Proper black tie

[Brillenbar]

So I have a black tie event next week where I need to wear a full length gown ( I would usually wear cocktail or a skirt and top but this is traditional). I am small (5 2, uk sz 4-6) and it is a serious work event for me so although I am confident of arms shoulders and body generally I don't want to look too, umm, sexy. I also want to look and feel really great

I have ordered this www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/sale-dresses/gallia-embellished-full-length-dress/204116567

But it doesn't really make my heart leap

This I love www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008020853405_-1 but it isn't really a take me seriously I am at the top of my career game type dress...

Any views or other ideas? Tia

Are you set on some sort of embellished dress?

I think it's the sleeves on the second dress that make it a bit "girly" and fluffy. Do you think they could be removed?

I am not set on it being embellished but I wouldn't want straight black

I could order second dress and see if sleeves could be r moved

What is your colouring like and style generally?

If you want a serious 'top of my game' career dress for the occasion I would make it all about the cut and striking colour to show confidence.

The jenny Peckham one is too ingénue for that.

I love this one for someone of your proportions: dress

Generally at work I wear well tailored with a conservative colour palate - so navy suit with a more interesting white shirt or tailored dress. I like the fold - most of my work wardrobe is from there. I am a lawyer if that makes any difference

At the weekend I am inclined to wear a biker jacket and paint my nails navy. I was quite goth as a teen

Like both choices 😍
Look at the needle and thread website they have loads of dresses that would be suitable.

I like this one

www.needleandthread.com/uk/all-womenswear/dress/clover-gown

I really like the first dress and am much less keen on the second one

Softkitty that is fab I just wonder what is going on in my mind here - I really love that - but it doesn't really say partner in a leading international law firm does it. Do I just contain multitudes?

Maybe I am having an existential crisis and should change careers?

How about these?

What’s your budget?

Very pricy but I think this is very classy.

Or this

I love the first dress you linked too - I think it is sophisticated and gorgeous. I don't like the second one - agree it is quite 'girly'.

I love your first choice OP. It’s v suitable for a work event I think.

But Phase Eight doesn't say that, either. I think you need to go more upmarket!

darth love the red!

Try net a porter?
I looked at the outnet gown section

Look at this jenny packham dress 😍

www.theoutnet.com/en-GB/Shop/Product/Jenny-Packham/Embellished-silk-chiffon-gown/960922

They also have beautiful gowns but sizing will be the issue

They both look a bit immature like sonething you would expect to see on a student. What about these?

Have a look at Frock and Frill - they have some nice embellished things

Have you thought about hiring something?
Girlmeetsdress.com?

Speaking as a 5’2” person I think you need to pick something ASAP and pre book a dressmaker to bring up the hem. Otherwise you will be tripping over it all night.

I’ve had some really nice black tie things from Gina Bacconi. This one is quite a statement:

ginabacconi.com/dresses/lace-and-mesh-maxi-dress-red.html