I have my 20th high school reunion (!) in November. Which dress should I wear? It's going to be in a private room in a banquet hall. The invitation says "business attire." I feel like the one shoulder navy is probably too dressy, but I also think people are going to dress above business attire. And once I pick a dress, I have no idea what shoes to wear! I am hopelessly clueless when it comes to fashion, ha!
56 votes
persimmon / 1171 posts
You should add a poll, but I like the first one. You really can't go wrong; they both look great on you 
How fun!!
pomelo / 5573 posts
The bottom one. I think the top one is too - not dressy, exactly, but something doesn’t feel right about it.
cherry / 148 posts
I love the first dress, it's very flattering. If it's cold, you should wear black tights and black pumps with that dress, but if you don't need tights, you should wear nude pumps (suede or patent leather would be cute). Can't go wrong with nude pumps, they literally match everything. You can wear a pretty necklace or dangly earrings. I think people (women) will dress above business attire like you said. I know I will for my 20th reunion, cocktail dress all the way, why not, it's fun to get dressed up and have a good time. Here's the type of heels I would recommend:
pear / 1558 posts
I'm sorry, but I don't care for either one of those--but I'm just not a fan of asymmetrical tops/dresses. I do like the idea of a short black dress & nude heels, though.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
I like the look of the top one better, but I think the bottom black one might be more fitted for the occasion if it's "business" attire. And with black you can pretty much pair with any shoes/accessories!
squash / 13199 posts
@littlebug: since the invite says business attire I would wear a different dress like the kind that would be part of a dress suit. and just have nicer accessories and hair and makeup
honeydew / 7504 posts
@snowjewelz: That's what I was thinking, too. I feel like I can dress that one up or down. I love the navy one, and I've worn it before so I know that it's really flattering. But it feels like a little too much for "business attire," even though I do think people will dress above that. I've never worn the black one but have held onto it in case I ever needed an LBD.
nectarine / 2974 posts
@GoGoSnoGirl: I agree. I'm just not feeling them!
@littlebug: I think something like what @Mrsbells: posted would look great on you. I just feel like the ones you posted don't show off your figure enough.
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@Mrsbells: Definitely agree with this! I think something like this would be more flattering AND fit the "business attire" requirement better.
honeydew / 7504 posts
@Purpledaisy: I don't really HAVE much of a figure, which is part of the problem. I'm pretty much a straight block from my chest to my hips. I barely have a waist. It sucks. 
I can try to look for something that would create the illusion of a waist, though!
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@littlebug: I think you can create the illusion if you have something with a belt. I feel like belts always help create the illusion of a smaller waist! Maybe something with an A-line skirt so it flows out from your waist? Something like this maybe:
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@littlebug: JCPenney! It's where I get almost all my dresses, haha. They have a bunch like this. Do a search for fit and flare or belted dresses.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
Oh, business attire...that makes it tough, neither one of the dresses is something I'd wear to the office.
I would probably do a column of black as the base (tank over pants) and a topper of some sort.
nectarine / 2243 posts
Business attire? I wonder if they are just saying that so people don't show up in jeans. Neither are too dressy for a HS reunion. Girl...you want to look like you own it..so wear whatever makes you feel bomb and beautiful.
pear / 1558 posts
I like both styles that @Mrsbells: & @Adira: shared. I feel like they'd work for your reunion and plenty of other occasions, too, depending on accessories/footwear.
squash / 13199 posts
@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: thanks! here is the link, its from nordstrom. It is currently listed as sold out though
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/b44-dressed-by-bailey-44-ruched-cap-sleeve-sheath-dress/3362301?cm_ven=pinterest&cm_cat=pinit&cm_pla=site&cm_ite=595967
pomelo / 5220 posts
If it says business I would go with something like @mrsbells or @adira suggested!
nectarine / 2974 posts
@littlebug: I have the SAME issue. I say that I am a rectangle with boobs 
. My waist and hips and almost the same, I have pretty much no natural waist.
How about something like this https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/banded+black+sheath+dress/570183032?color=001&catId=cat90006
I feel that the detail around the waist would help to give more shape and I tend to find V necks to be flattering.
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
@Mrsbells: of course it’s sold out. Such an awesome dress
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@littlebug: What about something like this? It's got some cinching at the waist to give the appearance of more of a waist.
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/black-label-by-evan-picone-cap-sleeve-lace-sheath-dress/ppr5007238121?
honeydew / 7504 posts
@Adira: I was looking for something like the first one you posted but with a v-neck, because v-necks are really flattering on me. That second one would work for that!
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@littlebug: I hear you! I love V-necks too! Hopefully you can find something you like that's very flattering! 
pomegranate / 3658 posts
The top one looks really exposed to me, whereas the bottom one definitely works as a cute cocktail dress (which I really think is what they were going for with "business attire" though that is definitely not the best word choice). I'd wear it esp since you already own it.
honeydew / 7504 posts
@PawPrints: Yes! I think that's my problem with the top one. I love it, but I think it's too much skin for "business attire." And yes, I agree, I think most people will go cocktail attire.
honeydew / 7504 posts
Ok, here is what I got. It's one of the dress @Adira: posted, but in plum rather than black. I'm pretty happy! Now for shoes and accessories...
cherry / 148 posts
@Littlebug: The plum dress is cute, much more flattering than the previous two! Looks perfect for your reunion. What type of jewelry are you thinking to wear and shoes?
honeydew / 7504 posts
@Ina85: No idea about jewelry. I'm thinking these shoes from Target. I love this style, but I can't do high heels anymore, and I usually see this style on sky-high heels. I'm going to keep looking for something similar with a less chunky heel, but those are my backup plan.
kiwi / 635 posts
@littlebug: super cute and looks great on you!
@Adira: never thought of jcpenney for dresses but those are some great choices.. next time I need a dress I know where to look
pear / 1930 posts
@littlebug: You look great! I think you made a good choice. It is a good crossover between business and cocktail. I don't think you need much jewelry, especially since the dress looks a little shimmery.
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