Dress for a black tie event ... Help!

[LostAtTheFair]

I have been invited to a black tie event at a swanky hotel. It's been ages since I have to one and I want to look good! But it is a professional/work related event so I can't have anything that screams "look at me", is frou frou or is revealing (bare shoulders are fine, just nothing slashed to the waist!)

I need a dress as I have nothing suitable. My budget is £250 (maybe £300 at a total stretch).

Interested to hear whether full length is considered essential?

I'm 5 foot 3, size 10 and fair haired ...

TIA

[MrsLettuce]

Cocktail length is fine for black tie, as is long. It's white tie that's strictly full length.

What length would you prefer? Any colours that you hate / dread? Do you have shoes or a bag you'd like to use, and if not do they need to come out of the budget?

Will see what there is about.

[JontyDoggle37]

Go to Coast, it's the perfect time of year as they'll just be getting all their Christmas party gear in, and they do classy but still slightly sexy evening wear that is perfect for posh corporate do's. well within your budget - usually up to about £150

[operationunkown]

For black tie you don't need full length.

I would say though do you have extra is the budget for shoes, bags and accesories. These really make a black tie outfit and can add up quickly.

Do you have any colours that you love or want to avoid?

What about style or finish?

[MrsLettuce]

this, is beautiful if you fancy long.

[BikeRunSki]

You've linked this thread Mrs Lettuce.

[MrsLettuce]

oh. oops.

here

[LostAtTheFair]

Thanks all. To clarify I have good shoes and bags in black, navy and gold/nude so the budget is for the dress only.

[LostAtTheFair]

That is beautiful Mrs Lettuce but I'm not sure about the colour on me - I tend to favour blues/purples/navies although i would dearly love a change!

[MrsLettuce]

pockets, it has pockets!

won't date quickly either, I don't think