Help - my first blacktie event since having the dds (I am not younger or thinner than I was)

[MrsFogi]

I have been invited to a black tie dinner at Claridges. I haven't been to a black tie do for ages and the last time I attended one I was young enough to wear above the knee dresses and thin enough to carry most things off. Post-dds I have certainly not regained my figure, I would no longer wear anything above the knee and I certainly haven't got any younger! So - what does a 37 year old with a not bad but not perfect figure wear to a black tie do these days? And, any pointers to nice dresses online very welcome as I am not great at clothes shopping at the best of time. I have high hopes for this post as last time I posted in this section a wonderful mner linked to a jacket in a sale that was not only a bargain but fitted the bill perfectly . In case it is of relevance I am about 5ft3 and a size 8-10 on the top and 10-12 on the bottom (and a very untoned tummy in the middle). And, fwiw I generally like pretty classic looks.

nice one from Hobbs, vastly reduced?

Damn, link didn't work but the "Garbo" dress at thebottom of the page?

oh god easy

so not tight on tummy
can show arms?
colour?

do you like frill or plain/
have you looked at coast and phase eight ?( first ports of call)
also reiss?

avoid monsonn

blue reisss

more trad kookai frilyl thing

bit funereal imo but maybe more useful long run lacey thing

nice if you have the right colouring, lots of peopel sa is very nice on

red one shouldered i LOVE

think if you are tiny on top you can do the armless thing and that will make up for having legs hidden ( never too much out all at once)

sits back

this is like dressing a DOLl i tell you

er hello?

Back online now - I'm not a doll unfortunately (that would probably be more fun than working all day!). Thank you for all your posts PharoahNuff I'll look through them as soon as I've had my dinner.

If you're a mere 37 you can certainly flash your legs if you feel comfortable about it! As a 40 year old with 2 kids I avoid strappy on top but would wear just above or on the knee with high heels (agree with PharoahNuff - never too much out all at once). I think my legs are pretty much the same as they always were but I wouldn't say that about the rest of my body! Hope you have a great night out.

Loads of lovely ones at Karen Millen.
I like this LK Bennett one as well.

Invest in some really good foundation wear. If it's mostly jelly belly it will squeeze in very nicely.