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?

Oooh, good point re: flattening. Might try to get a basic camisole. I have a better chance of finding that tomorrow I think, anyway.

I don't strictly speaking need a bra, anyway, I don't have very big norks, and they're reasonably perky.

Overrun, I have a shaved head. I gave up on trying to fit in, years and years ago. I am ok about looking funky, I just don't want to look outright disrespectful, iyswim.

Good post though, I need to realise fitting in isn't really an option anyway.

NQC, good point, you are never going to fit into the majority of these (usually stuffy affairs) so you might as well just wear what you want

Amusingly, DH is quite traditional and likes to fit in. He's very happy in a suit or a DJ, not happy in casual clothes.

Oh NQC can I just say again that I looekd at the latest pic and I think that jacket is so so so lovely.

Please wear it. With just a pair of jeans if necessary (or is that a bit toooo funky)

I do like the jacket - I've only worn it once before (and that was to a small MN meet, hence Frances knowing it). It's from a random Chinese stall at Spitalfields.

Ok, I've got a top. It won't look as nice with the jacket on as some, but I will feel ok in just the top and skirt if I overheat, which is pretty important.

It's from Next, it's black, fairly tight, and with peephole things on the chest. Nice.

Can you link to it?

Linketty link link

OMG that website is dire. Will dig.

Kept finding tops in Next that were almost ok, if I could be sure to remove the decoration without damaging the top. I can find those online.

I do not heart Next

Here . Black top, top left.

They did have seven gazillion black tops. Unlike Warehouse (who did have a silver racerback tank top, which I totally loved, but couldn't really make a case for, particularly as I was being Goal Oriented), Ted Baker had one that was ok, but impossible with a bra, provided no support, and despite being in their largest size was of course too small. Nicely made, though. Hobbes had nothing. Gap had nothing. Topshop had nothing.

Oh it's excellent

very good for the small of nork I would say

Yes, it does not Expect norkage. Most of the other skimpy tops do. And I do think high neck is nicer.

It's very well made but not froofooey. I got a couple of vest tops too, though as they were very nice, and good for going under things.

I really like it

when you said Next cut out top I was a bit

It is nice, I like it. I realise the 'cut out' thing sounds like it's a peekaboo top with nipples showing or something. Next clothes are certainly not v interesting. I will not be forsaking H+M and Topshop for it.

Oooh, we're getting a Zara, next year. How much skinnier do I need to be, to shop there?

I found the Zara sizes quite bizarre

size 8 trousers were falling off me

Hsve you been in Wallis this season? Everything in there looked as if it was made for you - the colours and prints - that sharp green and a nice fizzy orange

I am getting more and more skeptical of sizes. I am a size 14 top (ok, 16 if it's something fitted on biceps or something) size 16 bottom in H+M and topshop. I can believe that.

I am a size 14 bottom in M+S.

I cannot fit into size 18 jeans at Gap. double

It is becoming more like Canada, where the size depends on how big you are and how young the shop is - I am an XL in some places and a M in others.

Oh, I'll have to check Wallis, there's one at Canary Wharf.

I almost bought a handbag for Tuesday, but a) I only admired a silver one, and the jacket is goldy, and generally I don't do gold. and b) I have a DH with me, why would i need a handbag?