Black Tie event - help me!

[BlackTieDilemma]

I have to attend a black tie event in a few weeks and I (literally) have nothing to wear, so I'm in need of massive amounts of help. I've looked online and I'm drawing a blank from most of my usual shops, and anywhere I can think of that sells evening wear don't sell anything I'd want to wear. It's starting to feel like it's an impossible task!

I don't think I want to wear anything floor length, but equally I don't want to wear a cocktail dress either. So I guess, I'd like midi/ballerina length ideally. I'm not against a jumpsuit/trousers at all.

I'm tall, so I'd like to wear flats. I was thinking I could find some spangly flat shoes, but I've drawn a blank there too....

I'm very, very, very pale. I can't wear black, so navy is my black IYSWIM? I think I'm an warm autumn or spring colouring (blue eyes, gold hair, freckles and deathly pale skin, I suit rich, earthy colours and a lot of blues).

I'm not happy in sleeveless things, so I'd like long sleeved if possible, I'm also quite busty (30H) so nothing that requires an non-standard bra. I'm a 12/14 in most things and probably a slim hour glass leaning towards a pear in terms of shape.

I'm not very 'frilly' so don't really like patterns, lace, frills etc. My usual shops are Toast, OSKA, Brora, John Lewis Kin, Poetry etc... none of which lends themselves to evening wear!

I don't have a set budget, and I'm happy to splurge on the right thing (within reason, obviously), I'd like to keep whatever I buy and re-wear as and when needed so nothing too cheap and flimsy.

I had wondered if I found an evening skirt and some fancy flat shoes could I wear a v neck cashmere jumper? We currently have a lot of snow, so I'd really like to not spend the evening freezing to death....

If anyone has any suggestions, even if it's just places to look I'd really appreciate it.

[Thisismynewname123]

Have you looked at Bombshell dresses?
Bombshell

Gorgeous jumpsuit from Jigsaw (although sleeveless, you can wear a normal bra):
Jigsaw
or Reiss:
Reiss

Or Little Black Dress for lots of different brands - filter by what you're looking for:
www.littleblackdress.co.uk/

Coast could be worth a look as well.

[TheCoolerQueen]

Phase Eight have lots of jumpsuits, including long sleeves. 20% off at the moment.

[BlackTieDilemma]

Thank you both! I hadn't heard of LBD or Bombshell, and hadn't thought of Phase Eight so I'll be having a look at them tonight...

[AnneKipanki]

Maybe Hobbs might have somethings left in their sale .

[Nanalisa60]

Quiz online have loads of lovely long dresses, also lipsy which you will find on the Next web site, also look in the clearance click on design brands on next on line, there are loads of formal long dresses at great prices.

[AnneKipanki]

Someone posted a beautiful Joseph dress at the weekend. It was navy satin . Gorgeous.

[NoGravyForYou]

Would something like this work?

www.little-mistress.com/little-mistress-layla-nile-blue-textured-geo-pattern-midaxi-dress-p17200

[AnneKipanki]

www.hobbs.com/product/niamh-maxi-dress/0219-5303-9845L00-PLUM.html

[AnneKipanki]

Help! Dress Related! (Picture included) http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/3811848-Help-Dress-Related-Picture-included
It was on this thread @OP

[Lucked]

Reiss unfussy midi, long sleeve and purple/navy colour.

[AnneKipanki]

www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-chloe-tie-waist-jumpsuit-ivory-black/p4045135

[BlackTieDilemma]

Thank you so much! I haven't seen any of these before.

I really like the Little Mistress dress, plus there's another couple on there that look like they'd fit my wish list. Have you bought from them before @NoGravyForYou ? What's the quality etc like?

I've got a navy, v-neck, 3/4 sleeve Bombshell dress shortlisted, too. The Hobbs dress is also now on my shortlist, I'd be nicely covered up in that!

Thank you again - I really appreciate your help.

[NoGravyForYou]

Yes I bought a gown for a black tie ball last year from them and it was beautiful. They have decent sales often enough so I got mine half price after watching it for a little while.