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!

Oh the army always over egg EVERYTHING. Don't think they'll give a toss about your shoulders

I think dress 2 is very nice, and would look great with the right accessories and hairdo.

Number 2 has a more classic look.
Is it black?

I would do this...

Def. get a blow dry and your nails done. Make up obv.
Good quality black tights. Not opaque. Black suede shoes with a heel. Not skyscraper stiletto. Maybe kitten heel. Check out Emma Hope or LK Bennett for inspiration.
Pearls. You need a necklace for that v neck. And a really lovely wrap to make you feel like you are making a bit of an entrance. Will you be taking a taxi to the event? If not, your best coat and a lovely scarf.

Failing that, can you hire a dress?

Have a lovely time!

The first dress is sublime. You look fantastic in it. You have a fabulous figure. If I had a slim figure like yours, I'd wear the first dress in a heartbeat.

Sorry, but the dresses suggested by other posters are awful. No where near formal enough and will not suit you like the lovely strappy number in the first photograph.

My advice would be to accessorise with silver jewellery and flat or mid heels. Silver stud earrings. Silver/white gold necklace. A short necklace with or without pendant. Silver colour clutch bag.

Do you remember what has been called, 'the revenge dress' that was worn by Princess Diana when Charles publicly admitted his adultery ? That's the kind of 'knock 'em dead' glamour that the first dress conveys.

Hope you have a great time.

Dress 2 is beautiful and definitely smart enough. I agree with black tights and black, matt shoes. But I don't agree with a necklace - don't take the attention away from the dress and if you're covering your legs, it's nice to have a bit of skin on show!

Some diamond stud earrings and a bracelet. Lots of attention to your make up (I'd be doing winged eyeliner and thick lashes with nude lips) and an up do.

Have fun!

This was posted on another thread. I wish I had a reason to buy it.

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