I think I know the answer to this already...

[BettyButterknife]

I've been invited to a black tie event for work, and I don't really know what to wear. There are a couple of dresses I own which might be suitable - here are pictures:
There's this one (far right, purple dress)
or
that one (have lost 10lbs since that was taken :)

Are either suitable? If so, how could I accessorise particularly the first one, as that was taken at a summer wedding, and this is a winter dinner. Sparkly cardie? What would go?

If neither are suitable, any suggestions for nice, fairly inexpensive dresses that would suit my figure/colouring?

I think of the two you linked to, the purple would be better, although possibly still not 100% what you need. If it's black tie, why not go long?

This could look good on you and seems a good price? (Unsure what your budget is.)

I would class both those as cocktail dresses, to me black tie means floor length gown. It really depends on how posh a black tie event it is. I have been to black tie things where women have worn cocktail but there are some circumstances in which it would be totally unacceptable I think.

I think you need a new dress.

I don't think black tie is necessarily floor-length, but as sweetheart says, good to do some research as to what others will be wearing.

What's your size/budget?

The event is a dinner at a judge's lodgings. My boss was invited and asked me to accompany him. I have no idea who else is going so can't get a feel for what others might be wearing.

Budget is def minimal - under £100, preferably as little as possible though. I'm size 14-16 and 5'6". I get quite chilly and dislike my bingo wings so would want sleeves/cardie.

The only long dress I own is my wedding dress - a bright pink yves st Laurent couture dress I always thought I'd wear again but never have. Seems a bit weird to wear it to a function without my husband though!

How about this?

Or get a long skirt like this or this and pair it with a blouse.

Or this.

Also comes in long.

Wow tethers, that mango dress in long is stunning!

I love that first one - anyone know who else sells that brand? Hof sold out in my size :(

Also love the mango one - would never have thought of something like that! Might see if I can try one on somewhere.

HObbs have a very similar dress- here. I like it better but it's more expensive. Also comes in blue.

The Mango one is lovely. I am tempted by it!

Success! Brilliant and helpful house of Fraser located a store with the dress in my size and are posting it to me.

Now I need help accessorising - what would you team it with?

Hello. Just to confirm is it the beautiful HOF black dress you've opted for? I hope so - it's stunning! Anyway if it is - when it comes to accesorising I'd go with the 50's Madmen vibe. Hair up in a beehive - slick of red lippy and I'd opt for black shoes, court shoes rather than anything strappy or sparkly. Hope I did get the right dress - or this is a useless responce :)

It is the Eliza j one from hof - black, long sleeved, 50s style. So think you've got the right one!

Will investigate my shoe collection, ie blow dust off. Do you think pearls would work?

Brilliant- so glad you got one

Pearls and kitten heeled courts with a clutch are the way forward IMO.

Oh good. It's such a wonderful dress.
Yes pearls would be good :) They'd work really well and I'd go for either a black or red clutch.

That Eliza J dress is gorgeous

definitely pearls, and some cute little evening gloves maybe?

OK, do NOT google image "evening gloves" with safe search off.

I love your dress in the art gallery - where did you get it????

Love that Coast maxi skirt and top tethers.

Hooray! Pearls and courts it is then. Am also investigating suitable hairstyles - thinking maybe a side bun or something.

Dress in art gallery is last season Toast. I love it - cut beautifully

Just read you have a YSL couture dress . I would have worn that . Where does one come by such a thing? But love the dress you bought btw.

It has arrived! In fact I bought size 14 and 16 and the 14 fits - even better :) Def need hair up and quite high shoes with this one I think.

NhameCage YSL is from a vintage shop in London, on the Kings road maybe? I can't quite remember now - it was 8 years ago I bought it. Vaguely toying with selling it (especially now that he has died... guess it might be worth more - that's really mercenary, isn't it?).
Here is a not very good picture of it.

beautiful!!