No. In my area that would not fly for Black Tie Optional. Looks cute & comfy for more casual things, though.

With some strappy shoes and "gala" earrings, I think you would be fine.

I agree with Nini. Looks like a dress for a casual night out with friends, but not an event that states Black Tie Optional.

It's a little long. Too casual and needs a defined waist. Black though is good.

I like that it's a creative dress and I would wear it, but to me it reads too casual for a gala.

I love the dress, I want it! But agree that it is a bit too informal for a black tie optional event.

Cute, but not for a gala. The big pockets, for example, make it more casual for a fun occasion. Maybe a dress with these general lines, possibly a little longer and simpler. Some blingy jewellry and nice shoes would dress it up for a special occasion like this.

Too casual for black tie optional for me.

Way too casual even with any accessories or fancy shoes. However, I can guarantee there will be people under dressed and inappropriate so the question is how much do you want to push it? I have been to many events where I've spent lots of money, looked great but later, thought, ehh, not worth it. A good pair of black pants, fancy top and accessories would have been fine. So I looked great and got attention: was it worth it money-wise?

I do think a balanced wardrobe has everything, but for me, I uhmmm, seem to go up and down in weight and also, really, really like current clothes. There is always something that sets them apart, if subtly.

Sometimes it is, sometime not, worth it. Usually the magnitude of the event dictates.

I agree with too casual, with the one POSSIBLE exception of a very artistic crowd and worn very artistically. If you have to ask, I would say you are not one who is likely to pull that off.

I see the dress as casual and would agree that you could do something more "gala" without spending any more, quite possibly less. And the dress says it is sold out.

It's a no for me ;(

Nope.

Thanks all! I love having this place to ask questions like this. It's like having sisters. I really hate looking for formal/semi-formal wear, and since there's a bit of bling in the silver on the dress, was hoping it might work, I'll keep looking for something that's comfortable, dressier, and doesn't break the bank!

They're out there. Here's DH and I on our Alaska cruise for formal night...

I got lucky. It was super inexpensive...under $20. I blinged it up with some rhinestone clips from my MIL. Very comfortable...black cotton knit, like wearing pjs...and it travels without wrinkling.

You will stand out as inappropriately dressed if you wear that - way too casual.

Wow Annie, you got that dress for under $20? I never have shopping luck like that. Thanks everyone!

I love this unique dress & think it would absolutely work with an update strappy sandal, such as Vince Camuoto Even sandal

That dress needs fuzzy slippers, not strappy sandals!

Edited to add that it would look adorable with tights, clogs or boots. I have had dresses like that and would have pined for it a few years ago. But not for a formal affair.

ETA: I'm sorry for the rude comment I made about your dress. I should have read your post more closely.

No, I wouldn't wear that to a gala.

She already owns the dress. I think it is a nice, very casual, artsy style that would look great at the art functions I go to all the time, but not a gala.

I vote no. Sorry.

Even the model doesn't look happy wearing that dress.

That's true, Lucy, but I think she's supposed to look thoughtful and artsy! Anyway, I do love the dress and will let you know when I find "the one". (Though staying home isn't a bad idea either! Was it Mark Twain who said something like you should avoid any event that requires the purchase of new clothes?)

Indygo....I still think it would be great....I enlarged the pic & the fabric actually looks kind of dressy. Check out the Vince Camuto shoes...I'm just saying'...:)

I think just the fact that you love the dress says a lot about your style and you could probably carry it off. Dressy shoes, hip hair cut, etc. I'd definitely risk it. It's only an event. No one will care and many will probably wish they looked so cool.

At first I didnt think the dress worked, but after reading some of the comments, and reading where you said it is silver (as opposed to gray which is what I thought),and picturing it with dressy accessories- ie strappy sandals, purse etc, I think it would work. I too have a big aversion to having to buy something for an event- sounds like you don't love shopping and you do love that dress.

Yes, I may be the lone male here, but I vote no....:-)

Faron, lol, we all know your style!

I have attended some black tie optional events in the past. In my area (which is kind of casual), most women at these events go with dressy separates or cocktail dresses and a few women go full on gala. If you think your dress looks like a nice/interesting cocktail dress in person I think it would work with prominent accessories.