gown and shoulders must be covered before and during dinner but then you can have them uncovered after dinner. It can be very strict depending on rank and occasion, but it's all good fun and not half as stuffy as it may appear! I would recommend a pashmina or little posh cardi and as another poster commented there will possibly outdoor fireworks so you'll want the option to keep warm.
Have fun and dont make the mistake I have of trying on a corset top and ball gown from monsoon...I thought it fit great but never sat down in it and when it came to sitting down for what seemed like a lifetime through dinner then endless speaches I was in agony! So whatever you decide on, make sure it's comfy sitting in it too.;)

Bargainbabe_2

He should have a mess meeting that will detail what the dress code is for both ladies and gentlemen.

Anyway, regarding the size thing. Like the others have said above, a 2 piece would be ideal for you. I once wore a long straight satin skirt with a corset style top which together looked like a dress. I then added a fake mink stole so I didn't get too cold.
Take a look in TK Maxx for very reasonably evening attire..ebay is also fab.

Enjoy

footballwidow75

I have been to a few of these doo's, and to be honest when I first met my OH he said I HAD to wear a dress - not a two piece, it had to be below the knee and NO trousers.
When I arrived (feeling very nervous as I also am NOT a dress person) I found lots of different variety. Some women were in smart trouser suits, some had dresses above the knee and some had gone the whole hog and got themselves a full on ball gown/bridesmaid type dress!!
As long as you look smart and feel comfortable thats all that really counts, if you can stretch to a nice dress and you feel comfortable in it then by all means go for it - as an earlier post said - it really is a chance to get yourself dolled up to the nines!!
Chat with your OH and if he has been to these before ask his opinion - even better, get him to take you shopping!!!!
My only word of warning is this - make sure you get something you can dance in coz by the end of the night thats what you'll be doing!!!
Hope you find the perfect outfit - and have loads of fun. xx