Black tie dress - help!

[MeganChips]

I'm going to a Christmas party on Friday and they have decided to tell us at the last minute that it's a black tie theme.

I had a couple of dresses ordered but they're going back and now I'm panicking.

I would either like to spend very little money or have something I can wear again. I don't like side splits or embellishments like jewels, don't like low cut and must be able
to wear a bra although strapless is ok.

I like dark red, blues, teal and black. I'm 5'4 so places like phase 8 drown me even in heels but I'm too tall for petite.

As an idea I like this very much but it's out of stock.

Any ideas? All would be very gratefully received!

this is lovely but not cheap. Not likely to date very quickly.

Bravissimo have one gown that is spectacular

Roman Originals have I think a good selection that look more expensive than they are, nothing show stopping but some are ankle length and all sensibly cover up bra straps. Also Wallis?

That is lovely Emma but more than I really wanted to pay unfortunately.

I never considered Roman Originals, I will take a look. I am waiting for this from Wallis too but may order a few just in case! It's velvet and I like the touching at the side, very cheap too.

Black tie is not long dress. It can be any length you are comfortable with. I suggest a knee length dress for wearability and not dating. Personally I think high street brands do Christmas dresses very well and M &S have loads that would be suitable. Have a look at H and M, Zara and & Other Stories.

I went to a very posh black tie do in the summer. What worked fantastically for me was a Black Tuxedo Jumpsuit which I wore with a white tux jacket from Zara, silver shoes and a silver choker. Everyone else was in dresses of varying lengths and most looked like bridesmaids and not terribly stylish. I was (at the time) a size 14 and thought I looked way more stylish than a lot of people!

It was a bit like This