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White Tie Party? What to wear?

38 replies

Roseformeplease · 12/05/2015 09:52

I have been invited to a marquee, white tie birthday party in early July. It is in the North of England, so not necessarily warm. I have a lovely short blue Monsoon dress but does White Tie mean a long dress? If so, what? I love buying on Ebay so am more likely to get something 2nd hand but am open to suggestions. Can afford £100 (ish) and would prefer to wear existing shoes (black) as I am rubbish with heels and new shoes. I am 5ft 10, 46 years old and a size 14. I would prefer something fitted and flattering as sticky- outy makes me look like a ship in full sail. Sleeves / half sleeves would be a good idea. I am fair (blonde highlights) and would prefer a deep blue / green / rather than lots of patterns and NO frills etc.

Oh, lovely ladies. Can you help?

OP posts:
burnishedsilver · 12/05/2015 10:16

It's above budget but what about something along these lines?
HoF

Roseformeplease · 12/05/2015 10:21

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1.76/7451540312?skipRedirection=true

I really like this one but WAAY over budget.

OP posts:
vvviola · 12/05/2015 10:22

I am no good for suggestions, but yes, white tie definitely means long dress - verging on ball gown to be honest. Cocktail/short dress would really stand out.

(Completely irrelevant, but I am so surprised by a white tie birthday party! I used to work in event management that did work with heads of state, Kings and queens etc, and even for those events white tie was very unusual and considered "too formal")

Roseformeplease · 12/05/2015 10:23

Thanks burnishedsilver and I like one or two of the others by that make too. Might have to look further at House of Fraser.

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 12/05/2015 10:40

What is your budget?

Is this, from John Lewis any good?

AuntieStella · 12/05/2015 10:41

Sorry, have now taken another swig of coffee, and seen you've already said, and so ignore that link (too far over budget).

Coastingit · 12/05/2015 11:36

Asos are great for occasion dresses on a budget - how about mint green strapless or Navy embellished ?

I searched 'dresses' then narrowed by length = maxi and cost < £100, the re are loads on there.

burnishedsilver · 12/05/2015 11:39

On budget (almost) as heavily reduced in the sale..... Phase Eight

Roseformeplease · 12/05/2015 12:11

Asos fab. What a site. Lots to ponder here. Thanks so much.

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 12/05/2015 12:13

How far would you compromise in sleeves? There's far more choice if you'll go sleeveless, if you want something similar to the monsoon one you linked.

Or how about this navy dress from House if Fraser?

TravelinColour · 12/05/2015 12:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pantsalive · 12/05/2015 12:50

I really like this dress - comfortable-looking and sparkly - but I've not seen it in real life.

Pantsalive · 12/05/2015 12:53

Sorry, just seen it's no longer available in a 14. Not very helpful.

Pantsalive · 12/05/2015 13:05

Very elegant.

Pantsalive · 12/05/2015 13:09

Vintage

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:15

Black and navy with sleeves

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:16

Monochrome

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:16

Deep blue

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:17

Vera Wang

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:18

Sequins

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:20

Strapless

Twinklestein · 12/05/2015 13:21

Do you know Adrianna Papell? Available at John Lewis and House of Fraser.

This one is nice but very over budget.

But this one is only £90 over.

You can wear a tiara if you have one...

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:22

Strapless black/gold

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:22

Grey silk

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 12/05/2015 13:23

One shoulder Julien McDonald

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