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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this dress considered ‘black tie’ enough?

171 replies

redtieorno · 18/11/2025 15:07

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!

Is this dress considered ‘black tie’ enough?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
dairydebris · 18/11/2025 15:35

redtieorno · 18/11/2025 15:30

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!

I've literally never, ever, ever in my life looked at another woman and thought 'gosh her arms are awful'.

That's what I tell myself over and over anyway.

😊

redtieorno · 18/11/2025 15:38

smallglassbottle · 18/11/2025 15:33

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

It’s okay 😅 I’ve never worn anything like this before so I wasn’t 100% sure either. Tried it on today, left the shop, went back and tried it again and ive just got home and am still doubting if its right or not!

OP posts:
ShodAndShadySenators · 18/11/2025 15:40

I would look for something with floaty sleeves as a PP said, you do look very wrapped up in that dress. The colour is lovely and suits your colouring beautifully!

GreenSnaker · 18/11/2025 15:42

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RecordBreakers · 18/11/2025 15:43

It's a no from me.

I agree with @smallglassbottle .
I was coming to say you look like you've been wrapped up in a blanket after having an accident or trauma or something.

I do like the colour, but that dress has far too much material and is doing you no favours.

I suggest you get this moved to the Style and Beauty area where there are loads of helpful posters that I bet could find you something more flattering.

Maddy70 · 18/11/2025 15:44

Wow that's gorgeous , perfect and you look stunning

Sunshineismyfavourite · 18/11/2025 15:47

Way too much fabric for me and I am 100% sure you could find something more flattering. It's hugging your tummy when you said that's something you are conscious about. I'd suggest something with a nipped in waist so show off your figure better. Oliver Bonas has some fab party dresses. Love this sequin one which could look amazing on you. Short ish sleeves but long enough to cover your upper arms. It looks very short in the pic but on the model it looks much better!

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/black-sequin-mini-t-shirt-dress-403396#selection.color=14

Black Sequin Mini T-Shirt Dress | Oliver Bonas

Our showstopping black mini dress is guaranteed to make an entrance this party season. Designed in a simple, relaxed, T-shirt shape with short flowing sleeves and sprinkled with hundreds of black multi-sized sequins for seasonal sparkle (gotta love tho...

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/black-sequin-mini-t-shirt-dress-403396#selection.color=14

Catpiece · 18/11/2025 15:48

BreakingBroken · 18/11/2025 15:15

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

Agree and the dress is too old for OP

LadyKenya · 18/11/2025 15:53

You can find a dress that would flatter you better OP. The colour is right for you though.

GreenSnaker · 18/11/2025 15:55

This reply has been deleted

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mondaytosunday · 18/11/2025 15:59

Yes it’s dressy enough but it is not flattering. I think the neckline should be off the shoulders - there’s too much fabric and I’m not sure sizing down will help.

ChillBarrog · 18/11/2025 16:01

redtieorno · 18/11/2025 15:38

It’s okay 😅 I’ve never worn anything like this before so I wasn’t 100% sure either. Tried it on today, left the shop, went back and tried it again and ive just got home and am still doubting if its right or not!

It's not. Sorry, but it's really unflattering.

Qualityroses · 18/11/2025 16:04

Sorry it looks like you've been rolled in red toilet roll. You have a great figure. You should embrace it.

SilenceInside · 18/11/2025 16:05

You have a lovely figure and congratulations on your weight loss. I agree with the view that the dress doesn’t flatter you. There is too much fabric and it swamps you. The sleeves are noticeably baggy and loose, and the ruching on the front is too much. It draws attention to the areas that you want to skim over. The wrap effect over the bust and shoulders gives a bulky look when you are actually quite petite.

PrincessofWells · 18/11/2025 16:07

I like it but try a size down with some shape wear, that will make some difference to the overall look, as it does look a bit generous on you.

SwayingInTime · 18/11/2025 16:09

A cape or a drapy Bardot cut might be cooler (in both senses of the word!)? You look amazing in the red dress but feeling hot just looking at the screen!

https://www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/badgley-mischka/dresses/gowns/cape-effect-crepe-gown/1647597351783539

www.theoutnet.com/en-gb/shop/product/rhea-costa/dresses/gowns/off-the-shoulder-wrap-effect-metallic-jersey-gown/1647597354646655

Comtesse · 18/11/2025 16:09

It’s a black tie dress for sure - try a smaller size!

Pandasarethebest · 18/11/2025 16:13

I think you look fantastic. The colour is great for this time of year. Your hair looks lovely too

FeliciaFancybottom · 18/11/2025 16:15

smallglassbottle · 18/11/2025 15:33

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

Thank you! It's not flattering at all OP.

peppermintpig74 · 18/11/2025 16:17

Definitely appropriate. And stunning

TamarindCottage · 18/11/2025 16:19

redtieorno · 18/11/2025 15:11

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!

The dress looks fab on you. Well done on your weight loss 👏👏👏👏👏👏

Flannelfeet · 18/11/2025 16:19

I seen some nice emerald green velvet and burgandy velvet dresses with long sleeves in new look the other day that would be perfect for black tie.

JaneEyre40 · 18/11/2025 16:21

Fabulous! I would move the right hand sleeve drape up a little avd create more of a neckline but it is beautiful on you. Love the colour.

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