Does a ball gown have to be floor length?

Question

I am going to an event in October and the requirement is evening dress-the men will be in Dinner Jackets (tuxedos). Does this mean I will have to wear a floor length dress, or would it be ok to wear an A-line dress where the end of the dress is below the knee and sweeps to the ankle?

I should have looked at the dress I bought properly before I start asking questions. Its actually just above ankle length and is not an A-line design.

p.s-for the person who criticised me for not knowing basic fashion etiqiuette had better learn what an A-line dress is before criticising me. Because it certainly is not not a fish tail!!!!

Ive been looking at ebay-and there are some totally random designs which vary in length

Answer 1

I think that would be ok as long as its classy...not trashy! lol have fun! wish I could go! lol I LOOOOOVE formal events!

Answer 2

When I get an invite for a formal do (hubby in forces) evening dress where men in Tux or full dress uniform would mean that I wear floor or ankle length dress. Cocktail dress, or shorter length would be when he would wear a suit or number 1 uniform. Do you know anyone else going to the event and what they will be wearing? I would opt for ankle length, nothing too showy or glitzy, and not black - everyone seems to wear black these days. Have a lovely time.

Answer 3

Slightly above the ankle. Usual dress code requires women to wear gowns that are prefferably about teir ankle. Personally, I think if you go any lower, it'd look like you're mopping the floor. Any higher, it'll look as if you wore that for High School Prom a decade ago :)

Answer 4

Oh, please tell me you're not describing a fishtail hem, where the back is longer than the front? Such a hemline is not appropriate for formal wear because:

1. It's tricky, and deliberately attention-seeking.
2. It's normally considered date wear, for the above reason.
3. The inside back hem is visible (tacky and cheap looking).

If you refuse to wear a formal dress (that is, floor-length), then at least find a dress that is tea length (between ankle and knee).

In formal dress, the point is to look as if one has, in fact, been invited, and has not crashed the event after a night of bar-hopping.

(Note to myself: I can't BELIEVE there are people who have to have the most basic points of fashion explained to them)

Answer 5

Evening dress does not necessarily mean ball gowns. The earlier comment that yours is a cocktail dress is correct, but that is probably perfectly acceptable. If in doubt, try and find someone who has attended the event previously to put your mind at rest. If it's a one-off event then please don't worry about it - wear something which makes you feel at your best.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

So long as the dress is classy enough to be suitable to match a tuxedo then it's fine what ever the length so long as it's not too short!!

Answer 8

That will be fine, as long as it is below the knee. Traditional ball gowns are usually floor length, but more modern versions are sometimes shorter. As long as you are comfortable and confident, then I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 9

this sounds fine-though i would personally go for full length.

i agree that the person who thinks an a-line is a fish tail is very much mistaken and should indeed get her facts right before criticising

Answer 10

Absolutely up to yourself. Check out current a-list photos for ideas; inevitably the decision must be based on a comfort facility for such a formal evening.

Answer 11

no
wear an A-line dress