Help - black tie event and I don't want to look like frump-a-mum for one night

[SmethwickBelle]

I am going to a big black tie event and I haven't been to anything like this in 10 years. It's in a few weeks time. It's a fairly young and trendy event (uh oh just said trendy, showing age already)... I haven't ANYTHING posh that fits me or that has been out of the wardrobe for five years, and even if it did it is probably hopelessly dated. I have no idea.

If anyone is more used to going to this sort of event what on earth are people wearing to black tie events these days - is it still the full satin floor length number or something? What is fashionable? What would YOU wear? I'm thinking sleeves due to slightly fat upper arms but is that ruling out looking fashionable? I would so like to look vaguely fashionable for one night.

I'm 36 and a 12-14, 5 foot 7ish, so if you're of a similar build especially I'd appreciate any outfit tips. Many many thanks.

Well,many black tie events do not require a floor length dress. can you find out the dress code?
Do you have a budget?
Can you do strapless or do you need bra straps?
Any colour preferences?

There isn't any dress code help other than "black tie" but I have been to this event years ago and its a bit of a liberal interpretation. I remember seeing men in posh but non dinner jacket type suits and women in shorter dresses. It was a long time ago.

Budget under 300 quid I'd say. Colours - open to suggestion, I'm a brunette with olive skin.

Two words:

Vivienne Westwood.

I was going to suggest anglomania drape

here

Without knowing a budget, here:

vivienne glitter

alice by temperley

isabella oliver

another VW

Oh I could cry - that is so pretty jonicomelately and I have decentish legs I'd love to startle a few old colleagues with them. Thank you!

X post joni & geordieminx - LOVE VWA..

Cheers madammecholet I lived in Isabella Oliver when pregnant and I still get the catalogue, hadn't occurred to me to look at the 365 stuff - doh. Thanks

What about hiring?

this

Or if you are feeling brave this

Is the Anglomania Drape dress something current, e.g. might I find it in the Birmingham Selfridges Vivienne Westwood section (if it is still there)? That might be too specific a question, I can ring them tomorrow. Just would be nice to try it on before ponying up.

I love IO too - great quality and wears well. also check out LKbennett too..

here

here

VWA is current - should be in selfridges...phone though.

Yeah.

Also try ebay, or if you want new stick it back on eBay when you gave worn.

£200 new, sell for £120 ish... More money for shoes and clutch!

Give them a ring and tell them what you are after. I don't know the Birmingham shop but ime the staff at VW are great.

I'm so pleased you like it and it'll fit you beautifully. More importantly you'll feel great

geordieminx - gorgeous dresses but the one time I hired a dress 15 years ago I got a fag burn in it (my own cig- the embarrassment) - I still don't think I can trust myself even though I'm off the fags.

Oh yes. You have to have a clutch with a VW dress.

I'm thinking the long sleeve VW is pretty perfect actually. And it twinkles - coo! Wow this board is bloody brilliant, thanks x

Birmingham Selfridges has a reasonable collection of Anglomania stuff - I should know; I go and fondle it often enough! :) Whistles dresses would probably be good on you, too.

Love it in red although shit styling

OK what shoes and clutch then?

patent heels

classic clutch

I have it in Navy geordie

Navy VWA

Black tie for men doesn't have to mean long for women, can be knee length or just below knee if you like.

Oooh that was the one I was looking for to link chocolat. I love the way it's styled with tan.

Thinking about it for casual wedding in June. Will have just come back from hols so will be with tan

Madamme's dress is very versatile. That's the beauty of it. You'd never wear a full length satin number again.