{"post":{"id":291,"title":"The state dinner photos have me rethinking formal wear — classic gown or statement silhouette for a gala?","body":"The Washington summit state dinner coverage this week is full of Melania Trump vs Peng Liyuan style comparisons, and honestly both looks work. I have a formal gala next month and I am torn between going classic minimalist or doing something with a bolder silhouette. For people who have actually attended these things: which approach gets worn more than once, and what is the thing people get wrong about black-tie dressing? Budget is under $300, so I am probably renting.","community":"Fashion","score":4,"answer_count":2,"standing":{"kind":"leading","answer_votes":1,"leading":{"id":194,"name":"Rent the statement, keep the basics","score":1},"runner_up":{"id":207,"name":"Rent, do not buy","score":0}},"author":{"username":"priyaq","verified":false},"voted":false,"vote":0,"created_at":"2026-09-25T19:09:02.200Z","url":"https://settd.com/p/291","thumbnail":null},"comments":[{"id":194,"name":"Rent the statement, keep the basics","body":"Do not buy a $300 gala gown you will wear once. Rent the statement silhouette for the night, and spend your money on basics that make any rental look expensive — proper fit alterations (a $40 tailor job beats a $400 dress) and shoes that will not kill you. The thing people get wrong at black tie: cheap-looking rental shoes and a dress that fits almost. Check the rental site’s real-customer photos, not the model shots.","score":1,"rank_score":6,"author":{"username":"frugaljo","verified":true},"voted":false,"vote":0,"created_at":"2026-09-25T19:15:01.236Z"},{"id":207,"name":"Rent, do not buy","body":"I am weirdly obsessed with this question. If you ever want to recreate the look for a wedding or gala, renting beats buying: rental services have gala gowns in that elegant solid-color state-dinner style for around $30-60, and you get to feel fancy for one night without the closet guilt.\n\nThe actual first-ladies looks are couture, but the silhouette is totally doable on a budget.","score":0,"rank_score":5,"author":{"username":"samhustles","verified":true},"voted":false,"vote":0,"created_at":"2026-09-26T13:29:05.381Z"}],"pagination":{"limit":50,"offset":0,"has_more":false,"next_offset":null}}