Can I wear this dress to a black tie xmas do?

[JudysDreamHorse]

I have a black tie work Christmas do and am struggling to find something to wear. I went shopping a the weekend and bought this dress but I don't think it's right (and even DH thinks it looks like the kind of dress I should wear for a nice meal out with the girls). Any opinions? Any advice on how to dress it up (was thinking thick black tights and patent heels).
Or can any of you suggest an alternative? I don't mind spending a bit more if it could get me through a couple of weddings next year. I'm a tall size 14 trying to hide a bit of a belly. Thanks!

I wouldnt wear it to a black tie christmas do [sorry]- I have to suggest bravissimo for dresses as I recently tried my friends one on and im not kidding you it was so well fitted and flattering i looked half the size and its fab!!

I wouldn't it to black tie either, although it's a great dress.

How tall are you?

I am no style icon so please don't think me judgey, but it doesn't look dressy enough for a black tie do. You'd need something a little longer, without sleeves (or with longer sleeves) and with a dressier neckline. That dress would go well alongside a man in a lounge suit. Ooh sorry, hope others make very lovely positive suggestions of where to find the ideal dress.

Long Tall Sally

That looks lovely celia!

That LTS dress is fabulous Celia. I wish I was taller, had some spare cash and somewhere to go!

Ooh la la as my mother would say

You would struggle to dress that up enough for black tie. If you don't have a lot of money to spend then you can get cheap grecian style maxi dresses which look good for a couple of washes. They hide the belly though you may still need to wear 'hold it all in' knickers underneath.

Maxi dresses hide a multitude of sins.

Ok I'm going against the grain here and saying yes you can- having worn a glam long maxi to a black tie doo a few weeks ago at least half the people tgere were in shorter frocks
Polish and glamour will be key tho so immaculate hair & nails. Big statement jewel necklace-plaque, black tights and immaculate dressy shoes!
Enjoy

I agree entirely with Slightlyreluctantexpat. Pretty frock, not black tie-able.

S the search goes on (thanks for the support though Sleepdodger). Think I think I knew it wasn't right when I bought it but was sick of looking at dresses and really liked it (I might just forget to take the dress back......)

The longtallsally dress is nice but I'm not sure I'm tall enough for their stuff (I'm 5'8'' so maybe tall side of average).

I think this is gorgeous and has a vintage feel to it.

Nice, Tethers, I imagine a smouldering beauty with Hollywood red lips wearing it.

Hello ladies. I agree with Sleepdodger
I think if you sweep you're hair up into a big bun - maybe take off the belt and replace with a black thicker belt - and have statement make up maybe red lips, nails to match - I think you'd be fine. Just might save you time and money hunting for a new dress. Just an idea - It's such a great dress wether you wear it or not xxx

Thanks again people. The RI dress is lovely tethers but I'm not sure if I'd get much wear out of it. I have ordered this - think I really want a knee length dress rather than a maxi - and will see what it is like when it arrives. I saw it after lurking on another dress tethers had posted on so thank you anyway! I actually prefer this but it's run out in my size. I'm tempted to order a 12 and see if I can squeeze into it. I still haven't completely given up on my green dress as I do love it so thanks for the advice on how to glam it up and we'll see on the night!