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Original poster

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

56 replies

HeckleAndGibe · 07/01/2016 19:08

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!

Please help dress me for a black tie event with royalty!
Please help dress me for a black tie event with royalty!
OP posts:
ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 07/01/2016 19:42

Check out these, first two are nice

uk.monsoon.co.uk/uk/women/evening-dresses-partywear

BendyBusBuggy · 07/01/2016 19:44

Or this

dementedma · 07/01/2016 19:45

Dress 2 not formal enough. Dress one could work but needs some added sparkle..

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 07/01/2016 19:47

Bendy I'm happy to splash out on nice dresses, but those prices are crazy!

BendyBusBuggy · 07/01/2016 19:49

I really like this

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 07/01/2016 19:50

This in blacks nice and would be nice with a nice sparkly necklace and hair up or down

www.next.co.uk/x5790s3#114282

Sidge · 07/01/2016 19:51

Neither if I'm honest.

Have you been given any dress code apart from black tie? Often for formals involving royals/ambassadors etc you have to cover your shoulders or at least have the potential to do so with a wrap or shrug.

something like this, with hair up

this is striking!

People WILL be dressy, so I'd suggest more rather than less. Doesn't need to be a ballgown but you do need to be pretty dressed up.

Chocolateaddict9 · 07/01/2016 19:51

OP- I don't know when this event is (sorry if you've said) but this website is amazing

m.jjshouse.co.uk/Special-Occasion-Dresses-c3/?la=fromnavmenu

It's stateside, but I've ordered 2 dresses from them in the past and both have been excellent quality, lovely tailoring and fitted like a glove. From memory, took a couple of weeks to arrive though!

Chocolateaddict9 · 07/01/2016 19:52

Also, do you not have a ball hire dress shop near you? Might be worth a trip if you do!

Dapplegrey1 · 07/01/2016 19:53

I think you look lovely in both of them. Have a fab time - I wish I had glamorous events like that to go to.

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 07/01/2016 19:56

I love the first one in sidges first link.

WilburIsSomePig · 07/01/2016 20:06

I think the second one of your dresses is lovely. With some fantastic heels, hair up and some good jewellery it'll be perfect IMO. Have a fab time.

Original poster
HeckleAndGibe · 07/01/2016 20:08

Some great suggestions coming in, thank you so much everyone.

I'd like to keep the spend down to about £200 max though, as it's likely to be something I only wear once. Maybe hiring is the way to go.

The event is kind of work related. One royal family member hosting, the other guests will be probably very wealthy, but not royalty or ambassadors or anything like that. It's not a grand state affair. The invite just says black tie, and I've been advised that as the Duchess will not be attending, it doesn't have to be a long dress. (Who knew that those were the rules regarding dress length(!))

Maybe I should book a personal shopping session at John Lewis or somewhere. To be honest, I'm kind of half dreading the event - lots of polite small talk with people I don't know, which I'm really bad at - but it didn't seem like the sort of thing I could say "no" to!

OP posts:
VertigoNun · 07/01/2016 20:10

The irony of long dress length, if it's the one who wears her dress around her waist.

Titsywoo · 07/01/2016 20:21

I'd go for something like this

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 07/01/2016 20:26

That's the same navy coast dress been recommended twice and it's identical to the first one in first link I put, I think it's a winner. Would look lovely on your figure.

Original poster
HeckleAndGibe · 07/01/2016 20:39

I do like the coast one, I have to admit.

But I'd need (new) navy shoes as well - grr. Oh well. Can't be helped!

OP posts:
member · 07/01/2016 20:40

This one isn't as showy as the Coast one but it's navy, maxi with some jewelling and only £40!

member · 07/01/2016 20:41

Oops, link www.romanoriginals.co.uk/invt/80960?colour=Midnight-Blue

BendyBusBuggy · 07/01/2016 20:47

How about this

pocketsized · 07/01/2016 21:03

We've done a few military events with royalty in attendance and have always been told that shoulders should be covered (a shawl or wrap etc is fine), dresses should be at least to the knee, and shoes should be closed toe.

GenevaMaybe · 07/01/2016 21:06

I hire dresses now. So much better. Www.girlmeetsdress.com have sorted me out in the past.
Get your hair and nails done with the money you would have spent on buying a dress...

GenevaMaybe · 07/01/2016 21:08

Par example: £89 to hire

Please help dress me for a black tie event with royalty!
Crazybaglady · 07/01/2016 21:11

I'm not sure this is even suitable but it's gorgeous Blush

Please help dress me for a black tie event with royalty!
187ab · 07/01/2016 21:23

Coast and monsoon are highly risky for duplication at a formal event

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