Could I get away with this for Black Tie?

[Eastwickwitch]

I've got a wardrobe full of frocks but, due a weight gain, the only one that looks vaguely OK is this.
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Phase+Eight+Tabby+Textured+Dress/206440674,default,pd.html
I have a bling necklace & silver clutch.
It's for a dinner rather than a ball.

I don't know. I can't really tell what the material would be like in the flesh but the pic on the website seems a little work-outfit to me rather than black tie. It IS a nice dress though.

I don't think I'd wear the black tights with it - or actually, may be I would. And I think your necklace would have to be VERY blingy.

It's a lovely dress but you would look very dowdy at a dinner in it, no matter how blingy the necklace. And black tights would reduce it to (very nice) funeral wear. Sorry.

Thanks. Mine isn't exactly the same, probably last year's version. Navy jersey,
a bit gathered, sort of wrap IYKWIM.
Does look a bit workish.

It's a bit work wear imo.

What about something like this instead?

www.johnlewis.com/coast-lori-lee-lace-short-dress/p1561805?colour=Grey

That is really pretty, but a bit too short. I'm tall 5'9" & the wrong side of 40.
If it was longer it would be perfect.

For black tie, I'd wear either a cocktail dress or something full-length, I think the dress you've got is a bit too casual.
Can you afford to get something else?

It looks like it would cling in all the wrong places, so not ideal if you have gained a bit of weight. I agree that it looks more like something you would wear to the office.

I'm cross with my self, I've got some great cocktail dresses but they're too small.
I'll look on JL as I love the click & collect.
If you can recommend anything for a tall, round tummied, OK legs 46 year old who has gorgeous navy shoes in a size 14.
Thanks for your help.

What's your budget? And don't worry, I would be delighted to get back to being a size 14!

I read that as your navy shoes were a size 14!

What about this one?

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-annalise-pleated-maxi-dress-navy/p1569427

I bought a gorgeous knee length navy blue lace dress from phase at john Lewis a month or so ago, but I don't see it online. I'll have a look somewhere else for it.

How about this one?
Lace prom

Here it is.

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/occasion-dresses/fabia-embroidered-fit-and-flare-dress/202433408

I wore it to the races.

Gosh, thank you all.
Love the navy maxi & the lace fit & flare, exactly my style. I'll order them both & report back

Excellent! Glad we helped. I like shopping for others.

That maxi dress is stunning.

Love the maxi dress