Evening Attire for Fundraisers
So, being involved in politics in the great state of California, I've attended more than my share of political fundraisers; formal evening events, black tie for gentlemen. Ladies should be in formal evening wear, and most go for very conservative gowns, but some do seem to be recycling prom dresses. Girls! You're not in high school anymore!
You can't go wrong, at such an affair, with a basic black full-length dress. Such events tend to be deeply conservative in approach, even those for left-wing candidates. But avoid too much glitter, too much baby pink, or styles that are too youthful. Frankly, avoid anything that smacks of David's Bridals as well; bridesmaids is a good movie but a bad look. Mother of the bride is, if anything, worse. Shapeless formal muumuus in pastel hues are nobody's friend.
Super-short is also out. Formal cocktail length dresses can certainly work, but if you're trying to decide "Is that a short skirt or a long dress?" then your dress is TOO SHORT. It blows my mind that you even have to mention that?