1950's style evening wear

[snowlie]

I've seen lots on rockabilly type sites but I'm looking for something more formal, probably not vintage as getting the sizing and the style right is too much of a challenge. The occasion will be black tie. Budget around £200.

[MrsFruitcake]

Phase Eight do some lovely circle skirt dresses in pretty prints and gorgeous fabrics. I bought a long formal 50s style dress on eBay in the summer which was made to measure and cost about £75.

[emsyj]

I would take a look at Whirling Turban. They are based in Bali but I think the woman who runs it is actually American. I have bought from there and their dresses are beautifully made and lovely quality. They do bespoke sizing and fabrics - I think you can actually send your own fabric to them if you want something specific (not sure tho).

I am dying for an excuse to buy the 'Peggy Would' dress. I have a slim skirt style in a polka dot fabric with a matching bolero but would love more from them.

[Inthebeginning]

lady v have got a beautiful new one in that has a bow on the side. Let me see if I can link.

[Ujjayi]

Etsy is awash with 50s inspired formal dresses.

[Mumelie]

Beautiful 50s dresses at Deadly is the Female.
I have the Alika, and have tried on the Billion Dollar Baby (never looked so thin and curvy)!

[Pinupgirl]

Collectif have some stunning dresses in that would be perfect for a party. Have a look on their site for the velvet Delilah,Helen or Claudette dresses. They are also getting some new stock in shortly.

I can't sing their praises enough-75% of my wardrobe is Collectif!

Vivien of Holloway is also nice although I try to only buy when they have offers on-the Jezebel dress and the Grace dress are insanely flattering imo.

[awaywego1]

I've just ordered this:
www.bettiepageclothing.com/wiggle/lime-drop
I'm not sure if ill be brave enough to wear it yet and it's still elevating for me to collect from the po at the moment!

[snowlie]

This one comes closest to the kind of thing I'm after, but I can't order online, I just can't take the risk of it not fitting or not suiting, the dress would need to be altered before I would know whether it worked.
This is the other option, but I'm not as keen on the neck line, it may look fabulous on.

[Inthebeginning]

http://www.ladyvlondon.com/Dolly-Darling-Dress-in-Purple_A1DFJB.aspx dress but not in colour I'd go for

[snowlie]

The shape's good beginning but the contracting colours make it look too informal. It's a fairly conservative black tie do....I can't go too far off script.

[emsyj]

I had forgotten until this moment that I saw some fabulous 50s style formal evening dresses in House of Fraser last weekend. If you search on their website for Eliza J there are quite a few options. This one was my favourite - I looked and picked it up and looked again and eventually had to walk away because it really is a black tie level formal dress and I have no prospect of needing a dress of this style anytime in the foreseeable future, sadly. It was much MUCH lovelier in real life IMO. Worth a look?

[rachyconks]

I have worn the black Vivien of holloway circle dress with two petticoats to black tie dinners before. It looks amazing and I always get loads of compliments. One petticoat is fine, two is awesome. I had red, but any colour works. I co-ordinate DH's bow tie to match the colour of the petticoat. Yes, we are that sad.

[goodasitgets]

Definitely Collectif
Stop Staring have good stuff
And pin up girl clothing