"black tie" sit down dinner

[div22c]

i have my university 5 year reunion coming up...the schedule is a bit like this - high tea at 3pm, pre dinner drinks at 7.30, black tie sit down dinner at 8pm followed by dancing till late. i assume i wear one outfit throughout the day, would be a bit silly to go lugging a suitcase! so what does an almost 40 year old wear to an event like this? suggestions welcome that wont break the bank, especially since i doubt whether i would ever wear the dress again.

help! i have no idea what black tie dress code would be - google results are a bit confusing

The black tie normally means a full length gown - think oscars dress. You can wear a shorter one - I did - but you would stand out if it is proper 'black tie'. One has to assume that there will be time to change inbetween .

You're going to need two outfits. Nice daytime frock or smart trousers and top for tea, then cocktail or full length dress for black tie do (e.g. something from Coast)

It's a very faffy dress code, though. What idiot dreamt that up??

thanks honesty and squaver. wish i knew who dreamt it up...i am a jeans girl on weekends and usually wear bootcut trousers with assorted tops for work. sigggh will look awwful in a dress any suggestions guys - for both the outfits?

black tie dresses too expensive though, I suspect

Black tie usually means a cocktail dress these days. Long dresses are only required at white tie events.

Wouldn't buy anything from Coast unless you buy something plain and put your own spin on it.

It is acceptable for women to wear trousers and a top to black tie but they must be very dressy. However, if you aren't comfortable in a dress this would be a better option for you.

Got to agree with Tulpe here. I have been to a fair few black tie events, and if they involve a sit down dinner, hardly anyone (under 50) wears full length. Go for a glitzy cocktail number (as Tulpe says, watch out for Coast-a-likes, also Phase 8), silk jumpsuit or luxe maxi if you can find one?

I should think it is a two outfit day, as presumably the menfolk aren't going to take tea in their black tie gear? It is one of the quirks of these things that while the men will all be wearing the same and have no choice in it, it is their outfit that determines the minefield of female dressing. Typical.

Black tie dinner = cocktail dress or long dress. Long dresses are only necessary at a ball or similar. IMO.

There must be time to change, as the men will have to change from daytime outfits into their dinner jackets.

For the sitting down to eat part, it's traditional to have shoulders covered: this would work to you favour here as you could start off with a dressy shrug or little jacket fot the daytime/eating parts, and whip it off for the dancing etc.

excellent suggestions all...sounds like a cocktail dress it is...some links would be very welcome pleeease

I never wear long dresses (as in floor length) for black tie, only white tie... although these days I rarely get to go to either.

I agree a nice coast dress should do the trick.

This blac/white dress is nice, Debenhams have a section called 'evening and party dresses'.

trillianastra - thats very pretty...will it suit a pear shape do you think?

No clue, sorry. Maybe a new thread saying 'I need a cocktail dress' (my shape is XXX, my budget is YYYY) would bring out the dress-finding fashionistas? :)

thanks everyone!

Be careful that you dont wear a dress / top that is very boned for the dinner. It will make eating quite uncomfortable.

oh no, oh no! i just looked at the invite more carefully - the dress code is "black tie/ lounge suit". i already ordered some cocktail dresses (was to finalise based on how they looked on me): hobbs, next or oasis. will they be too dressy do you think for "black tie/ lounge suit"? i have visions of walking in wearing something dressy to find everyone wearing muted office type nice work clothes!

phew...thanks guys! will surely post back once i've tried on the dresses...SevenAT it was indeed the Hempel