Evening dresses!!!!

[ChocolateDoll]

I am going to a summer charity ball. Proper black tie event. Haven't been to anything of the sort for years, so no idea where to get dresses for this sort of thing.

Any good recommendations? I'm not sure whether to go full length or knee length.

But, and this is the clincher(!), I am looking for elegant. This is a work related thing, and I have recently got together with the Head of our business area (I am in a management role myself, but he is many many levels more senior).

It's been a little bit of a kerfuffle around the business as we have both recently been through messy divorces and I am not really in a role where I'd normally spend a lot of time hob-nobbing with the execs.

In an ideal world it shouldn't matter, but I really want to make a good impression at this event, and put an end to any of the 'what's he doing with her' whispers.

I'm looking for something classic with a hint of sex appeal. Something that will make me feel a million dollars, but also give the impression of being someone to take seriously (not a divorced mum of 2, just getting by in a junior-ish management role).

[mimiasovitch]

I saw this today, and am filled with pangs of desire. It does come in a shorter version too, but I do like a bit of Hollywood glamour.

[MrsLettuce]

Erm, well, it's pretty much exactly the opposite of what you asked for in the OP I'd though you might be tending towards scarlet strapless but not a pink princess dress.

You'd be well advised to avoid very young looking, girlish styles and anything vv foxy. The very floaty and the very tight. Which is, of course, a bloody ridiculous state of affairs. But, as you said in the op In an ideal world it shouldn't matter, but I really want to make a good impression at this event, and put an end to any of the 'what's he doing with her' whispers.

Unfortunately I think you need to go with a reasonably bold, stark and serious look. Something like the Jaeger (or the malene birger) dress with amazing heels, simple hair and simple, striking makeup. It sounds like there's been quite a stir and I fell power dressing is required.

[MrsLettuce]

x post. DD called me.

NO to the red hooker dress .

[ChocolateDoll]

Hmmm....yes, I think this could be what I need to hear!

It's not really my natural style. Which speaks for itself there why us being together has caused a bit of a stir at work. He has a very serious, professional image at work and is very well respected.

It's not the real him though. He's spent years creating that image in the office, but is a different person outside of the office. Not many people know this about him.

I am much more myself in with. Hence the faces when we got together!

[ChocolateDoll]

*in work

[junglebookisthebest]

Please listen to Mrs lettuce. While the dresses you linked to are nice they are very 'girl dressing up' rather than 'elegant woman with confidence'

[ChocolateDoll]

Oh Lordy Lordy! This is going to be a challenge for me!!

I really do want to make a good impression at this event though.

Not just as his partner, but also as a professional woman in my own right.

I often find that just because I like pretty things and laugh a lot, people don't believe that I am actually very competent at my job too.

[BigGreenOlives]

Why don't you rent something? If you are going to have dinner you need to avoid strapless, you need interesting shoulders/neckline as that is what will be visible for most of the evening.

If you are on a company table you don't want to be flashing your body, it isn't an exhibit for all & sundry to gawp over, instead hint at what lies beneath.

[Misty9]

I'm 36 and have recently discovered the adrianna papell brand in house of Fraser. Very elegant but not too stuffy, which is what I was looking for. I bought this but if you like red this is lovely. And countless others in her range!

Oh for somewhere to wear such a dress....

[WeeM]

Have a look at Adrianna Papell dresses, I got one a few years ago in the sale and it's lovely. I really like this one, simple and elegant but you could perhaps have a contrasting bag/shoes with it.
www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/adrianna-papell-adrianna-papell-short-sleeved-v-neck-maxi-dress/d722946.pd#252539772

[WeeM]

Great minds @Misty9!

[tethersend]

Baukjen

House of Fraser

[Misty9]

they're beautiful aren't they?

[MrsLettuce]

You'll be fine! You explained exactly what needs to happen in your OP, TBH.

You don't have to wear something simple, chic and maybe slightly edgy in black though. It's not the law, it's just the easiest way to make the impression you're after.

[ChocolateDoll]

Oh, some of those Adrian's pappell ones look good

I also came across this green one. Any thoughts?

[ChocolateDoll]

Or, I already have this L K Bennett one, but have never worn it .

I didn't think it was partyish enough for a night out......

[ChocolateDoll]

Sorry....this

[MrsLettuce]

teal-ish blue
dusty pink
very pale blue? or silver grey possibly
I like this one a lot but I wonder if the fabric would look cheap IRL

[OlennasWimple]

Lots of lovely dresses linked to on here

OP, those last two look somewhere between cocktail dress and office wear - not elegant black tie, sorry

[Astro55]

www.tedbaker.com/ie/Womens/Edited/SS17-Tie-The-Knot/SOFFEEN-Floral-jacquard-maxi-dress-Pink/p/136515-NUDE-PINK?plpSlots=1

Ted Baker dress

[OlennasWimple]

Grown up pink Badgley Mischka

[OlennasWimple]

Elegant blue

Colour block

[OlennasWimple]

Too much skin? (Might depend on your tan lines....)

[OlennasWimple]

Interesting colours

Love the high low hemline

Elegant black with blue details

[OlennasWimple]

Not full length

Very elegant Halston Heritage

Both of these are great if you aren't sure whether you need full length or not, as they bridge cocktail and black tie quite neatly