What counts as "black tie" for women?

[Lozzapops]

My husband started a new job this year, in a company that really seems to enjoy celebrating things properly - so they have a summer ball, awards nights, a fancy christmas party, etc. Partners are invited to everything, and the christmas do is the first thing that I will have been able to attend. It is "black tie"... but what does this mean?! I suspect that it's not overly strict, as they company is quite fun, they're not completely up their own arses or anything. But just needed a bit of guidance about what sort of thing I could wear?

I don't want to spend a fortune on a dress, but am happy to pay upto about £40-50 max.

Cocktail length or full length dress.

What twinkle said. Not stuff you would wear to pub/club. Needs to look like you have made an effort. If it is a 'ball' then majority may be full length but by no means all. Not a mini, that's for sure!

it might be worth investing in a dress that you can wear a few times? or try out one of the dress rental places?

Get DH to ask a couple of friendly female colleagues whether people normally go "long" or "cocktail". Most work Xmas dos are knee length sparkly/shiny for women, and I'd be surprised if the code were long for women even if the blokes are in DJs, but it is a possibility, so check.

Is cocktail length long? I don't think it is a "ball" per se, but fairly formal. Would knee length be acceptable? Does colour matter? And finally(!), would any of these be acceptable?!

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_60514+FFN0014611_-1

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_63411+276321_-1

www.asos.com/Chi-Chi-London/Chi-Chi-London-Printed-Organza-Midi-Prom-Dress-with-Bardot-Neck/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4674715&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&Rf981=3680,3679&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Multi&totalstyles=433&gridsize=3

www.asos.com/Chi-Chi-London/Chi-Chi-London-Embellished-Maxi-Dress-with-Halterneck/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4355494&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&Rf981=3680,3679&sh=0&pge=10&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blacknude&totalstyles=435&gridsize=3

www.asos.com/ASOS-Tall/ASOS-TALL-Embellished-Sleeve-Pleated-Maxi/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4238175&cid=8799&Rf1012=4461&Rf981=3680,3679&sh=0&pge=11&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Blue&totalstyles=429&gridsize=3

That's a good idea LadyIsabella, although he is in a very male-oriented industry. I'm sure there are a few rogue females lurking around somewhere for him to ask!

I'd say, of the 5 you've posted that 1 and 5 count, 2-4 not so much.

Any of them would be fine IMO. The last black tie thing I went to had women in all sorts. This time of year though I'd be going for some glam and sparkle.

That last dress is stunning, please choose that one!

I was at a black tie do last night - and any of the ones you have linked to would have looked perfectly right. (I'm not sure I like the last one and I think the maxi dress with halterneck is lovely). And you wouldn't stand out at a christmas one if you got a bit more sparkle. There were long dresses, short dresses and all sorts.