auntjen, DH (and therefore I) have had to go to a couple of not-particularly-liked co-workers' weddings purely for office politics. He didn't give crap one about the co-workers (and I wouldn't have known them had they stopped me on the street and kicked me in the shins) but had he not shown up things would not have gone very well for him in the office. Some workplaces are just lousy like that, if you don't participate in the "office culture" you're sunk at review time. There were other "unwritten-but-really-required" activities like the bar-hops and expensive restaurant lunches (of course not paid for by the employer) for stuff like birthdays and departures that contributed to his leaving that job. Things like that added up very fast, and DH was the lowest-paid person in the office by a BIG margin - like there were several people in that office making 10x what DH did. At the time I had ONE nice dress, and it was the standard all-occasion, all-season "little black dress" with princess seams and elbow-length sleeves. I wore brightly-colored accessories - shoes, purse, and chunky vintage jewelry from Goodwill ;-) - and didn't get any guff from anyone.

I'm so glad someone wrong a new song about this. I hit the party and they stop in that _____ They be like, "Oh, that Gucci - that's hella tight." I'm like, "Yo - that's fifty dollars for a T-shirt." Limited edition, let's do some simple addition Fifty dollars for a T-shirt - that's just some ignorant _____ I call that getting swindled and pimped I call that getting tricked by a business That shirt's hella dough And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don't Peep game, come take a look through my telescope Tryna get girls from a brand and you hella won't Man you hella won't - MACKLEMORE That's a message kids can use in forming their priorities and ability to think on their own, and excellent statement on the ridiculousness of supposed fashion. Back in my day, it was Styx: "But don't be fooled by the radio The TV or the magazines They show you photographs of how your life should be But they're just someone else's fantasy So if you think your life is complete confusion Because you never win the game Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... So if you think your life is complete confusion Because your neighbors got it made Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same. We're all the same... America spells competition, join us in our blind ambition Get yourself a brand new motor car Someday soon we'll stop to ponder what on Earth's this spell we're under"

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.

I teach at a private school. I would not advise wearing jeans until you know their dress code. They should have a staff handbook that details their policy. At our school, we have special days where staff and students can wear jeans, but otherwise any denim is strictly verbotten. Until you know for sure you didn't catch them on a casual day, I would go for a casual pant and nice blouse and comfortable shoes (not sneakers). If jeans are allowed, I'd always wear a nice blouse/sweater with them. Hopefully, the teachers and other staff will fill you in on school culture once you start. On days were I am required to work in the cafeteria, I have a bibbed apron with big front pockets, so I don't ruin my nice clothing and I can carry extra napkins, cutlery, etc. Educational assistants are very busy and are much appreciated at our school. I know the students will be lucky to have you. I hope your first day goes well.