Black tie if you don't do black tie

[niminypiminy]

So, I have a party to go to that has 'black tie' on the invitation.

I just don't do the kind of dresses that I usually see linked to in threads about black tie dressing. I'm more of a severe Cos/this season Whistles/Toast, slightly androgynous, plain clothes type of person.

I don't want to spend loads of money on something I'm only going to wear once. I'd rather invest in things I wear every day. Can trousers be black tie? Jumpsuit? I'm probably over-thinking this, I know, but ideas would be very welcome.

Not really, can't you just wear a Cos/Whistles/Toast dress?

There is also the great arm issue - I just cannot do sleeveless dresses. But surely a really lovely pair of trousers could be dressy enough?

What about a woman's tux?

I went to a black tie event in a black jumpsuit with sleeves and a tuxedo jacket, with black heels. It went down very well and I felt great and much more comfortable than a dress.

jumpsuit

I wore this to a black tie event in February and got lots of compliments on it actually. I felt really great in it. Had a statement necklace, sparkly pewter shoes and matching clutch. There were definitely more people wearing trousers - not lots - but I think it is definitely more acceptable because I think more contemporary takes on black tie style is acceptable.

Sorry grammar all over the place !

Definitely fine, better than fine, great.

Jumpsuit or nicely cut tuxedo suit would be perfect.

Ok, phew. I'm liking the idea of a woman's tux - even better a St Laurent le smoking trouser suit (in my dreams).

I dream of that too, though it is so far from my budget/body shape, I can but dream.......

Yeah, me too

A tux would be fabulous.

Love Mandy's jumpsuit - very elegant. You could definitly wear that or something like it for a black tie event. Same with women's tux. Different and classy.

What's your budget?

This would be great...

Mandy love the jumpsuit

I love the jumpsuit too!

I love that Phase 8 jumpsuit! It's perfect in loads of ways.

I've worn the standard men's black tie to these things. Ime, there's usually at least one woman doing so, sometimes quite a few.

Do you work in a high pressure business role? If so get an amazing pin stripe suit. Put trousers with great top for work do's. Wear suit with sexy white top for night out. Job done :)

I love jumpsuits and trousers with a sparkly jacket for women at black tie - I think it looks great. Not stylish enoug myself to carry it off, but v envious of those who do!

Tethersend that VW jumpsuit is wonderful, but sadly out of my price and size range - they only have a teeny size left. Probably good or I would be tempted to bankrupt myself.

I'm really liking the jumpsuit plan though. If sleeveless it has to have a jacket though.

A jumpsuit would be chic and consistent with your personal style. Just a big thumbs-up! I find a lot of black tie outfits depressing and retrogressive... I mean why are adult professionals forced to play dress up... Hope you'll find the right one!

If you need sleeves is this one with sleeves too weird? I tried to find a plain long sleeve one but apparently the wrong season. There is a stunning one at TS that has a scoop back though. The Phase 8 is really lovely, I'd wear that.

Long sleeves, scoop back.

Very happy to be encouraged by some of my favourite S&B posters ! Those TS jumpsuits with the elasticated/drawstring waist might be a tiny bit unforgiving. I really like the Phase 8 one though, will give it a try on.

Also thinking about a really elegant pair of trousers - silk from Winser London with a very simple silk blouse or shirt.