What constitutes black tie?

[SilverBellsandCockleShells]

We've been invited to a wedding in a couple of weeks and the dress code is 'black tie'! We're more country bumpkin types ourselves and I'm not really sure what is required. Does it have to be a specific length, etc.? Or is the main point that you've made a bit of an effort?

Looking at this but not sure if it fits the bill.

I can't do floor length as I'm a short-arse and nothing fits!

A knee-length dress is probably fine but I'm not sure that one is glam enough.

If an invitation said "black tie" I would expect a dress to either be long or to be shiny/sparkly/bling in some way.

(I do like that dress though)

That said, I doubt they will be paying much attention at the wedding itself, and I don't think you would stick out like a sore thumb, so if that is the dress that you like best then just wear it.

Thanks Trills. We're not exactly best buddies so I don't wan't to spend a fortune and I think this would do Christmas party, etc.

Not sure how much bling you can get on a budget!

I've been to a fair few black tie weddings and functions and I find, certainly as far as women are concerned, there's a lot of leeway in terms of what you can wear.

Certainly no rules as far as length goes. I think people tend to be a bit more 'casual' about it now, so, unless you were a key member of the bridal party, you might stand out if you wore long.

I've seen people wear dresses similar to the one you link to to black tie. With a nice clutch, nice shoes (strappy sandals?) and maybe a necklace, I think it would be great. I'd probably wear nude tights/have bare legs - not opaque as in the photo, as that makes it a bit more casual.

Enjoy!

Sorry - didn't say that I think the dress is really nice. Which I do .

No I wouldn't think that was black tie, if it didn't have the jersey cardi bit it would be ok. I'd worry it was a bit fussy for a petite?
Black tie would be either long or a lovely cocktail dress.