Is this dress considered ‘black tie’ enough?

[redtieorno]

I’m attending my first black tie party next weekend and have, in true ‘me’ style; left the dress to the last minute.

I am really struggling to find anything I like / that feels suitable in stores, everything’s shifted to Christmas and short sequin dresses…

This is the only one I came across that was full length and I kind of liked. I am extremely self conscious after having lost a lot of weight and having lots of loose skin around my stomach, and I hate my arms so having them covered is an absolute MUST for me!

would you say this is suitable for a black tie event, or is it too casual?

I haven’t got shoes on in this photo, and would wear some nice statement jewellery etc.

Thank you!

Yes. Congratulations on your weight loss. You look fabulous.

Thank you so much, that’s really kind to say! I am weirdly more self conscious now I’ve lost the weight than I was being by bigger…Funny how it works!

It's perfect.

It’s a beautiful colour and really suits your colouring but I have to be honest and say that the dress is not flattering. There’s too much material and it swamps you - I think you need to be brave and find something that shows you lovely figure off better.

LOVE it! You look great in it! With heels and statement jewellery it's a perfect black tie dress.

You look lovely

Your choice of dress is entirely appropriate for a black tie event. I think you fab in this. Well done you on the weight loss too. ❤️

I’d agree. Think you can stop hiding under so much material and find a more flattering style.

It’s a no from me. Too much ruching in all the wrong places.
I’d keep shopping.

I hate to say but I think you could find something that suits you more. I'm sorry because I know how hard dress shopping is. The colour is fab on you!

Looks great. Can you pull down the neckline a bit to show your shoulders and a bit of cleavage??

it’s a bit too long so wear heels or get it adjusted x

Yes that’s definitely black tie enough, and it looks lovely on you! That red really suits your colouring.
If you have or can find - a gold clutch bag and gold shoes would set off perfectly.

That looks fabulous. It will be great, definitely not too casual.

Editing to add: I do agree with others that you could show a bit more shoulder/cleavage if you wanted, it is pretty covered up for black tie. Most black also isn't compulsory floor length if you did want to look at other options.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

My partner actually also said there seems to be ‘too much’ material, this was a size bigger than I’d usually go for but perhaps I should try the size down.

Ive also looked online at some black bardot style dresses but im not sure I’ll like them as my arms are my biggest issue!

Well done on your weightloss! Something similar yes but this one has too much fabric it looks like its been made from curtains tbh. Honestly, you could carry anything off maybe a shorter sleeve?

Honestly it’s giving Mumm-ra from thunder cats a bit. It kind of swamps you and looks like you’re wrapped in red bandages. Sorry!

I think it looks nice and is very much black tie enough. Just need some nice heels and jewellery and you’re sorted!

You could try the size down just to see? I’m not convinced there’s too much material - could be just the style of it

I say yes, Black tie enough. And lovely colour.

However I know for a fact after a few glasses of wine I'd be waaaaaay too hot and sweaty in that. You need to be comfy too.

It s perfect and gorgeous.
FYI - dresses for black tie dont bave ti be full length. They can also be to the knees (cocktail dresses). You ll see all genre there 😉

This probably meets the criteria for black tie:

https://joanieclothing.com/christina-hendricks-x-joanie-immortal-flower-high-neck-velvet-maxi-dress.html

Or these might work in terms of shape:

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/teal-floral-print-waterfall-sleeve-maxi-dress?_pos=1&_sid=bdd08dabf&_ss=r

This one is better in that it's a block colour but I don't think the waist and bust is as well set up:

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/red-3-4-waterfall-sleeve-slinky-wrap-over-midi-dress-copy?_pos=15&_sid=bdd08dabf&_ss=r

I think the colour is fabulous on you but you can’t see your lovely new figure for all that draping. Definitely suitable for black tie but I think you could wear something younger and prettier and still look formally dressed. For context, you will see ladies on cruises who are probably twice your age showing more skin (and looking good with it)!

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your help 🙏🏻

I was also worried it might make me a bit too hot 🤣 I should have added I live in Dubai, not the Uk anymore - so it is definitely a lot warmer. I’m just so conscious of my arms I can’t stand anything short sleeved on me!

@redtieorno find a dress with long sleeves but floatty so the fabric dont stick on you.
and get something shorter maybe

I'm really sorry, but you look like an Egyptian mummy all wrapped up in bandages 🙈