What exactly does 'black tie' mean for ladies?

[sheeplikessleep]

Is a black knee length dress OK? Or does it need to be more of a cocktail/ballgown?
Thanks

'ladies'

What are you going to? If it is a dinner then a cocktail dress would be fine. Ball gown for something grander?

DHs xmas work do - sit down 3 course meal in a hotel. Really can't afford a cocktail dress for 1 evenings wear , hoping a smart black satiny dress would suffice?

posh frock

I have been to a black tie dinner where one of the women was wearing jeans (she was, however, terribly posh!).

How dressy is your dress?

Yes a smart black satiny dress is fine.

A party dress really. Knee length, quite fitted, satin 'band' around middle, sleeveless, black with red floral print (looks better than it sounds!). More of a party dress than a dressy dress. Definitely not a 'daytime' dress though.

I think that would be fine.

Have a fab night x

yes sounds fine, accesorise with warm scarfs, hats, flashes of colour in gloves and handbag..
have fun!

Fine will do me, thanks

Evening dress = long.
Black tie = cocktail or LBD.

That sounds fine!!

I have to buy a dress for DP's work christmas do, and am going for a cocktail dress as I don't do long dresses.