Suggestions for outfit for dh's work do - black tie

[gingernut]

Help! dh and I are going to his work Christmas do in December and dress is `black tie'. Now I always understood that to mean pretty smart eveningy gear, but last year I heard someone comment that it means full length skirts for ladies. Is this true?

I'd really like to get something new as dh is the boss of this particular group so I want to look nice and most of my evening wear dates from my life before children (i.e. it's at least 5 years old and probably a bit tight ).

I have a pair of black velvet trousers from Next (not particularly special but could look nice with a special top). Alternatively I have seen a dress I like (it probably won't fit though) but it isn't full length.

Caveats are: I am a short arse (5'), fairly slim with small bust and no curves anywhere else either, I would prefer not black (at least not near my face) but only have black shoes and bags so might need shoe/bag suggestions to.

check here have a look at this

if it's black tie-always wear a dress of somr sort-doesn't have to be full length-but evening/cocktail dress is what I would choose if husband in dinner jacket.

I'd love to help---don't go to many black-tie affairs though Ginger! I have been on cruises though, I think you can wear floor length and also cocktail dress length and still fit in. Is there anyone else's wife that is going (or has been before) that you can check with? Lovely pearls would be nice and you should be able to find a cocktail type dress that will go with black shoes and purse. Something with Red or Emerald or Gold/Silver always looks nice. It would be great to get something that you would wear again to rationalize the expense. I hope you get lots of good suggestions!

sorry it didnt work
it says....................
Black tie, formal, dressy casual and more!
Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.

Black Tie means formal. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

White Tie means ultra-formal. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.

Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Ultra-formal means White Tie. Men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.

Black Tie Optional means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option.

I was going to suggest Monsoon but then I saw how tall you are!

look at this one: greatdress

FWIW, when I've been to this sort of event, I've worn a very-nearly-floor-length black or midnight blue velvet dress. Fairly plain, simple and (I like to kid myself!) elegant

Love the look of this one but I know it will be too long for you.

Or this in navy First dress was plum so might be OK with black accessories - more so than a navy one. However, the plum one is 20cm longer!!

Yeah, Monsoon is out SD . I did order some separates from there but had to just laugh when I tried them on (neckline below my bust!!) so it went back.

Thanks for the definition diva. It will be much easier if I can wear cocktail length because it's easier to find one that fits, IYSWIM, as long as it's just meant to be just below knee length.

Just been browsing Debenham's site after reading your other thread re Principles diva and have seen some possibles.

Thanks for input so far - keep `em coming!

more conservative: graydress

What was your budget BTW??

I like this one too. It's dark green and 160cm long.

I want to go and try dresses on now!!

Yes, SD I've been looking at some of those - the first link didn't work for me but was it the plum with the lattice back? It is 30cm longer than me (including my head!!). Don't think I could get heels high enough somehow .

Check this one nice

Yes, it was that one. I think the length is deceptive as it's meant to sweep on the floor behind.

The "berry pin tuck chiffon" drs loooks nice. It's a shorter one

Budget - don't know really but I think up to £200 for the whole outfit as long as it's perfect and I can wear it again (obv. would prefer to spend less though).

Must go off for a bit but will check back later

I have to go and rummage through my neglected velvet and silk dresses now... Sigh. Those were the days....

sunchowder, I can't get your links to work at the mo.

I like this one to: blackdress

Next have got some nice evening stuff just now and do Petite if that helps.

Shit, I'm sorrysome were really nice too. I think I am doing the links rightdon't know what the problem is...just wanted to give you so more ideas. This way you have an idea before you get to the store. Soupy's were nice too!

Your links work for me, Sunchowder.

Do you like any of them? The first one doesn't get you to the dress I wanted though....