Can I wear this dress (pic attached) to Black Tie dinner?

[RingOfFire79]

Hi all,

I'm going to this uber-posh black tie dinner in a few days and sadly the long dress I was planning to wear I have changed shape for (too baggy around the waist now).

I have very little time as work is manic and no money to buy a new one. I do however have this 1950s off-shoulder gold cocktail/mid-calf-length dress: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/287075175/1950s-dress-vintage-50s-dress-gold-lurex

If I wore nude shoes and bag and deep red lips, pearl studs etc. to play the gold down, would this work? It is off shoulder.

It is the second most special dress I own and actually still fits me!

[GabsViolet]

Personally, I wouldn't - sorry...

[ShitneySpears]

Yes, go for it.

I love it, it's really different. Every woman there will be in boring clone floor length dresses. You'll look great.

Will you go full vintage? Victory rolls and red lips?

[WellErrr]

Yes you can.

Floor length is only compulsory for white tie, below knee is perfectly fine for black tie.

[NightCzar]

I think it'll be perfect. There will always be non-full length dresses at black tie these days. And no one else will have it, whereas if you dash to the shops now, you risk doubling up with someone else who has done the same.

[RingOfFire79]

Thank you all. I would love to do my hair properly a la 50s but don't have the expertise :) is the gold lame a bit much?

[InterchangeableEmma]

yy, that's fine. Full length dresses are likely to be in the minority

[RingOfFire79]

And no need to be sorry GabsViolet - I'm on here for honest opinions

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

I don't think I would. I usually like to look a bit different but I think that's too different from the dress code.

If you've got no option; muster the confidence to pull it off well and I'm sure you'll be fine. It is a lovely dress!

[atticusclaw2]

There will be loads of people there in calf length dresses. Trust me. I go to these things all the time - probably every 4-6 weeks ish.

It's lovely and completely appropriate.

[WellErrr]

There's nothing wrong with that dress at all!

If it were covered I gold sparkly sequins then yes, you might look a bit NM but it's just lamé. It's fine.

[abigamarone]

Dress code at black tie is: If not wearing a long dress, then a cocktail dress – a fitted dress to very slightly below the knee and with a little décolletage – is an option

...or so says Debrett's.

[Ohtobeskiing]

I think it's beautiful and is perfect for a black tie dinner. I go to quite a few and most women stick to boring classic black (me included!!)

[Geretrude]

I think it's lovely and perfect for a black tie. And if you have any time at all - google youtube videos on easy 50s hairstyles. If you have shoulder length hair or longer, there are a couple of really easy tutorials on there which require nothing more than kirby grips, hairspray and zero expertise and look fab!

[carrie74]

I think it's perfect, go for it. Any chance you could quickly have an up do on the afternoon before you go?

[80sWaistcoat]

It's lovely. I don't think it needs the 50s hairstyle - that might look a bit too try hard or like your are going to a 'themed' night. It's just a lovely dress.

[nickEcave]

I agree that you might look like you were on your way to a 50s theme night if you do really obviously retro hair style. I think the dress is fine for black tie as it is.

[ThisPasadenaHomemaker]

Do it! Fab dress.

I really wouldn't go for victory rolls or any other 50's hairdo. Too try hard and costumey and a bit naff.

[MuseumOfCurry]

I love the dress, you'll be beautiful.

I went to a black tie gala at a smart private members' club in London in June and was shocked at how casually some women were dressed.

[loobyloo1234]

I love it OP. I'm a lover of alternative anyway but at least you know no one else will show up wearing the same dress

[MuseumOfCurry]

I'd also skip a 50s hairdo but a red lip would be perfect.

[SleepFreeZone]

Love it!

[shallichangemyname]

Nothing wrong with it. It's smart enough and not OTT at all.

Alternatively, could you get the waist taken in on your other dress? I have lost a lot of weight recently and I'm doing this with some of my clothes (keeping the others for when it all goes back on.....)

[theautismdisciple]

Hmmm gold and lurex it's a no from me

[MuseumOfCurry]

Are you in the US OP? How will you get it in time?

[Geretrude]

She's already got the dress