To be this clueless about “Black Tie” dress code? Help needed!!

[EmptyHouse0822]

I’ve been invited to some big fancy awards night, it’s work related and the dress code is “Black Tie”.

I don’t know anyone else who is going and for various reasons I don’t want to tell any of my colleagues I have been nominated. There would be accusations of “showing off” as being the main one.

I have never been to a Black Tie event and the awards ceremony is a really big deal and somewhere extremely swanky so I don’t want to get it wrong.

Anyhow, I understand what “Black Tie” means for the men…..but what about women?

Do we have to wear black too? And do the dresses have to be floor length?

Im looking for dresses online and there are some really beautiful ones, but I don’t want to be either under dressed or over dressed.

Im not usually one for wearing black as I like a bit of colour, but if that’s a big no-no then I will have to suck it up.

And what about handbags and shoes - do they have to be completely black?

The event is in less than two weeks and I really need to sort this.

Help!

I've just come back from a black tie event that was also work related..
I wore a very dark blue Indian dress...
Just wore regular sandals as my dress was floor length..
Navy handbag...
Fancy earrings and a bracelet but no necklace as my neck was covered..

All the other ladies were literally dressed in black.. silver jewellery..
men were in black suites white shirts and of course black tie..

Google Will have images of similar award events - have a look at those to get a feel for what others have worn.

Also, do you have a friend you could borrow from? I have a wardrobe stuffed full of this kind of stuff (from my preDC life) which I’m always delighted to loan out…

This is a minefield ☹️

Im looking to spend about £90-100

Ps I have rented designer dresses before and it’s definitely worth it. You can definitely see a difference if you wear Jenny Packham vs Lipsy.

Im blonde and pale in complexion so I also don’t want to look washed out.

I normally like to wear dark green colours.

If you have an evening dress hire shop near you I would go and try on some dresses there. You then won't end up with a dress that you might never wear again but could still find something stunning in your price range.

It doesn't mean wear black. I wouldn't actually wear black as that's for funerals.

It means Oscar dress style. Long. No knees showing. Not too much clevege. Good jewellery. Leather handbag. No scuffs. Heels. Immaculate shoes.

Hair up professionally.

Good make up.

Manicured nails.

A satin/ silk/ velvet dress would work well. You should think about good structuring underwear and potentially a strapless bra. You definitely don't want vpl or straps showing!

OP the clothes on the website you linked are horribly dated and not very nice.

I’m sure posters who enjoy evening wear will direct you to more fashionable shops / sites. (MN rarely likes my suggestions so I’ll pass!)

The ones you have picked are all wedding guest dresses. Black tie is formal eg Coast, Debut by Debenhams (as was), Monsoon. Think more formal like a prom dress or bridesmaid dress not a wedding guest!

www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phase-eight.com%2Frow%2Fclothing%2Fdresses%2Fblack-tie%2F&psig=AOvVaw2SRSrOLShjUpIsxJuAoTBD&ust=1664270371279000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAkQjRxqFwoTCLDOn7WQsvoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAF

maybe something like this ?

Don't forget jumpsuits if you have the figure for them, they can look amazing.

What I will say is that they dress code will almost certainly be very widely interpreted. You will see people in everything from minidresses to full on ball gowns.

My personal interpretation would be a fairly simple longer dress with accessories or a fancier but shorter cocktail dress. Above all wear a colour that really suits you and have fun.

My bridesmaids wore dresses like this, and i know one of them has since worn it for a black tie event?

I'd wear something like these -

www.asos.com/never-fully-dressed/never-fully-dressed-lace-up-back-maxi-dress-in-black-rose-print/prd/203268027?clr=black-rose-print&colourWayId=203268028&cid=8857

www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-off-shoulder-mesh-insert-cocoon-maxi-prom-dress-in-black/prd/202508728?clr=black&colourWayId=202508729&cid=8857

www.asos.com/hope-ivy/hope-ivy-milly-satin-batwing-midi-dress-in-coral/prd/202061309?clr=coral&colourWayId=202061313&cid=8857

The concept of black tie for women had changed a lot over the years and isn't so rigid.

one shoulder

floaty

statement colour

Dark green would be lovely!

what about www.coastfashion.com/embroidered-long-sleeve-maxi-dress/ACC99223-572-22.html?istCompanyId=ea18716d-5d4c-45d1-97b5-44f5ccef03c7&istFeedId=804fbb78-ffa6-4f49-ab7a-570411b233ee&istItemId=ilaqqiwir&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnEoG8Nrg_gDYQTBWOne64XkkSBr3PGTDPH_934yfMyNWlF6OulEztRoCuu4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

One thing to consider is if you buy a dress, will you wear it again. A more neutral dress could be dressed up or down and kept for longer.

I'd wear a floor length dress and high heels. Not too tight but skimming my body. Hold it all in inderwear. All my best diamond jewelry too. Small element evening bag. Even though any colour would be ok if probably go for black/dark burgundy. Not low cut. If short sleeve you could wear some fabulous long evening gloves that go up your arm ala Lady Mary in Downtown Abbey. I am becoming over invested in your dress.

www.infinitydress.com/en-gb/products/Burgundy-multiway-infinity-dress?variant=37671324025003&gclid=CjwKCAjwm8WZBhBUEiwA178UnOsWpKvyx33YvuZjDu5wA0SoqrY-OKiURWNHg-bg61YX_5MHtVE48hoC-PsQAvD_BwE

What about this one?

The dresses you posted would all be good. You've got the right idea, you need an evening dress for this, not a ball gown.

Good luck!

www.infinitydress.com/en-gb/products/dark-green-multiway-infinity-dress?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_id=51d8c3791&pr_rec_pid=6155514970283&pr_ref_pid=6103809687723&pr_seq=uniform

If you like dark green. Not expensive either. Get long gloves to go with it.

Three examples from Zara - all at the lower end of a budget.

Make sure you can move comfortably in the dress, no risk of malfunctions! Also wear shoes you can walk in and don't drink too much.

It’s beautiful but I need a good support around my chest. I definitely go bra-less and it looks from the back of those dresses it would be a requirement?

I don’t drink so I’m safe on that one 😂😂