My Boss, who is fully aware that I am working poor, invited me to a ball on Saturday with his wife. It says formal. I do not own a ballgown and cannot afford to drop a few hundred dollars on one. Can I wear a cocktail dress? Remember...he knows I am struggling so I don't think he'd care, but is it totally wrong. Should I splurge on the gown and try to hustle my rent or should is the cocktail dress fine?
Does it have to be black??????
Help. Don't want to offend, but don't want to be homeless for some silly function.
btw, he paid $100 for my ticket, feel dead awful if I didn't go.
2007-02-16 02:00:09 · 8 answers · asked by Lotus Phoenix 6 in Beauty & Style ➔ Other - Beauty & Style
Try going to a large charity shop like Salvation Army, Goodwill, AMVETS, etc. They oftenly have formal wear at affordable prices. Gowns are usually in good selection as daddies with money buy their daughters expensive ball gowns for the proms and like OMG if they ever got seen wearing it 2x. Also gals that stand up for weddings end up with these fancy gowns, they'd never otherwise wear. This works for guys too. I am working poor and can't afford to spend $60 and up to rent formal wear on a moments notice. From the local charity shop I got a black tux and a Grey set of tails and i think I spent less than $40 for both. No one knows the difference.
One other option, is renting. You can rent a gown in much the same way a guy rents a tux. I know it's a bit much for 1 night, but is lots cheaper than buying new, should you have no luck buying used.
If all else fails, go with the little black (prefferably, but any colour will do if not loud) dress. The key here is accessorizing. Wear a live corsage. They are usually cheap enough and some supermarket florists sell them. Wear elegant jewlery. If you don't have anything, check the charity shops. The big key here isn't that it's real, but that it's SHINEY. Many costume pieces that are faux pearl or gold/silver w/cz or austrian crystals can look every bit as dazzling as the real thing. Rub the pieces with liquid dish soap (dawn, ajax or the like) on your fingers. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and alow to dry on a towel in a warm place. If you get any water spots, buff lightly with a soft cotton cloth like an old T shirt.
Vola` ! Cinderella is ready for the ball. Since you resoursefuly did it all yourself, you have to drive or call a cab, because there's no fairy godmother to wave her magic wand and create you a carriage. However, This means if you happen to meet Prince Charming, you don't have to worry about turning in to a pumpkin at Midnight.
Also bear in mind that your Boss may have done this as he may be secretly grooming you for a higher position and wants to see how you handle this.
Good luck and best wishes.
2007-02-16 02:37:23 · answer #1 · answered by Captain Jack ® 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not wear a cocktail dress to a ball you will stand out like a sore thumb it seems everyone else that has answered this question has no class...to wear something like that would also make you look classless (not to be offensive but I grew up going to functions like these and still regularly attend them) ......try to rent a ballgown for cheaper or talk to your boss if he invited you knowing your situtation he should offer to purchase a gown for you...
2007-02-16 02:10:45 · answer #2 · answered by Love always, Kortnei 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cocktail dress
2007-02-16 02:06:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tought about renting a dress? maybe you can find a great one for a small amount of money. If not, definitly go with the cocktail. Better if is a black dress and, girl, accesories make it all... good luck.
2007-02-16 02:10:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the cocktail dress is fine, he knows your situation so don't worry about it. If you're overly worried and really don't want to wear that dress then see if you can borrow someting from a friend or check out the salvation army/local thrift shop.
2007-02-16 02:08:50 · answer #5 · answered by foodie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hun, I understand your situation...depending on where you live, you can rent out dresses...listed below are some sites which may have dresses available depending on your location...macy's sometimes have dresses on sale which can run at about $50-100, which is still on the pricey side...it's up to you to decide, but don't feel embarassed about your predicament..you're still worthy of going to this event and I'm sure that you will still shine. good luck!
2007-02-16 02:12:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wear the cocktail dress and never ever apologize for what you wore. It may have been wrong for him to invite you if he knew that.
2007-02-16 02:09:34 · answer #7 · answered by trustno1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a simple cocktal dress or party dress at H&M or forever21 and get some phenomenal heels pin up your hair , and you'll look amazing
2007-02-16 02:09:02 · answer #8 · answered by salena 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋