What does "Red Carpet Attire" mean to you?

[mrs.jacinthe]

I got an invite to a work event.  The event seems to be awards-show themed; the invite is black and gold and there's half an oscar outline on it.  The invite says "drinks, dinner, and dancing" followed by "red carpet attire".  The venue is our city's fancy auditorium.  This will be a large event.  (Probably 500-1000 people)

Does this mean ball gown?  Glittery slinky thing?  Fancy cocktail?  Help me with rent the runway suggestions?  (And just to make this more complicated, I will most likely be wearing a cardiac event monitor, so there may be wires and a box to conceal under said dress.)

[miso]

Floor-length gown or very dressy non-floor-length gown.

[Deleted]

I'd go with a floor length gown.

[miso]

FWIW, what I think "red carpet attire" means and what I would actually wear to an event of this nature are two different things.

I probably wouldn't care enough about such an event to go all out with actual "red carpet attire" and would wear something I already owned, whether or not I would wear that on a real red carpet.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Feb 18, 2017 23:03:20 GMT -5 miso said:

FWIW, what I think "red carpet attire" means and what I would actually wear to an event of this nature are two different things.

I probably wouldn't care enough about such an event to go all out with actual "red carpet attire" and would wear something I already owned, whether or not I would wear that on a real red carpet.

I've recently changed sizes and I don't have a single dress that actually fits and is more formal than pique.  So I need to either buy or rent something.  I figured a RTR would be my best option.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Feb 18, 2017 22:57:46 GMT -5 ste said:

I would be annoyed beyond belief if I had to RTR for a work event.

Likewise.  Last year's event was black and white masquerade, but it was black/white cocktail attire.

[Eagles]

Definitely something floor length. Would you prefer a style that you can wear a regular bra with, for the monitor?

[imojoebunny]

DH's company used to have an insane party every year. It was black tie, fancy dress, sounds a bit like this. I just wore a standard black cocktail dress and a glittery, fancy scarf wrap thing, I borrowed from a fancy friend. I was dressed appropriately. For sure, others had fancier dresses, even glitter ones, but standard black cocktail was fine.

[konapoppy]

Do you have to wear a dress? I feel like a snazzy (lol) top with women's tuxedo trousers and heels could look really chic and might be easier for you to manage your medical equipment.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Feb 18, 2017 23:36:46 GMT -5 Eagles said:

Definitely something floor length. Would you prefer a style that you can wear a regular bra with, for the monitor?

Probably, or a halter style so the monitor "necklace" can be used.

[Eagles]

Feb 18, 2017 23:47:35 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Feb 18, 2017 23:36:46 GMT -5 Eagles said:

Definitely something floor length. Would you prefer a style that you can wear a regular bra with, for the monitor?

Probably, or a halter style so the monitor "necklace" can be used.

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[sonrisa]

What is your position in your company? If you aren't an exec or involved in hosting the event (and setting the tone) I wouldn't stress over your outfit. A cocktail dress or little black dress sounds great.

[sparkythelawyer]

I mean, I watch the Oscar's in my jammies so.

[spinnaker5]

Feb 18, 2017 22:57:46 GMT -5 ste said:

I would be annoyed beyond belief if I had to RTR for a work event.

 RTR is easy, and also fun, and many options are inexpensive. Great option for work events.

[Eagles]

I wore this to a wedding last fall and it was very comfortable. Not sure if it's too low cut, though.

m.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/badgley_mischka/go_out_with_a_bang_dress

[sushi]

2 leads or more? And is it one that works with cell phone, pager, or otherwise? Yeah, I've worn them before. For a month each time. I get how much of a PITA it is.

Unfortunately I don't really have suggestions. I did always make sure I had pockets, and I didn't really care if anyone saw. But, that was either while wearing scrubs to work or working in a casual medical clinic. It's not exactly hard to explain away.

Try to find a skirt with lots of extra fabric and pockets. Ideal if you can manage a 2 piece, but you can get creative with wires with various back types. But I think wide leg pants and a sexy top should be fine. Good luck.

[Eagles]

And honestly, as someone who works on styled shoots, my advice would be to find a comfortable black cocktail dress and just use statement jewelry to make it "red carpet." Get chandelier earrings and either a stack of bangles or a wide cuff bracelet with lots of sparkle. Or do a big necklace with stud earrings and bracelets. Target, Charming Charlie's, and Bauble Bar are great for that kind of costume stuff.

[cabbagecabbage]

For a work event, I would absolutely go for lbd/cocktail dress and jewelry. I've worked for some pretty swanky employers and I've never attended an event where I needed a true gown.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Feb 18, 2017 23:55:27 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

What is your position in your company? If you aren't an exec or involved in hosting the event (and setting the tone) I wouldn't stress over your outfit. A cocktail dress or little black dress sounds great.

I'm a Realtor. This is our agent appreciation dinner.

[mrs.jacinthe]

Feb 19, 2017 0:07:23 GMT -5 sushi said:

2 leads or more? And is it one that works with cell phone, pager, or otherwise? Yeah, I've worn them before. For a month each time. I get how much of a PITA it is.

Unfortunately I don't really have suggestions. I did always make sure I had pockets, and I didn't really care if anyone saw. But, that was either while wearing scrubs to work or working in a casual medical clinic. It's not exactly hard to explain away.

Try to find a skirt with lots of extra fabric and pockets. Ideal if you can manage a 2 piece, but you can get creative with wires with various back types. But I think wide leg pants and a sexy top should be fine. Good luck.

I think two leads. I don't have it yet.

[sushi]

Feb 19, 2017 0:51:37 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

I think two leads. I don't have it yet.

OK, that makes it much easier. And chances are the pack may be small enough to fit in cleavage if you have any (I don't).My last one was 5 leads, and admittedly it was a pain to get a pocket big enough with some of my work clothes. 

I won't pry into the reasons you have one nor for how long, but your cardiologist may approve a few hours without if you're really self conscious about it at a special event. Last time I had one I was living in Hawaii, and mine approved a couple hours a week for the beach. Priorities

But I'd be inclined to skip. Events like this are soooo not my thing.

[sushi]

This has high pockets so that only if someone were staring hard would they notice the leads. And there's enough extra fabric I think it would hold the cartridge without being visible. Maybe not the best looking thing ever, but it fits the requirements.

www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/shoshanna/jasmine_skirt

[MixedBerryJam]

Feb 18, 2017 23:03:20 GMT -5 miso said:

FWIW, what I think "red carpet attire" means and what I would actually wear to an event of this nature are two different things.

I probably wouldn't care enough about such an event to go all out with actual "red carpet attire" and would wear something I already owned, whether or not I would wear that on a real red carpet.

This. And miso would know because she is probably our only poster who's actually been on the red carpet!