Black tie dress code - walking with AFO

[live2ride]

So what do you wear to black tie functions? I'm walking slowly but wear an ugly black AFO so its flat lace up shoes only. So what should I wear to a black tie formal function? I'm likely to have to walk up and onto a stage in front of everyone (I hated doing that when I could walk normally, I hate it even more now) and would like to look nice but don't know what to wear.

Could I go a long dress with flat boring black lace up shoes or should I stick with nice slacks and a really nice top?

[SCI-Nurse]

Believe it or not, no one will notice your shoes except you. You can get patent leather ballet flats if you want, but just plain tie leather black shoes would be just fine. You might find wearing black or navy velvetene slacks and a sparkly top the most comfortable, but a long velvetene or chiffon skirt would be fine too. Add some sparkly jewelry as well.

(KLD)

[arndog]

Try below the knee hem skirt with one black leather boot that goes to the height of your afo on the other side. then wear a functional black shoe with the same heel height on the afo.

Hey - L2r - you are racing on the disabled cycling team and doing great. Walk tall !

[agnes]

I have had this problem more than once, and wore both a long dress and pants (not at the same time).

Liked it much better when wearing the long dress !! It is true no one will look at your shoes. Enjoy !

[agnes]

You could also wear a short A-line dress like this one, with black velvet pants underneath:

http://www.esprit.co.uk/index.html?LKZ=GB&camp=UK_IC_ZX_AF_20_001&welt=women&tmpl=_StandardV2&id=00790065

[Corinne1]

Personally, I go with dress pants and fancy top. SCI Nurse is right - no one is likely to notice your shoes... but if it's going to bother you, go with what 'feels' most comfortable.

[Bonnette]

SCI Nurse is right - no one is likely to notice your shoes... but if it's going to bother you, go with what 'feels' most comfortable.
Agreed. If you are comfortable with what you are wearing, you will feel more confident and self-assured and your shoes will not be the focus of attention...you will.

[Katja]

If it were me, I'd wear a long dress (as long as you won't trip on it), and not worry about the footwear. Just because a long dress makes me feel more glamourous than trousers.

(At first I was going to say, "Obviously, you would wear a tux", but then I looked at who had actually posted the question :-))

[loreo]

I like the ballet flats idea. I typically wear Mary Jane flats - so they stay on. Naturalizers, Clarks etc come in wide widths so the AFO fits (takes a little stretching at first and tear out the insole). My AFO is white, but I typically wear it exposed. Just rock the look. A LBD will look great with a LB AFO.

[Bonnette]

Just rock the look.
Love that statement and attitude!

[live2ride]

tks all... I must admit that I wasn't much of a 'glamour girl' before anyway but looking at photo's from a couple of events last year I definately have to make more of an effort!

[Katja]

tks all... I must admit that I wasn't much of a 'glamour girl' before anyway but looking at photo's from a couple of events last year I definately have to make more of an effort!

Go for it - a little glitz will make you feel great! And I assume you're going to be walking on stage because you're going to be honoured - congratulations!

[chick]

tks all... I must admit that I wasn't much of a 'glamour girl' before anyway but looking at photo's from a couple of events last year I definately have to make more of an effort!

I really like wide leg pants, which can be worn casually to formal and be very dressy without being too "fru-fru".

Whatever you decide - dress, skirt, or pant - stick with black on lower half, especially if wearing separates, to neutralize/minimize the attention to feet(and black afo's) by blending that in (black on black), and drawing the eye up: eg. with pretty top, bare shoulders, nice up 'do' to accentuate face/neck/shoulders, etc.

Some images below for looks/ideas. Have fun!

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=24768000
See here for this and others (http://www.polyvore.com/winter_kate_drake_wide-leg_pants/thing?id=24768000#1289257161840)


http://static.becomegorgeous.com/img/arts/2010/Aug/19/2609/chloefallrtw2010wide_leg_thumb.jpghttp://static.becomegorgeous.com/img/arts/2010/Aug/19/2609/hermesfallrtw2010wide_leg_pants_thumb.jpg

I think she (Parker) has on a strapless under the coat.
http://fileserver.glam.com/glampress/fashion/08_20_08/sarahjessicaparker.jpg

[jody]

So what do you wear to black tie functions? I'm walking slowly but wear an ugly black AFO so its flat lace up shoes only. So what should I wear to a black tie formal function? I'm likely to have to walk up and onto a stage in front of everyone (I hated doing that when I could walk normally, I hate it even more now) and would like to look nice but don't know what to wear.

Could I go a long dress with flat boring black lace up shoes or should I stick with nice slacks and a really nice top?

been there. I wear boys dress shoes with my black afo's, and have a pair that is new for when I have to look nicer. I have heard that new balance has shoes though, made for maffo's users, and that there are dress type shoes.

[jody]

love the wide leg pants suit. I would totally wear that.

[live2ride]

hey, thanks heaps for the photo's! I like that look and would feel comfortable so at least I have something in mind when I go shopping (OK - another pet hate) and I reckon with the wide leg and make sure they are good length then wouldn't even have to go new shoes (I have the black leather walking shoes - might be new balance or similar).

[WCmom]

I'd do a long A line dress :) But that's cause I'm a tomboy and formal events are the only time I'm a girl. lol

[darkeyed_daisy]

zappos.com has lots of AFO friendly maryjane and flats with straps that are perfect for AFO's and fancy dresses (LOL i am a tomboy too) Zappos is my favorite place.... shoebuy.com 6pm.com

[crypticgimp]

see i'd go the opposite and bedazzle my afo and wear a short skirt/dress with leggings and some sparkly ballet flats!