Could I wear this to a black tie dinner?

[Myneaux]

Ive been invited to a black tie dinner with work and Im feeling stressed about what to wear.

Im comfortable with semi formal but I dont really know what is expected...I suspect that I could get away without wearing a full length ball gown but still need to be conservatively dressed.

I have a small budget (up to about £80) and would like something I could wear again. I found this dress in Warehouse today and it was only £20...it fits perfectly and is my kind of style. I am normally a bit quirky and know for wearing colour and unusual jewellery.

Its jacquard fabric and has a slight sheen to it....i thought maybe with heels, nude tights/bare legs and red lippy I could just about get away with it. Be honest is it too casual?

All the other formal dresses feel too frumpy (Im 40), bare too much flesh, are black (Im too pale) and expensive

for reference Im 5.4 with blonde hair, size 10.

www.warehouse.co.uk/gb/sale/dresses/wild-garden-dress/029484.html?dwvar_029484_color=99&position=84&cgid=sale-dresses#sz=60&gclid=CjwKCAjw6szOBRAFEiwAwzixBZkNYhv4eum42x6Wte4pp1n4y-tp3kB8v9Q4VoJ7RkBcdZ8lVu3h7BoClPAQAvD_BwE&start=84&categoryID=sale-dresses

I have a maxi skirt in that Warehouse dress fabric - it stretches out really easily, so wouldn't look good at all for long. Probably why it's reduced.

What about this from Coast? It has a floaty panel to cover tummy issues, and is reduced to £39.

Aternatively, this tiered dress from House of Fraser is reduced from £130 to £50 and is lovely. Nude colour up near your face, and the body in a tiered black jersey.

What do you think?

OP the second one isn't black tie either.

Sorry not sure of budget but I actually saw this in JL the other day. It's a very nice dress. But different and you could wear without tights for a summer wedding or do.

www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-britt-dress-black/p3037203

TKMaxx often has some great dresses at very good prices

@secondhoneymoon that's a great idea I've had some real finds from there

Both are lovely dresses but just not me (sorry - I am annoying myself now by being incredibly picky).

I'm not a fan of large prints on black fabric and I fear that I dont have the figure for something as fitted as the second option (I suit fit and flare styles better than column dresses)

I am just not a conservative dresser so Im finding this really hard (usually wear lots of vintage style clothes, pinafores)....I dont think Ive ever looked sophisticated in my life and these all look a bit too grown up for me (which is ridiculous of course as Im 40 ffs).

So have I - especially when you're not likely to wear the dress very often. Charity shops and dress agencies can be your friend too

How about something lace / stretch lace? You can get lots of different cuts, sleeves and necklines.

I am very picky and dresses are like men. It's either there or it's not

What about this, more evening,but same sort of shape.

www.roberterry.co.uk/burgundy-short-halter-openback-red-semi-formal-dress-budget-dresses-sp-5946.html?cPath=3_12

Is this too long or grown up? green satin Beautiful colour.

Or this navy velvet jumpsuit from Finery - 15% off first order when you sign up for the newsletter. Might suit your less conservative style?

Have you got a Zara nearby?

Was just having a pootle at lunchtime and they have lots of boho, vintage looking things in your budget.

May be better to go in than look online. Take a big load of things in and try on I'll come with you

I like the jumpsuit a lot.....didnt think of trousers at all.

Not massively keen on getting my shoulders out (which is the problem with the other 2.....I always feel a bit exposed. Sorry I know Im being unbelievably picky. I think the problem is that Ive never tried anything on like this so Im finding hard to visualise what i would look like.

Happy to get the legs out though!

Im now trawling asos again....love most of the needle and thread dresses but waaay out of budget

www.asos.com/women/a-to-z-of-brands/needle-thread/cat/?cid=17175

I know you said vintage so I'm maybe straying a bit but what about retro style? Have you had a look on lindybop as you'd get a dress there that is fit and flare? This one would definitely be fine to wear to black tie. It's very glamorous. www.lindybop.co.uk/amber-lea-teal-taffeta-swing-dress.html

Just no

Hmmmm luckily I like a challenge!

How about this navy dress with sleeves, but short for your legs, and some sparkle?

I just love this gold (dark curry??? really?) dress - loose fitting, and would look fab with some gold shoes.

But the best of all (IMO) is this dress from Next. Kind of cocoon shape and ombre sequins. Might have to get that myself.....

Any of these getting close?

What about this one 80% off!

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/women/ariella-sleeveless-fit-and-flare-dress-with-belt/d757849.pd#259211650?cm_mmc=Criteo%20%28V2%29--Women--Dresses--Sleeveless+fit+and+flare+dress+with+belt&istCompanyId=17910aed-1bae-4362-9580-b523eb87a91e&istItemId=xpmixilrmp&istBid=tztx&$ja=tsid:45091|cid:1279708|cgid:1279708834423|crid:707312275

Dashing off to swimming so only had a quick glance but Chin Up is getting v close! I like both the blue one with sleeves...this style suits me as you don't need boobs and I'm happy with short (and only
5:4 so it wouldn't be too mini) also like the next one too. Will have a proper look when kids are in bed.

Can't do 50's retro as I don't have any curves!

Thank you all so much for your help!

Try Wallis for inexpensive cocktail dresses, they are usually on or above the knee in various colours with lace overlays or are fitted with bright prints.

I would then wear clear or no tights, some sparkly jewellery & a pair of sparkly sandals / heels to jazz it up & make it look youthful.

Also look in New Look & Dorothy Perkins at the concessions such as Billie & Blossom etc.

Try Next and Lipsy as well.

Lipsy dresses are really pretty actually but I've yet to buy one as I'm still losing weight.

That would be perfectly acceptable as black tie in my life! If you like it wear it

And you are 5.4 not 5.10.like the.model. it would not be too short at all. Am I a single voice here?

Thanks CottonSock for the positive comments. I am usually very much a 'if I like it I will wear it and sod them' type of person but as it is for work (and a new role) I have to be a bit cautious. It does look dressier irl than in the photo but probably still not right.

And it'sdefinitely knee length on me!

If you prefer some quirky stuff, how about a full length skirt with a top? If could look quite edgy but hopefully appropriate enough.

I did a search under Tulle on ebay.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chi-Chi-London-Premium-Lace-Nude-Tulle-Skirt-Midi-Dress-All-Sizes-/282623703092?var=&hash=item41cdaf7834:m:mLy6j3beZA6VqE6NmdG0ntw

Thanks you lot are ace! I think I'm going to have a browse in Zara tomorrow on my lunch break and then have another look at all the online options. I also found this which I like on the model but not sure about the straps/ exposed shoulders/bra issues. I am very flat chested so need a bra to give a bit of shape
www.lipsy.co.uk/store/vero-moda/vero-moda-lace-cami-dress/product-is-eb19239_011

@JoJoSM2 yes I love this look!
it's very sophisticated but a bit edgy if you get the textures and fabrics right.

@Myneaux that dress from Lipsy is v pretty but I don't think black tie dinner when I see it 🙈 sorry