Black Tie Puzzle

[NotQuiteCockney]

Ok, I am finally actually going to this Black Tie thing next Tuesday. It is a geeky black tie thing, and DH is sure he's seen lots of blokes there just in regular suits. My clothing options are:

1. Dress from Oasis . I already own it. I'm not sure it's formal enough. It does suit me.

1. This dress . It's lovely, and silk. Above the knee. Quite funky. Bit too low cut, but whatever.

1. Go shopping.

1. Silk double-breasted trouser suit with either a man-style shirt or a blouse.

1. Quite boring but ok long viscose black thing with beading.

Opinions?

Oh, shopping-wise I did see some nice things in Phase Eight. There's a monsoon nearby, but their clothes are for the norkish, I think. I'm not norkish. There's a topshop ...

IMHO no one really bothers if someone is slightly underdressed. Would you say anything to someone who wasnt in full ballgown?

If you are comfy in the dress you own then wear it!

I wouldnt buy a dress for one partic occasion if you dont think you could wear it again.

Why dont you hire a dress?

Hiring a dress sounds like more work than the other options, tbh.

I ought to get my wedding dress dyed green or purple and just wear that, but I don't have time to sort that.

You're right about wearing what I'm comfortable in. I think I'll wear the Oasis one, as it really is nice and comfortable and reasonably modest.

Not no 1, it is to casual and no 2 is too funky. Both are lovely though. IIWY I would probably go with the boring black thing because it is probably quite elegant and you would be comfortable in it. hth

I think no 2 would be fine. It is funky but dressy enough to carry off.

I think 2 or 5 (or 3, goes without saying if you have the time and money...). how about some new accessories to go with 5? some glitzy-but-cheap jewellery? new handbag - there are some really gorgeous silky beaded things about in lots of lovely colours - and not that expensive. go mad in Accessorize.

either 2 (I do love it and it suits you) or 5 with a stunning shawl/wrap

Hmm, I think I will go with 2. I have a nice pashmina-y thing that goes with it. Well, or maybe 5. DH is not-entirely-thrilled with the idea of 2, thinks it is too 'fun' for this event.

I do have a really nice purple and gold shawl type thing that a friend bought me from India that might liven up 5. I'll have to try it on again, and see how I feel about it.

Tbh I wouldnt do number 2 NQC. I think it is a bit too much, sorry.

But the first one would be ideal because its what I would say is smart casual so you could dress it up with nice shoes, bag and a shawl or something and a bit of jewellery and if you dont feel comfy or what you've accessorisesd is too much, you can just take it off and shove it in your handbag

DH thinks I should wear #1. But unfortunately he Has No Clue. (As anyone who was around for the Zoot Suit debacle knows ...) Aaargh.

It is a geek thing, not media or anything, so it probably doesn't really matter.

I probably should add, 'not funky' isn't really an option. I have a shaved head.

I think the long black thing may be in order. Is he certain that normal suits are ok, he'll feel a right plonker if he's the only one not in a dinner suit and black tie...

1. is definitely too casual. How about 4. (what colour is it BTW) with a jewel coloured/sparkly camisole underneath and fab jewellery and shoes?

1. is black. Very sharp, very comfortable. I think I probably have a suitable blouse or two.

Oh, DH won't be in a suit, he will be in a DJ or tuxedo or whatever it's called in this country.

I think 5 sounds lovely, but there you go

1 and 2 are both pretty but don't look especially dressy to me

I have never been to a Black Tie thing so I do not have a clue what people wear there anyway

I think 1 is too casual.

2 looks a bit funky but maybe OK.

Maybe go shopping? Is that too horrific?

I could try to put something together from separates, I guess is the other option. I have:

1. cotton flarey skirt in black, great cinched waist thing

1. long plain black satin skirt, fairly a-lineish

5 is probably the easiest thing. I can put it with an interesting wrap/scarf, or with my slightly alarming green short jackety thing.

I really really hate shopping. But maybe I'll have a look on the weekend.

Top-wise, I have a really nice heavy satin top with visible stitches, lots of little knit tops (all in black, I think), and the complicated black and white and red top I wore to the Xmas meet. And probably some others.

Ok, I'm wearing 5 at the moment, and it is pretty nice. It's not exactly figure-flattering etc etc (ankle length, probably a size too big) but nice enough and won't make me twitchy. With the green jacket (Frances? Frances?) it actually looks pretty good, I think.

I will take a pic of the outfit and put it online, sod it.

The green jacket with a black dress? Bold move....

yes do photograph it

I've been trying, but will get DH to do it. The dress is ankle length, the beading won't show in a picture, as it's just lots of little simple black beads in twiddly patterns all over the bodice.

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sory - I meant 2 - was telling ds not to shout the makka pakka song in my ear whilst posting.

Ok, here are pics of 5, with an interesting scarf (more interesting than it looks in pic) and the Green Jacket of Infamy.

I am feeling quite tempted by 5 with jacket.

2 is lovely, but I think I should probably wear it out somewhere lovely with DH, rather than to this. It does have a certain 'norks on a plate' aspect, which, while rather fun, is maybe not what I'm looking for here.