White Tie Party? What to wear?

[Roseformeplease]

I have been invited to a marquee, white tie birthday party in early July. It is in the North of England, so not necessarily warm. I have a lovely short blue Monsoon dress but does White Tie mean a long dress? If so, what? I love buying on Ebay so am more likely to get something 2nd hand but am open to suggestions. Can afford £100 (ish) and would prefer to wear existing shoes (black) as I am rubbish with heels and new shoes. I am 5ft 10, 46 years old and a size 14. I would prefer something fitted and flattering as sticky- outy makes me look like a ship in full sail. Sleeves / half sleeves would be a good idea. I am fair (blonde highlights) and would prefer a deep blue / green / rather than lots of patterns and NO frills etc.

Oh, lovely ladies. Can you help?

[burnishedsilver]

It's above budget but what about something along these lines?
HoF

[Roseformeplease]

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1.76/7451540312?skipRedirection=true

I really like this one but WAAY over budget.

[vvviola]

I am no good for suggestions, but yes, white tie definitely means long dress - verging on ball gown to be honest. Cocktail/short dress would really stand out.

(Completely irrelevant, but I am so surprised by a white tie birthday party! I used to work in event management that did work with heads of state, Kings and queens etc, and even for those events white tie was very unusual and considered "too formal")

[Roseformeplease]

Thanks burnishedsilver and I like one or two of the others by that make too. Might have to look further at House of Fraser.

[AuntieStella]

What is your budget?

Is this, from John Lewis any good?

[AuntieStella]

Sorry, have now taken another swig of coffee, and seen you've already said, and so ignore that link (too far over budget).

[Coastingit]

Asos are great for occasion dresses on a budget - how about mint green strapless or Navy embellished ?

I searched 'dresses' then narrowed by length = maxi and cost < £100, the re are loads on there.

[burnishedsilver]

On budget (almost) as heavily reduced in the sale..... Phase Eight

[Roseformeplease]

Asos fab. What a site. Lots to ponder here. Thanks so much.

[AuntieStella]

How far would you compromise in sleeves? There's far more choice if you'll go sleeveless, if you want something similar to the monsoon one you linked.

Or how about this navy dress from House if Fraser?

[Pantsalive]

I really like this dress - comfortable-looking and sparkly - but I've not seen it in real life.

[Pantsalive]

Sorry, just seen it's no longer available in a 14. Not very helpful.

[Pantsalive]

Very elegant.

[Pantsalive]

Vintage

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Black and navy with sleeves

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Monochrome

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Deep blue

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Vera Wang

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Sequins

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Strapless

[Twinklestein]

Do you know Adrianna Papell? Available at John Lewis and House of Fraser.

This one is nice but very over budget.

But this one is only £90 over.

You can wear a tiara if you have one...

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Strapless black/gold

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Grey silk

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

One shoulder Julien McDonald