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).

I love the Iris and Ink dress MrsLettuce posted. (Off the shoulder / midnight blue.) Classy but you will really turn heads.

I really like that Badgely Mishka dress, it's a fantastic shape, elegant and a great summer colour.

I've just recread your post about how he conducts himself at work, how he is perceived as serious and competent. And you think you're not so much. I find that really interesting! Maybe now is your chance to convey a more serious, confident and demure side.

I would definitely steer clear of anything that has/is
Any chain detailing
Strapless
Side splits
Floaty AND short must be one or other
Backless
You can't be seated in comfortably
Will show any underwear lines

Think red carpet elegance a la
Emma Watson- never puts a foot wrong,never looks young or too outre
Selena Gomez~ her last press tour was a masterclass in understated serious couture dressing, she shrugged off her teen pop idol image
Naomi watts- always classy

Would something like this suit? www.lightinthebox.com/trumpet-mermaid-one-shoulder-sweep-brush-train-chiffon-evening-dress-759880_p759880.html?category_id=2481&prm=1.2.1.1

Have a look in saintbustier . They have some lovely dresses

IIRC saintbustier specialise in dresses for big breasts. They do often have some lovely things though.

I like this which is elegant but would show off shoulders

this would show off shoulders

V sensible advice from poverty

Esp as this is your first event together, play it safe. You can then get the feel of the other attendees and chat to them confident you won't be remembered for the wrong reason.

It sounds boring and I have been In Your position before where you want people to be wowed, but a work event is not the place to do it, esp when it could go wrong for you and for him.

Have a look at The Outnet. To get you started:

Raoul Carly silk and wool gown (don't be put off, it's a full-length summer gown) - only 1 left and it's an 8 (reduced to £195) - you will need toned arms and good legs;
Noir Sachin & Babi Esperanza mesh-trimmed satin twill in Freesia - not full length, it has cut outs of leaves on skirt, beautiful (£270 instead of £675);
You may like Rachel Zoe Arlene off-the-shoulder (£285 from £635) but I think it may be better for a more personal occasion, not work-related; and
Alexis Dao perforated satin-twill gown (£316 from £790) in red - a proper evening gown - again, only 1 left.

OP, I've just seen the photo of the pink dress you posted - I think that would fuel the gossip. It looks too tight, too short and could be perceived as a bit down market - not the image you are after. I saw the coral Olennas suggested and thought that would be great but I don't think they have your size. Also, liking a lot of the Halston Heritage gowns (as long as they don't cross over into Abigail's Party...).