Do you think either of these are dressy enough for a black tie do?

[Freddiefrog]

DH has a fairly posh evening do coming up at work.

The dress code is black tie/evening dress

www.karenmillen.com/geo-lace-and-embroidery/dresses/karenmillen/fcp-product/103DR14601 - looks a bit short so would wear with black tights and black heels

www.asos.com/Warehouse/Warehouse-Sequin-Bodycon-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3612069&cid=8857&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Neutral+%26+gold

Do I have to wear long? Usually it specifies on the invite, so if it doesn't, can I safely assume I don't have to wear it? (the only real instruction is no metal tipped stilettos as the venue don't allow them)

Or, can I chance my arm with some really nice evening-y trousers?

Maybe something like this with a silk shirt and heels?
www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Trousers-in-Copper-Jacquard/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1771777

I hate dresses, especially anything long and flarey or flouncy, they really don't suit me, tailored, fitted stuff looks better on me, and I feel an absolute tool in a dress at the best of times.

Thanks

With the words 'posh' and 'black tie etc etc', to me those are not dressy enough, I also assumed black tie events were to include dresses knee length and longer only, but that's just me.

I cant link you to anything as I'm on my phone but maybe someone else will :)

They are lovely dresses, just not suitable for a posh event Imo.

I have no idea about the rules for black tie - but that Karen Millen dress is BORING. The other one looks evening-ish to me, and it's lovely.

I was at a black tie do on Saturday and most were in long but some were in cocktail style dresses, no one wore anything shorter than knee length but we may just be a thoroughly boring bunch!

I think your choices are more 'cocktail' than black tie. How about something from this Jenny Packham at Debenhams line? If you use promo code - either HC39 or JN32 - you'll get 20% discount.

Thanks!

With the ASOS one, I'm a good 4 inches shorter than the model so it's bring it closer to knee length on me.

I just don't suit long dresses, or anything flared. It has to be fitted and tailored or I look silly. I'm not a lover or sparkle or sequin or anything too fussy

I looked on Debenhams and accidently bought a pair of boots but nothing really floated my boat. There was a Flapper-esque dress on there but it's still quite short

I like this one?
shop.acnestudios.com/shop/women/dresses/ceylon-linen-twill-black.html (absolutely not the shoes!)

This?
www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-pia-jersey-dress/?colour=2981&category=22

I take it trousers are out of the question

Sorry, wrong All Saints link

www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/allsaints-apryl-dress/?colour=5&category=22

The asos would be lovely with some nude heels and minimal jewellery. The only other one I like is the Apryl All Saints one - plain enough to bling right up (although, if you're much shorter than the model it could end up looking a bit 'frumpy').
Thankfully the trousers are showing as out of stock

Thanks, it's lovely, but really not my style.

I've looked on Phase 8 (and Coast/Monsoon) and nothing on there is really me

mrssmith , not those ones particularly, but that sort of shape/style

I like this

www.ekseption.es/dresses/beige-pinch-dress

with heels, big old bangle or cuff and a clutch?

God, I hate buying dresses

www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/acne-piper-jersey-dress-item-10401110.aspx ?

Like the Piper one - have you tried the John Lewis website? Loads of lovely dresses and designers on there at the mo'

Yes, I had a look on John Lewis and nothing really took my fancy.

I think a general hatred of dresses is clouding my judgement. I've rejected about a million and I'm going a bit dolally looking at them all

I've just found this which I quite like. More flared than I'd usually go for but it's not too pretty if you see what I mean, still on the shorter side though

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/All-SAINTS-ROXANNA-DRESS-UK-SIZE-8-NEW-WITH-TAGS-/271310371095?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item3f2b5bb917

or this?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ladies-ALLSaints-GREY-SILK-PARACHUTE-Knee-Length-DRESS-LAYLA-DRESS-UK-6-8-/321237920834?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item4acb45ac42

And I like this but it's the wrong size and I'm not sure that the front bit wouldn't look like I'd got it caught in my knickers
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SK-413-ACNE-Mallory-Grey-Sleeveless-V-Neck-Dress-Size-42-UK-14-RRP-210-/171137739251?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item27d89aa9f3

Really like this one, but how could I wear it and not flash all and sundry?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1920S-STYLE-ACNE-SILVER-GREY-BACKLESS-SEXY-DRESS-SIZE-38-10-BNWT-/121207805170?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&hash=item1c388c54f2

I think I'm going a but off piste now

IMO, all the stuff you're linking too is too short and casual (and I started a thread earlier querying whether my black tie options were too casual!)

It's your DH's work. Unless he's in fashion (or porn) then conservative is the best way to go. On the knee or below - certainly not mid thigh. And nothing a teenager would wear.

Agree too short and too casual. How about:
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008010819353_-1
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_038010171555_-1