Expert: Amanda Lenhart - 3/19/2007

Question
hi,
i will be attending a conference at the mandarin oriental hotel. the dress code for dinner is red carpet (ballroom). is it alright to wear a short dress (knee) with spaghetti straps and shawl? is it ok if i dont tie up the hair (long straight hair) and what kind of shoes should i wear with the blue short dress? thank you

Answer
I'm not exactly sure what "red carpet" attire is...but I would assume it means black tie or white tie, which both dictate floor length dresses.  Knee length dresses are only considered cocktail or semi-formal attire and probably should be avoided to a "ballroom" event.  There is really no dictate for hair, although and updo is considered more formal than loose hair.  I always suggest that it's infinitely better to be over-dressed than under-dressed!