What's a tasteful military ball gown?

Just glad im retired and dont have to worry about suck an important issue of what not to wear.

The one in the picture is not tasteful.

It blows my mind whenever I see something like this. There was one of these at my last military ball at Stewart, unfortunately SHE was the Field Grade officer.

Why would I take my wife out looking like that, not saying body is bad or anything but its my wife and for me to look at and not my buddy's or my Commander. It's not the beach she is not showing of her body or her tan, there is no bikini if something pop's on that dress its all coming out.
Forgive me for being old fashioned but when your with me you should be grabbing my attention and other men's.

I would almost be embarrassed if that was my wife in that dress during an Air Firce Ball. I'm sure she feels beautiful and elegant in that dress, but there is a time and place for that article of clothing and it's not a military ball. Night club: sure, Vegas: Absolutely, Professional functions (any venue): Not so much.

I prefer to wear trousers, however old fashioned they may be for males.

First of all rank has nothing to do with character of the individual. Secondly limitations are a must when putting out your dress code so not to embarrass both the guest and the individual's in question. We as leaders must remember that not everyone was brought up the same way so we need to always mimimize issues like this. Not a place for exposed skin!

Well that dress is clearly inappropriate. It should be elegant, fit nicely, and make one feel good about oneself. A dress should cover you middle half and not expose everything. If I wore something like that my husband would never let me get to the receiving line, heck he would not allow me to leave the house in that for the fact that I would be exposing way too much to his collaeges and command.

There is nothing wrong with this dress. She is happy that her husband is home and is enjoying herself. If you got it flaunt it...she's not the one in the military. The dress is perfect! I would be proud to take her to the ball...

Funny thing, no one is even paying attention to the soon to be former CPT and his date.