Black tie dress for mid fifties?

[Repeatedlydoingthetwist]

Hi all,

I'm hoping for some advice please! My mum has a black tie function and she needs a dress for it. I've said I'd take her to Birmingham to shop for one but she gets really easily bored shopping, so I was hoping for some suggestions before we go so that we can narrow down our search and we don't come home empty handed! She's recently lost some weight, and isn't that confident yet, also she normally lives in either black trousers for work or jeans so I don't want anything to fussy or frilly because I don't think she'd like it. She's about 5ft 6, 14-16, and has short blonde hair.

Does anyone have any ideas please? I live in leggings so have no idea what you wear for black tie

Thanks in advance!

You'll probably be best off looking in a department store, as you'll get lots of ranges in one place and helpful staff (maybe even try a personal shopper?)

I like John Lewis, who have an own range as well as the various concessions. What is likely to be suitable depends on what the do is. Black tie can be full length or shorter - is it a ball or a formal dinner?

It's a formal dinner and awards presentation. So I'm guessing not full on ball gown! JL is an idea, not sure if there's one in Brum, but I know there's one in Solihull so we could maybe go there?

Frasers usually have lots of dresses too.

I personally would steer clear of Coast or Monsoon as those are the go to places for formal wear, so risk of same dress nightmare..

I would also avoid black, if possible, unless amazing. And also avoid temptation to add "cover up", such as wrap, cardigan, etc - I think a dress should be worn with confidence to look good, not apologetically, like when people are clearly hiding arms with unnecessary top.

It's fun,though, shopping for fancy frock, so have fun!

Phase 8 is a good shot for the "formal but not too terrifying" dresses. They also go up to a generous 18.

Damsel in a Dress can be lovely if a bit pricey. They still have a sale online so worth checking out.

Kalico are a good place to look and their sale is pretty awesome.

Thanks for your advice so far everyone

If you can get to a John Lewis, then I'd book a personal shopper. They'll bring lots of different things for your Mum to try and hopefully avoid her having to trail round all the different departments. Have fun!

Do you have to pay for the personal shopper? And if so is it expensive? I do like the idea of that!