Dressing for a Work Gala

One of the things I do at my Marketing Director job is to attend some fancy networking events. Usually, they aren’t *too* fancy and a regular work outfit is totally acceptable. Occasionally a fancier event will come up… which is what just happened.

I had a “gala” to attend.

The invitation said it was black tie optional, so I knew I had to put in a little extra effort so that I looked like I belonged there. The problem is that I didn’t really have any time to go about buying something new. Well, I probably could have found some time to buy something… but it was just a work event, so I didn’t really want to drop a chunk of change on a new dress.

Also, it was a work event… so I wanted to be sure my arm sleeve tattoo was under cover. Which basically knocked out 99% of my nice dresses unless I paired them with a cardigan, which didn’t seem very gala-ish.

So, that leaves me with:

• Something I already own.
• Something fancy enough for a gala-type event.
• Something that covered my upper arms.

I was thinking maybe I’d go the wrap dress route…

But as gorgeous as that dress is and as much as I love it… in order for it to be a little more gala-appropriate I’d have to pair it with some high heels. And I don’t do high heels anymore.

So, I rustled through my closet and found it… a metallic, leopard print midi skirt.

The last time I wore it was in 2016, I met Gabrielle Reece, Lori Laughlin, Freddie Prinze Jr, Aisha Tyler, Jennie Garth… AND won a VOTY award for my writing.

It still fit, so I paired with with a simple black wrap top and some Rothy’s. Sure, I could have done heels… but I would have been miserable all night, so I stuck with my points.

And there you have it. Gala appropriate. Comfortable. Tattoo coverage. AND pockets.

Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box. Or…um…inside your existing closet!