Do you have an old faithful 'black tie event' outfit in your wardrobe?

[northerner]

Because I haven't. Have been to black tie do's before but everything I wore then seems a bit dated now. Am going to one in December and need something to wear. Should I invest in a classic piece of 'evening wear' or buy something a bit cheaper that's a bit trendy and galm it up with accessories?

Help please!

I have a couple of black tie do dresses - but I've only worn them once. Personally, I wouldn't spend too much because it'll probably get thrown to the back of the wardrobe once you've worn it.

Kew
Coddy introduced me to this website. It has lovely stuff, and these dresses wouldn't date.
I would get something I could wear again and again rather than something too fashionable.

I've got a Nicole Fahri black velvet dress that must be over 10 years old that still look great.

It's very simple - simple sleevless, scoop neck top, just above ankle leghth, button up the front- but the buttons stop practically at my crotch, but it is so well cut (on the bias) that I never feel like I am exposing too much leg - although it swings out beautfully when you are Scottish Country dancing )

Brought it up to date for last year's work Chritsmas do (we decided to do black tie for a change - it was great seeing some of the guys in kilts) with fishnet tights and a nice big beaded chocker/necklace (black pearl effect).

My now dh bought it for me for a posh function - my mum was away, who would normally make me my posh dresses (we used to belong to Junior Chamber and went o loads of back tie functions) so he said he would treat me. Walked into LIberty in Glasgow and dh picked up this dress - I didn't even want a black one (I like nice bright colours) - and said why not try this one. I saw the label - not the price tag and thought "oops" (of course, the name Nicole Fahri meant nothing to dh - it does now ). We then spent the rest of he day trying to find a "cheaper" dress that was as special, before admitting defeat and going back and getting it.

It was £299 12 years ago - a lot of money then, but in terms of "cost per wear", it has been worth every penny.

There's such nice stuff around that doesn't cost Hundreds 0f £££££££££££.

I've got a dress from East which was about £95 5 years ago. It's dark grey and light grey velvet and just one of those styles which will never date. Must see if I can fit back into it now I've lost a lot of weight.

Go shop and enjoy!

I do have a few reserve dresses.

I am kind of hoping one of you will say I have a very elegant size 18 maternity dress i have on standby that you would be welcome to borrow for your christmas party.

I reckon that if you are older classic, if younger trendy.

Have just bought a lovely aubergine and pink silk frock by pink soda for this years posh does (£97 so not extortionate). Get a cocktail dress because then you can wear it more often than a full length number.

You can hire evening dresses and cocktail dresses from some places. We considered that last year when we went to a black tie charity ball with our friends. In the end though, her DH shelled out for two evening gowns from Debenhams.. and then my friend sold them on Ebay afterwards!

I quite like the Debut range at Debenhams and have bought a few from there over the years normally about £80 - £100. If only they did maternity

That's a point.. have you tried Ebay?