On being subversive, I think the walk-thru gown says "i left the office in one outfit, and then voila, I added this skirt to it to make it a gown, like a Superman cape."

Totally agree about FV— absurdly overpriced for the quality.

I could def see that walk thru garment at the Tate 🧐

So happy to see you looking at all black shoes for that fab jumpsuit! I have these thought I would share…black suede LifeStride…DSW has them..very very comfortable…I broke the side of my left foot years ago and now comfort is everything…these work and look stylish. I wear a 8.5 and they make my foot look smaller!

OMG you guys are driving.me.crazy. But, thanks.

Amazon has those, for $25.99. I ordered them!

Also in this color: Not sure what will work better.

You will be at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic and we'll still be posting suggestions 😂

Good old Amazon! oh my goodness….you go girl!

@Kswl i see their stuff in FB ads all the time. I would never buy any of it.

Well well, if it isn't my 9/22 order, arriving today? I have low hopes for it, as I ordered it hastily and it appears to be one of the Chinese co.s where everything is always poor quality and the wrong size.

Here are the contenders; the one arriving today is on the far right

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the first 3 (reserving judgment on the unseen one). The only reservation is shoes with the walk-thru. Shoes with bold ankle straps just below the line of the pants hem is too many horizontal lines at your ankles IMHO.

btw, have you seen that Kay Unger sells a walk thru skirt? Navy. Might be a holiday look with your white blouse.

My vote is still for bling-y neck dress. It brightens you up. Close second is blue dress. Colorwise they are best for you, IMO.

@bbstx, One of the dresses from the first Great Black Tie Dress Search was a walk-thru skirt, which I bought accidentally. I was not crazy about it on me. I don't like it nearly as much as a walk thru gown with pants, a look I like a lot. I think I prefer the slim line of the pants offset by the ball gown-ish- skirt.

Currently researching the route from hotel to event, and how much walking if any is involved... LOL. If my colleague suggests the tube he is on his own! He may very well do so, as he used to live there. Then again, he has a wife and is not a dullard.

I have taken over a bedroom to manage the inventory. Later today will box up returns.

@sas95 I will prob let the DDs vote be the deciding factor. If I am honest, my biggest priority is not to look matronly. So they will be good judges of that.

We had a friend with a very trophy wife. She frequently wore what she called ”dinner shoes,” usually strappy, very high stilletos. She expected to be deposited at the front door of the restaurant and walk only as far as the table. Once our table was upstairs. I was afraid she wasn’t going to make it.

I love that term, "dinner shoes!"

Bbstx, I know those shoes under a different name 😎

Me too @Kswl. Ha ha!

oh yikes!

I’ve been waiting all day for the DDs verdict……

LOL, we just got home from pedicures.

BTW, we are all size 10 so they brought some shoes for me to try.

Meantime, the Last Remaining Dress on Earth I'd Not Yet Tried arrived and I tried it on.

It will be perfect for the Amish Gala. WTH! It also could have wrapped around me 3 times and has zero structure. It does have pockets, ladies.

I’m not sure even pockets can redeem that dress.

That doesn't even look like the same fabric. The flowers look smaller and it looks like there is less negative space and that the sheer is less open.

Too big is never good. I can't see the collar and also wondering what color you're wearing under it. I know it's not even being considered but I find it interestingly different. Maybe if the fit was right with a white full length undergarment but we will never know. I know I'm being fooled by the model's photo. Now on to the winner and runner up :)

I am wearing a slip dress under it, very similar to the model but in nude.

it is not just too big, it is absurd

I know I'm being fooled by the model's photo.

As was I.

I have had this happen before when you order from a place you've never heard of. It is not the same fabric IMHO. Chinese fraud.

Mtn…oh my gosh! that is sooooo disappointing… it is just in time for Halloween..add a black witches hat and you are ready for any goulash party!

No worries-- you have 3 great options.

I can't really see the details on any of them so I shouldnt weigh in but I do have an order of preference. I can't wait to see what your DDs decide!

I love the walk-thru on you! 🤞🏻

Regarding a comment made above:

There are only two appropriate replies when someone comments they like your dress.

1) Thanks, it has pockets!

2) Thanks, it doesn't have pockets.

I hope your event is at least half as entertaining as the search for the dress has been.💃👗

Another who can’t wait for the big reveal! Sorry for the disappointing dress, but at least you don’t have another dress to muddy the decision. That latest dress…I have no words.

Sorry, up very late playing Mahjong.

They have spoken. They did not dislike any of these last 3, but here is their ranking

3rd runner up: The pearl neck.

• They liked how it looked on me but
• Is there such a thing as too dressy for black tie? You might feel silly in this if other women dress more simply
• One felt the neckline was old fashioned
• May read "trying too hard"

2nd runner up: The navy

• Really liked this especially with blue shoes and purse
• Liked the simplicity; too simple from a distance maybe
• However, if I am worried about looking matronly, long navy knit dresses scream MOB.

1st place; the walk thru gown

• The most business-like while still very dressy
• the square neck is both a little $exy and strong
• Best look 360 degrees, not just head on

As far as shoes --- the highest heel you can comfortably walk in. Being tall makes the whole outfit better, do it however you can and it doesn't matter as much as just being tall (I am just under 5'9 to begin with).

Still waiting on 5pr of shoes, all of which are not as high as the leopard ones, we shall see. Their shoes were too delicate for me or the heel was not chunky enough.

Sounds like a good assesment based on real life viewing. Had never heard the term walk thru gown before but it seems perfect for the sitch and apparently is perfect on. yay and yay.

Interesting comments! I had to giggle at ”trying too hard.” I totally agree that many long navy dresses (knit or not) scream MOB in the most matronly way. Sister and I had that exact conversation when she was shopping for her dress for DN’s wedding. (She ended up in a strapless aqua gown - definitely MOB but with some panache.)

Can’t wait for the ”style report” when you return.

Thanks for sharing.

This is interesting because I typed in "work-related black tie___, " and "corporate event black tie___"

and the completions for this came up " ___dress, women" and also a version "with sleeves" came up, so I guess this is something that people need clarification on.

I did not get a AI mode answer at the top, which is interesting, but I did get something close to the top that said to "avoid embellishments, larger cutouts, patterns."

And the row of the dresses at the top featured black Un-embellished dresses, a dress that looked like a skirt and blouse (black with white), and elevated shirt dresses.

So essentially your step through dress and versions of the first black gown, which was no longer on the list, and the addition of a few more severe options for women who are six feet tall and weigh 135 lbs.

The bits and pieces of verbiage that I picked up (I am surprised that there was not more paragraphs popping up) ruled out the pearl neck and the blue one because of the embellishments, and also for being "mother of the bride" and not really for work.

And honestly I think this is probably why I like the one with the pants, and the black one that looks more like a skirt that's not on the list, and why I did not like anything "fun" like the leopard sandals or furry bag. You don't really want to look festive.

I guess the bottom line it that the closer you can get to it being a tuxedo while being a real dress and not going in male drag, the better. And you can never go wrong with plain and a bit severe.

Yay! Yippee!!! The walk through gown is perfect for a business event. I was silently hoping they would choose that outfit.

I don't see many women around here in knit dresses of any type for MOB.... too clingy! They are almost all looking for lace, ruching, pleating, etc in a dress that is more forgiving than a knit.

Glad the question is finally answered and you can start packing!

Wonderful! you will look Fabulous and Chic!

Although I haven't participated in this thread, I've read along. I keep being reminded of that scene in ?? Cinderalla, I think, where she is in the forest and all the creatures are gathering around, magically transforming her to be the belle of the ball.

A glamorous fairy tale and a happy ending. This has been such a wonderful diversion.

Ooh, I really like the walk thru gown. Congrats!

Before this thread, I never knew about a walk-through gown. It is the perfect solution, looks stunning on you, and now we can look forward to hearing about your experience wearing it! This really has been a fun discussion.

I'm glad your DD's agreed on the same look and they align with Pal's comments. Out of the last 3 in the line-up the walk-through is the best choice. My personal favorite was the black, full skirted gown with the velvet bodice and sash which might have been difficult to pack. However the winner fulfills all the parameters. Hope you have a smashing good time!

Did you throw your gold jacket over your shoulders just to see how it looks?

I have loved this thread and the Goldilocks ending.

You WILL update us on the shoes though, right???

thread withdrawal is real.

Hooray! An excellent choice. Now onto shoes...

Bbstx, I know those shoes under a different name

Ha! I'm a big Amy Winehouse fan. She has a song 'F&ck me pumps'. Whenever it would come on in the car, DH would cough at just the right moments so DS wouldn't hear the word :-) DS is now almost 25. I should ask him if he knew that.

Yep. We always called them FMPs, too. I’ll have to search out the Amy Winehouse song.

Glad you found something. This thread has been a blast!

Three prs of shoes still in transit. The bargain ones from Amazon are cute but the straps are oddly loose in front and gap

I’d love to see you try these. Do you have time to order from Zappos?

https://www.zappos.com/p/womens-sam-edelman-bianka-sling-black-suede/product/9818971/color/106

Ok so now you are considering shoes again! what about jewelry was decided.

We demand an update!

Who'd have ever guessed? see https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6514182/travel-report#n=19 for the denouement.

I cannot believe you didn't get to go to the gala!! I think the only solution is to find or host another gala to wear your new outfit.