‘Black Tie’ = Uniform of the Devil

[PersonaNonGarter]

Everyone’s heart sinks when they get this dress code, right?

Well, maybe not men.

Doesn't it just mean wear a fancy frock?

Have a look at ‘the female equivalent’ on instagram.

Nope. Love a ball gown, me.

I'm literally just home from having two dresses fitted - one needs the neckline changed, one needs the underskirt seam let out. Both for black tie events in December.

I'm a 22-24 and found it HARD to find these dresses, but I'm delighted with them now and I'm looking forward to the events.

Oh I love it! Its good to feel glamourous every so often

Sorry but I LOVE a Black Tie event.

Nope. I found a universally useful cocktail dress a few years ago which looks fab, or i can try something new if i feelt like it. I don't care if i wear the same thing every time!

Aged 18 DH bought what must have been a very expensive DJ with a fancy adjustable waist "zip". He splashed out on some dress shoes about 10 years later. He has probably gone through 3 or 4 dress shirts bowties too. That's it. He is mid-50's and it all still fits (not sure how)!

I dread to think what my dress bill would have been - even resorting to hiring stuff when it was all taffeta ballgowns.

Nope, sorry - I love an excuse to get the evening gowns out!

I love formal nights on cruises, the men looking dapper in black tie, and the women in their posh frocks. So much easier to get it right than the allegedly casual out on the town look.

I went to one recently and found it hard work finding a dress. It’s the sort of dress you need to try on not risk buying online. The big outlet store place that usually has hundreds of fancy dresses had nothing - guess there’s not been demand as no dinner dances, cruises etc. I ordered 2 sizes from John Lewis in end and returned one.
At the event I noticed lots in dresses and suits that were tight/ill fitting presumably dating from pre lockdown.
It’s ok having one dress in wardrobe if your weight is stable. But if you only need it every 3 or 4 years for lots of people chances are it won’t fit well.

@PersonaNonGarter

Everyone’s heart sinks when they get this dress code, right?

Well, maybe not men.

Nope, nice dress, heels, easy enough. Black tie is fine, it is fancy dress or theme nights that I hate.

Hate heels, and dresses make me look like a builder in drag.

Humph.

Nope, my heart leaps in joy at a black tie event. I love dressing up.

I love black tie. How hard is it to wear a long frock or glamorous trouser outfit? We used to have lots of those occasions, I do miss them.

I would love a black tie invite. Haven't had one for years, but they were common as an undergraduate. I don't own any full-length dresses anymore, but I'd love to get one and go out all glammed up. I still have some long satin gloves tucked away even though I haven't worn them in 15 years or more.

I would love to be invited to one. When younger about 19/20 there were two girls in our group who used to invite me to go in place of boyfriends who just were not interested.
I enjoyed (proper) dancing as well, [boast] did first Medal for Ballroom.

No not at all. I like dressing up! Easier in a lot of ways than working out exactly how to dress for a party that is less formal. I have a quite a few black tie dinners at work as well as the very occasional social (not so much in the last 18m....). I don't consider black tie to require long/ballroom though. Dressy cocktail dress is fine too. It's rare to see anyone in full length for work black tie dinners.

I've never been to a black tie event before, but got one in December (hopefully). I can't wait, going to sew myself a suitably extravagant dress and just enjoy going all out. I love an opportunity to dress up.

I love it, taking my time getting ready is so therapeutic. DH hates it as he has really awkward sizing so finding the perfect fit can be a struggle for him.

My inner rebel would be wearing jeans under the frock

I gutted there is not more black tie events in my life. Bloody love them. DH on the other hand feels the same as you.

I have a black trouser suit and a fancy white shirt I've worn for years and years. Cost me a lot of money when I was in a decent job, and it's lasted well! I can wear it with plan black shoes or ankle boots, with or without heel. It's very liberating.

No way am I wearing a bloody frock and all that palaver with accessories.

I LOVE black tie. These days everyone is so wilfully dressed down you even have to wear jeans to the opera. Black tie is a chance to wear a really beautiful dress.

Adore Black Tie events. Always have. DH is the opposite. He didn't even want to dress up to get married... (He did, though not in a typical suit!)

My last formal event I went to on my own and thoroughly enjoyed myself. That was in 2019... another thing cv19 has wrecked!

Quite surprised how much love there is for Black Tie.

I have an event next month and have no idea what to wear. The Met Gala it ain’t…but still.