semi–formal help please

I tend to lurk more than post here, but have already learned tons from
all of you regular posters. So, I thought " who better to ask for advice?"
Next weekend, my husband's super conservative employer is having a
semi–formal (pardi–gras theme) dinner. What to wear? Are separates ok,
as long as the fabrics and colors are dressy? Or should I stick to a
gown? I have a midnight blue velvet sheath with mandarin collar that I
tend to think would work best. I also have several skirts (chocolate
brown velvet, sapphire, bronze, grey, navy, or turquoise silk – circle
skirts btw, love that swing when dancing) and tops are again silk and
velvet(what can I say I love the way they feel) in white, black,
sapphire, ruby, emerald, and bronze. Skirts are long (somethings hose
and makeup can't cover) and shirts are sleeveless, long sleeved, or
halters. Any advice would be very welcome.
TIA
Moira

I'm not familiar with "pardi–gras"––is it a typo for Mardi Gras (I'm not being
sarcastic––just puzzled). If so, I would skip the gown as it's not a formal
event and pick the most festive and colorful of your separates.
Since the employer is "super conservative" I personally would skip the halters
and possibly the sleeveless shirts as well.
––
Julie P.
"don't want to learn about etiquette/from glossy magazines"––Bryan Ferry

Jjjjjulie wrote:
From: moira moira...@cox.net
Thanks Julie, no it wasn't a typo, they're doing a Mardi Gras theme and
thought calling it pardi gras was cute. I had pretty much discounted the
halters already, but it's always nice to have a second opinion. The
thing I was mostly concerned with is we're meeting friends after the
dinner to go hear to a local band. I didn't want to be underdressed for
dinner or overdressed for the club/bar afterwards. I think the separates
would strike a happy medium. Again thanks for the tips, and I'll be sure
to post and let everyone know if anyone wears anything spectacular that
night.
moira

moira <moira...@cox.net> wrote in message news:<GRZbd.18243$_g6.3...@okepread03>...
I would wear really fancy, festive jewelry for the "pardi gras" party
(and perhaps a flower in my hair), then tone down the jewelry for the
club.
For instance, I might wear a multi–strand or torsade of pearls, pearl
earrings, and gold bangles for the party, then tuck the necklace and
bangles in my purse on the way to the club.

moira <moira...@cox.net> wrote in message news:<GRZbd.18243$_g6.3...@okepread03>...
I always dress for Dinner / Theater and not worry about being
overdressed the club/bar afterwards.
Ron