Got to attend a black tie event for work - please help me decide what to wear.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

I start a new job next week, and have to attend a black tie event 4 days in. First part of my job is spent off site on an induction, so will be the first time I meet my colleagues.

I am in a senior role so want to make a good impresssion. I am one of few women (seen invitation list, there are 60+ blokes and about 8 women attending).

I was hoping to wear a cocktail length dress, however shall I play safe and wear a full length dress? last thing I want to do is create the wrong impression by being over or under dressed. I also need to look professional so don't want strapless, spaghetti strap, cleavage or split to thigh, and preferably wast something with sleeves. However I don't want to look frumpy.

Any ideas? I am 6 foot and size 8, and don't want to wear black or red.

I can't find a thing I like. I looked last night with dd and everything I looked at she said was disgusting.

I think the words black tie mean evening gown for a woman - if they meant you to wear a cocktail dress the dress code would be cocktail.

Have you tried Coast? They are easily available and relatively cheap for a gown? Or House of Fraser. How much are you looking to spend?

Yes, I think you are probably right.

I did look at Coast - however they all look a bit satiny and prom dressy.

I have also looked at Phase 8 (don't laugh) and French Connection. Will have a look at House of Frase.

Am looking to spend up to £150.

what about this

Too frilly maybe?

Full length is only mandatory when it's white tie.

The safest bet is ballerina (mid calf) length, but unless you have something in your wardrobe already, this may not be possible as there doesn't seem to be any in the shops. Given your height and newness in role, I think you need to be conservative, and go long but not OTT in terms of shiny embellishments.

Try a department store?

ooh thisis nice

Yes I was thinking ballerina lenght, however I always think this makes you look fat of calf.

That blue reiss dress is bargain, however is size 4 (!) only. Do you think I can drop 2 dress sizes by next week?

Just looked on Debenhams website - all dresses 100% hideous.

I wouldn't dream of commenting on your legs!

I think the second one you posted would be a good choice (first is far too frilly) - now the challenge is to find similar in the right size.

How about this Halston heritage

Sorry, just realised it's sold out. By have a look at The Outnet - some good bargains there.

Have had a look at the outnet - lovely dresses but some are £££

I have come to the realisation that I am too old for ASOS.

Love that Reiss dress OP, can you ring and see if they have it in stock anywhere....

yy the blue one is nice

I hate you for being 6ft and size 8...but I do a lot of this sort of thing and my advice is be very conservative: your sense about not baring too much flesh is totally right. Cocktail dress, or trouser suit with nice big necklace is about right. Make it 'black tie' by choice of more luxurious fabrics - a bit of sparkle or velvet is right. Long dress would be too much.

I know you said you didnt want to wear black but it would be the safest option.

Phase 8 is a good option in that price bracket. I like LK Bennett but it is more pricey but very suitable. Coast good idea too, what about Zara or even H&M? With that figure you could wear a bin bag and look amazing .Can you get to any department store with lots of concessions?

Thanks working - am going to look at cocktail dresses as I would feel safer in that tbh. I would rather be underdressed tbh that OTT.

I like this

Have got a nice House of Frase in Cheltenham so I may go there.

However I like that French Connection dress (FC comes up quite large on me so may well fit into a 6) and can wear with pair of striking high heels and necklace.

Oh have just seen have got it in 10 as well.

Could do nicely, as although short, it's not remotely frivolous.

Great dress - add coloured heels, clutch and a necklace and you are done. Great price too!

That dress is perfect! What a bargain as well!

And with what you save on the dress, may I suggest the best other morale booster if you can (since you are offsite you maybe in a hotel which can do this) is to book a blowdry for the evening event. It makes such a difference!

Perfect dress - much better bet than long in the circs., I think. Always better to play it safe on an occasion like that. I too would always try and have a blowdry before events like that but the logistics may not work. Enjoy it!

I like that dress, and it's a bargain!

I have just ordered the Frewnch Connection dress and was relieved it was still in stock - £35 reduced from £140, what a bargain.

Right, am going to buy some vertiginous shoes and a statement necklace to go with.

Brilliant idea about the blow dry - I will definately do that, thanks.