I'm going to a white tie gala and I have absolutly no idea what to wear. Help?

Question

I'm going to a white tie gala/ball thing for a charity event and I have no idea what to wear. It's reaaaalllly forma (white-tie) and I'm not sure I can just show up in a cocktail dress or something like that. Would a full-length ballgown be appropriate for this or something?

Can U also post pictures/links/websites to some dresses that U think would be acceptable?

Answer 1

White Tie.

The most formal and elegant of the dress code family.

For men, White Tie consists of a white wing-collared shirt, white Marcella waistcoat and bow tie, a black tail coat and matching trousers. The trousers, unlike those of Black Tie, should bear two lines of braid. The tail coat is cut such that it does not meet at the front – this can cause unexpected awkwardness amongst first-time wearers. The outfit is completed with black patent leather shoes and black socks and may be augmented with a silver-topped ebony cane (or, more cheaply, a wooden and chrome version – these can be bought at Frederick Tranter’s on Bridge Street for about £20,) white silk gloves (which should be removed when dancing) a top hat, and a white silk scarf. To avoid unnecessary expense, eBay is a good source of tailcoats.

For women, dresses should be long and flowing – it is for White Tie that the Ball Gown was designed. Traditionally, these expose a veritable expanse of décolletage.(This means neckline - show as much as you dare). Suitable matching gloves, shoes, and handbag should be acquired; jewellery may be lavish but be warned: only a married woman, or member of royalty, would wear a tiara! It is worth considering the nature of the event when selecting a dress – if dancing is to be energetic and frequent, do not choose a dress liable to slippage. A ‘wardrobe malfunction’ at a formal event is best avoided.

Answer 2

Bush just had a white tie event for the visiting Queen Elizabeth.
The men wear a while tie with their tux.

Its very formal, more than black tie, so full evening dress for the women.
full-length ballgown is the idea, no shorter.

Answer 3

Get a simple cocktail dress down to your ankles and appropriate for your age. Many beautiful dresses are left over from prom stock, so take your pick.

Answer 4

This is the only white ine i found that was cutie.
http://www.debshops.com/Fashion/ViewDetail.asp?page=1&CatID=120&CENID=2424

Answer 5

maybe a white tie stapled to your shirt.