Please help dress me for a black tie event with royalty!

[HeckleAndGibe]

Just that really.

I'm going to a drinks reception at a London palace, which is going to be hosted by a member of the royal family.

Dress code is black tie. Long dresses are apparently not compulsory.

Which, out of these 2 dresses lurking in my wardrobe (not worn for years) do you think is better?

Dress 1: long. Is a heavy satin-type fabric, with a slight sheen. Has a drapey-type neckline, but I'm worried that it's a bit too strappy and therefore not "respectable" enough also shows off my bingo wings a treat

Dress 2: shorter, looks fancier in the flesh than in the photo - but is it smart enough?

If neither of the above - has anyone got any suggestions?

Please help me - I've not had to look this smart ever for years!

not sure of dress 2 is smart enough but dress 1 looks more like a nighty in silk to me .
maybe make some use of the sales

Dress two if these are the only options.

Dress 2 with heels

Dress one with something like a bolero.

'Tis exactly what I was worried about (although dress 1 is definitely not a nightie!)

I did buy the reiss Hera dress in the sales, which was nice, but about 6 inches too long, so it went back - I wasn't sure how well it would shorten. I haven't seen anything else that I like though - has anyone come across anything?!?

Both look lovely. But if it's black tie (rather than white tie) I'd go with dress 2 with heals and glam jewellery. Hope you have a great evening.

Dress 1. Add lovely jewellery- long earrings? Bracelets?

And sparkly strappy heels.

No bolero/Cover up: it will ruin the look. And your arms are good.

Dress 2 is not swish enough.

If you can afford it, I would take dress 1 to a dressmaker. Ask them to alter it to a mid calf dress (and wear heels), change the neckline slightly and use the spare material to create sleeves, either cap sleeves or a bolero you can slip on or actual sleeves.

Well, yes, dress 1 is about 15 years old, so I'm not surprised it looks dated. I hadn't realised just how dated though, until I tried it on - so now I'm starting to panic a bit!

• heels

I do like dress 2, but I love the blue of dress 1 which I why I would say see if you can get it altered.

Some good suggestions, thank you all. I can afford to buy something new - but am really struggling to find something.

And don't even get me started on what to do with my (shoulder length) hair! That's a while other disaster waiting to happen!

*whole

Have you tried the Frasers website? There are usually loads of good evening dresses on there?

Hair, blow dry, down

I like this op, and its diem from 230 to 69!!!

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_27/8458440116

Visit a hairdresser on the day. Professional, glossy blow dry with plenty of bounce. Or up works.

Honestly. Neither. Can you buy a new one, for such an event you don't want to feel self conscious. If that isn't an option go for dress 2 with heels. Subtle jewler and and a classy hair up-do. Chignon etc.

m.asos.com/women/

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/Club-L/Club-L-Kimono-Sleeve-Maxi-Dress-with-Lace-Overlay/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6062967&cid=8799&Rf-800=40,100&Rf981=3680&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Navy&totalstyles=259&gridsize=3&un_jtt_v_frompage=1 sorry this link

Dress one is too bridesmaid.

How about This

Or this