Evening dresses!!!!

[ChocolateDoll]

I am going to a summer charity ball. Proper black tie event. Haven't been to anything of the sort for years, so no idea where to get dresses for this sort of thing.

Any good recommendations? I'm not sure whether to go full length or knee length.

But, and this is the clincher(!), I am looking for elegant. This is a work related thing, and I have recently got together with the Head of our business area (I am in a management role myself, but he is many many levels more senior).

It's been a little bit of a kerfuffle around the business as we have both recently been through messy divorces and I am not really in a role where I'd normally spend a lot of time hob-nobbing with the execs.

In an ideal world it shouldn't matter, but I really want to make a good impression at this event, and put an end to any of the 'what's he doing with her' whispers.

I'm looking for something classic with a hint of sex appeal. Something that will make me feel a million dollars, but also give the impression of being someone to take seriously (not a divorced mum of 2, just getting by in a junior-ish management role).

[LadyLapsang]

Is this event a regular on the firm's calendar and have they bought a table? If so, might the DWs present know your new boyfriend's ex, perhaps over many years? In terms of knee length or long (or somewhere in between) can you look at photos of last year's event. For proper black tie I would say long, but there is nothing worse than being really overdressed if everyone else is in cocktail wear. What age, height and dress size are you?

[ChocolateDoll]

Great idea! I've had a bit of a dig on Facebook and found a few pics of last year. It looks like quite formal with a mix of long & short dresses, but not full length ball gown affairs.

It's not an event that people usually take partners to. I'm only going to be there because I also work for the firm holding the do.

I'm 38, 5 foot 7, and a size 8.

[MrsLettuce]

Sensible to look at pictures of previous years. What sort of budget for the dress? This is very good.

[OdinsLoveChild]

My staple go to brand for black tie is www.phase-eight.com/fcp/categorylist/inspire/blacktieevents

[ChocolateDoll]

Budget wise, I'm prepared to spend up to about £300 if I found something amazing, but am hoping to get something for a fair bit less than that.

I quite fancy strapless as my shoulders are one of my best features. It's not essential though.

[Etymology23]

I got a lovely, pure silk, strapless dress from js collections, but that was some years ago.

Phase 8 would also be my go to brand for black tie.

[MrsLettuce]

The dress I linked is very 'shoulders'. Going on what you said in the OP about the situation in general and the impression you'd like to make I'd strongly advise against strapless. Off the shoulder or halter neck would work nicely. this?

What sort of colour do you fancy? Pattern or plain?

[MrsLettuce]

Going on what you said in the OP about the situation in general and the impression you'd like to make I'd strongly advise against strapless. Off the shoulder or halter neck would work nicely.

The dress I linked is very 'shoulders' but not quite halterneck. this?

What sort of colour do you fancy? Pattern or plain?

[ChocolateDoll]

Yes, off the shoulder or halter neck would be great.

I quite like that one in the second link. Definitely prefer plain to printed fabric. Maybe a bit of a brighter colour as it's a summer evening event though.

I am dark hair and green eyes. Will be not long back from hols at the time of the do, so will hopefully have a bit of a tan 👍🏻

[PovertyJetset]

I would go for a Grecian style one strap/shoulder dress in either a cream,ivory or blush or a jewel colour. A jade or emerald green or plum dress with a gold or silver cuff.

[PovertyJetset]

This is lovey, very dramatic and classy.

[MrsLettuce]

better?

I

[MrsLettuce]

Gosh. Can't post for toffee this evening

I think this is rather nice too

[Etymology23]

I just found the saffron one shoulder and thought it would look great too! The dark red would look beautiful!

[Etymology23]

I also this this is super but the backlessness might be a bit much

www.needleandthread.com/index.php/uk/all-womenswear/dress/prairie-embroidery-midi

[Desperad0]

My go to for this type of event is karen millen- agree you might feel overdressed of you go full length

[Laska5772]

I have This Biba dress . Its elegant, and classy I think, (it makes me feel a million dollars anyway) .. its also very good value! It could be dressed up with gold accessories perhaps

They have it on other colours also but the blue is a stunning shade.. esp with a tan..

[Laska5772]

Or theres Ted Baker Fuschia , halter mid/ long. certainly a stunning statement dress.. . I'm far too old for this lovely dress but it could look great on you?

[MrsLettuce]

This is incredibly chic and it's silk too which always feels amazing to wear.

[Etymology23]

Be comparatively careful with jaeger ATM though as they're going into administration, so while I doubt the brand will disappear, I don't know how they'll be dealing with internet sales etc.

[wizzywig]

You ladies have amazing taste!! Those dresses are lovely. Hope you find something you like

[ChocolateDoll]

What do we think of something like this? Is it too 'little girlie'?

[PovertyJetset]

That dress looks like a high school prom dress. If you want people to take you seriously you should look more elegant than princess.

[Lucked]

I was looking at this dress recently for a similar do but they sold out in my size.

[ChocolateDoll]

Yes, okay - I'm with you on the high school prom thing (I do love a bit of princessy though, so this is going to be hard for me! ).

What's the thoughts on this?