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Original poster

Help me find a dress for a black-tie do!!

36 replies

FaffTastic · 11/02/2011 18:09

Well ladies, I need your help. Got a black tie do on 4th March which I can't avoid going to. Normally avoid these things like the plague.

I do not own a long dress. Is it still mandatory to wear a long dress to these kind of things or will a knee length one cut the biscuit?

Haven't a clue where to start or what style to get. Always associate 'dressy' long dresses with bridesmaid dresses and I want something a bit more cutting edge than that!

I'm 32, 5'6, size 10/12, 34D (so nothing too cleavage-showing please) and I'll def not do strapeless as it makes my shoulders look too broad.

Oh, and maximium budget round about the £150 mark as I'll probably never wear the bloody thing again.

TIA!

OP posts:
tethersend · 11/02/2011 19:29

How about this?

Or this?

Or this?

Or this?

pink4ever · 11/02/2011 19:40

tethersend-are you having a laugh? seriously they are all vile(imo). Op head to House of Fraser,John Lewis or Debenhams.Am sure you will find something with a great figure like yours.

tethersend · 11/02/2011 20:11

Good to know, pink Grin

They are all beautiful and you are clearly deluded.

I await your recommendations with bated breath.

3littlefrogs · 11/02/2011 20:16

Black tie usually = long dress. Debenhams have the biggest selection and good prices. They also have a good selection of cover-ups, boleros etc, if you want to cover your arms. (If they are a bit chubby, like mine Blush

Tillyscoutsmum · 11/02/2011 20:22

I've worn cocktail dress (knee length) to a black tie do before. I believe technically, black tie is full length but unless its a massively formal one, knee length should be fine. Are you able to check with anyone who's been before ?

full length but over budget

knee length

could be dressed up

CeliaFate · 11/02/2011 20:25

this is a bit different!

tethersend · 11/02/2011 20:29

I like that one, Celia.

hobbgoblin · 11/02/2011 20:33

Ilike tethers' but would look fat in them all

TeaOneSugar · 11/02/2011 21:08

I think knee length is acceptable for black tie now, the last one I went to (awards dinner at a park lane hotel) some of the younger ladies were in tight fitting knicker skimming dresses.

I love that phase eight dress and it's just my colour.

planestrainsautomobiles · 11/02/2011 22:35

I think this is gorgeous and very elegant...plus I think you can get free delivery.

No cleavage on show but lower at the back so not too stuffy. Its reduced to £75 in the black or if you fancy a bit more colour its £150 in the teal.

planestrainsautomobiles · 11/02/2011 22:45

I know you said "no" to strapless but how about a one-shoulder dress - thinking Tess Daly on Strictly. Also very elegant and within your price range.

If you do want something a bit more "edgy" - how about this from All Saints. Another black one-shoulder dress but very cool at the same time.

AllSaints have loads of LBDs in the sale - which you're probably more likely to wear again.

KurriKurri · 12/02/2011 00:10

this is very elegant - I'm sure someone linked to it the other day, - it might even have been Tethers before she went mad bought a bizarre bag and started linking to the contents of Judith Chalmers wardrobe (that orange thing) Grin

LianeD · 12/02/2011 10:14

Why dont you try vintage...you can guarantee that unique look

Original poster
FaffTastic · 12/02/2011 15:44

Thanks for the links ladies. Like the one-shoulder maxi one from all-siants but think, maybe, perhaps (oh I don't bloody know) that I was wanting to avoid black.

Might go for knee length as at least then there is a high probability that I would wear the dress again.

I don't know anyone else that is going (apart from DH who would be no use in the fashion stakes) so can't ask what anyone else is wearing.

Its an award thing that his work is sponsoring. Never normally go but this year am deciding to be the supporting wife. Starting to wish I hadn't bothered

Any other ideas before I get into full-panic mode?

OP posts:
Original poster
FaffTastic · 12/02/2011 15:52

Opinions on this?

I know its bland, its overpriced for jersey, but thinking I might get wear out of it again in the summer with a cropped denim jacket and flip-flops/gladiators.

I could funk it up maybe with the right shoes and accessories?

No, its just overpriced and bland isn't it. FGS.

OP posts:
takingchances · 12/02/2011 16:39

I think that Ted Baker one is lovely Faff. You'd get loads of wear out of it and it's so pretty.
Have just been on the Aftershock site and they are having a sale...www.aftershockplc.com

Original poster
FaffTastic · 12/02/2011 21:56

Bump! FGS don't make me feel neglected!

OP posts:
FellatioNelson · 12/02/2011 22:02

Teths I've got to admit those last two are a bit scary. Speshly the red one. Shock Or the green. Can't decide. Grin But anyone who thinks our precious Biba dress is vile should not cross the threshold of S&B, they are clearly not suitably qualified.

StarlightPrincess · 12/02/2011 22:11

This?

Original poster
FaffTastic · 12/02/2011 22:11

FN, never mind Teths- lets talk about ME!! What do you think of the ted baker number I linked?

OP posts:
StarlightPrincess · 12/02/2011 22:17

Hmmm...I wouldn't say that's really 'black tie' IMO.

Original poster
FaffTastic · 12/02/2011 22:19

Ooooh, I do like that dress Starlight. Have never really bought a dress from KM before, do you know if their dresses run true to size?

OP posts:
FellatioNelson · 12/02/2011 22:22

I really like it Faff. It's black, but not boring black. Grin

StarlightPrincess · 12/02/2011 22:23

I have no idea! I've never bought anything from there, a bit out of my price range sadly! It is nice though, it's the sort of thing that'll never date.

As its from ASOS, they have free returns so you could always try it and return it if the fit is crap.

StarlightPrincess · 12/02/2011 22:47

Sorry, I've just seen this. I think it's gorgeous!