Dress code advice from any forces wives/partners please

spike7451

I think part of it goes down to a few factors
1-The rank of the senior mess member
2-How the senior mess members wife 'wears' that rank.
3-Guests.

Our last RSM (TA) had it Mess Uniform & ball gowns/Dinner suit's for partners.No exception,even for visiting SNCO's without Mess kit where our new RSM has relaxed it somewhat where smart dark suits or long skirts/cocktail dress for partners.

Bigun28

spike7451 wrote: »

I think part of it goes down to a few factors
1-The rank of the senior mess member
2-How the senior mess members wife 'wears' that rank.
3-Guests.

Our last RSM (TA) had it Mess Uniform & ball gowns/Dinner suit's for partners.No exception,even for visiting SNCO's without Mess kit where our new RSM has relaxed it somewhat where smart dark suits or long skirts/cocktail dress for partners.

In my experience it's normally the woman that have big issues with dress codes at military functions and not the men, particularly if they see another wife/partner wearing something that doesn't quite meet the dress standards. Then you'll find all hell breaks loose as many suddenly take on their partner's rank and go and give whoever is in charge a good chest poking along the lines of 'Why is she allowed to wear that when I've got to wear this? When are you going to throw her out?'

You always know there is going to be trouble when a wife introduces herself as Major or Sergeant so and so's wife rather than by her normal name.

I've been to functions where the dress code was relaxed as a trial following suggestions from the wives, allowing women to wear anything from mid-thigh downwards. Loads of posters were put up around the Mess weeks in advance to notify people, and e-mails were repeatedly sent out to all. Then at the event, of about 300 people only about a dozen ladies turned up in a shorter dress. All the other ladies started the 'why is she ……' routine, only to be told about the advertising campaign, which for some reason husbands had failed to pass on.

I think a lot of people ended up sleeping on sofas that night …………………

Moneybubbles

Lilmiss wrote: »

A friend is going to his Xmas 'draw' ( ball) and showed me the dress his partner will be wearing which was from here
http://www.sexyher.co.uk/

The prices arent ridiclous unlike some places and they have an option for a little more to have the dress made to measure. I havent used them myself but bookmarked it in case I get invited to anything similar in future

I had a dress from here for May great dress and no-one had the same;)

I have got all my dresses from ebay, I have about 5 now though:o

I have ball gowns but kind of bridesmaid looking not to 'puff ball' if you like but in deep colours such as deep green and black (for xmas) and then 2 evening dresses, long to floor but fitted (well not that fitted!) as well as 2 just below the knee ones, both black, one prom style one a bit more casual (more for ladies dining in ect!)

Sigh, I always go long for the evening functions just because I feel safe!

Have fun, we all worry, then one drink later, wuick eye up of what everyong esle is wearing and we forget the troubles anyway teehee

Having a different necklace/scarf/ jewellery can really change the look of a dress, hair up or down can too!:D

(I love it! I live in tracksuit most of the time haha)

spike7451

Moneybubbles wrote: »

I had a dress from here for May great dress and no-one had the same;)

I have got all my dresses from ebay, I have about 5 now though:o

I have ball gowns but kind of bridesmaid looking not to 'puff ball' if you like but in deep colours such as deep green and black (for xmas) and then 2 evening dresses, long to floor but fitted (well not that fitted!) as well as 2 just below the knee ones, both black, one prom style one a bit more casual (more for ladies dining in ect!)

Sigh, I always go long for the evening functions just because I feel safe!

Have fun, we all worry, then one drink later, wuick eye up of what everyong esle is wearing and we forget the troubles anyway teehee

Having a different necklace/scarf/ jewellery can really change the look of a dress, hair up or down can too!:D

(I love it! I live in tracksuit most of the time haha)

My G/F could'nt see what all the 'fuss' was about at her first function,even thought it was OTT but really loved it at the end,She even had port for the first time!:rotfl:

Moneybubbles

ack can't be doing the port! just can't shift my taste buds for that heehee

dreamywings1

Ports loverly with blue WKD (cheeky vimto)
Have fun at your Mess Do, i really do miss them x

disney2007_2

There will be mess meeting and you will be told what you have to wear, there are always guide lines.
I got a great dress from tk maxx this year and i complained about it and got it down to £30.00. slight thread was loose.
Charity shops are great aswell, or try www.preloved.co.uk