Black tie outfit dilemma

[hermioneweasley]

I've got an industry black tie dinner coming up. I have plenty of appropriate stuff I coukd wear, so I have a plan B, but I was thinking of trying something a little bit different

Option 1 is a very simple black jersey long sleeved maxi dress. If is very casual - you coukd wear it with flip flops, but I was going to dress it up with a big blingy statement necklace and wrist cuffs as well as sparkly shoes. I think it looks relaxed but stylish but DW thinks it's not a black tie dress. Thoughts? Would you think I was on my uppers and pulling out my beach wear?

Option 2 is a long skirt (hard to describe but I'm happy that it's formal enough) with a jumper. The jumper is black silk, long sleeved and has a deep V front and back. Again would wear the necklace and cuffs. Will it just look like I'm wearing a jumper?

I guess I want a more stylish/modern vibe than the satin gowns from Coast and Monsoon that everyone seems to wear.

Please be honest - as I said, I do have my traditional fallbacks!

I think option 2 sounds lovely I love those tops that have a deep v x

Depends on what the industry is and is it your industry do or DHs?
I work in construction and always try to use industry dinners as networking opportunities. I never wear black as the do's are predominately male & I get lost in a sea of dinner suits. I prefer to stand out a bit (obviously in a good way - so have worn jade green, red, hot pink etc). People then remember me and I'm easy to seek out.
If it's a trendy industry then option 2 sounds great.
I'd go with something that makes you feel great and you won't be constantly readjusting. If you look confident then it will shine through and that's a good look.
As it's coming up to Christmas I suspect it'll be leaning towards being more formal than summer dos therefore option 1 might not work quite as well.
To be honest 99% of these things I only remember what people were wearing if it was an epic fail (usually with boobs hanging out)

Option 2 sounds lovely

Thanks for the thoughts. It's my industry event. Not trendy but not massively conservative and very female dominated. I am there in a professional capacity and it's a good networking opportunity. I think therefore Option 2 will be better, but keep the thoughts coming!