black tie event: which of these is acceptable, if any

[bunnybunyip]

Short black dress

Fishnet tights worn with open toe heels

Mid calf length leggings worn with the above (shirt is quite short, and it is November)

I'm quite afraid of the response!

sorry, skirt is quite short

no leggings!

fishnets might look tarty with short black dress

i think you might have to go shopping

Oh no, I suspected as much!

Ok, what about opaque black tights worn with open toe heels? Is that allowed (I was going for the fishnets as thought that might be better with the shoes, and buying more shoes for me would be my worst nightmare as my feet are impossible to fit)

Opaque black tights with open toe shoes would be fine, but you need a longer dress.

and if the skirt is above the knee then you need covered shoulders.

For black tie, ballerina length is the best option (full length belonging to White tie), but as that's difficult to track down, then a cocktail dress, or very dressy suit.

With fishnets, you need a closed toe shoe. Opaques don't really belong with evening formal.

Shopping trip?

Definitely not leggings.

Black tie event usually means cocktail or long dress.

If money is tight Asda have some reasonable dresses - This looks OK and this might look nice on

What is ideal on your legs if you have a knee length or above skirt?

I do like that first dress you suggested sidge. I find it difficult to get dresses to fit as well as I wear a bigger size on top that on the bottom.
Would a skirt and top be acceptable for black tie, if they a) closely match so could be a dress or b) don't match?

On your legs: sheer or glossy.

Yes, you can have separates (I'd say not matching is better than nearly matching).

What sort of event is it?

It doesn't look traditionally formal, but I think if you are wearing a properly short skirt, opaque tights and open toed shoes can look quite cool. But you would need a big necklace or big earrings if the dress is plain.

I wore something similar to an extreeemly fusty dinner once and got lots of compliments, though that might be because the fossils just accepted me as a strangely dressed young person.

You could also try opaque shiny tights http://www.tightsplease.co.uk/tights/material/shiny-tights/ loads here in different colours.

Sorry, can't make the link work for some reason.

Opaque shiny with fishnets over the top?

A lot depends on your age and the type of function. Could you let us know, if poss?

Its an award ceremony for a group that I wouldn't expect to be particularly style obsessed or fusty (not saying exactly what as would be too embarrassed). Is also a bit random for me so will probably never see anyone there again, so I feel a bit more free to break the rules! I feel more confused than ever now! My dress is black but does have some detail around the neck (is a last years monsoon number so can't link to it). I washed it in preparation last night though and half the detailed bits fell off so am in even more trouble. Am beginning to wish I hadn't agreed to go.

Wear a tux. Much more comfy.

Opaques are fine I think and more 'on trend' than fishnets or sheer.

Falke or Wolford do lovely ones.

As long as your dress is dressy enough then I think that would look fine.