Dress me! Formal dinner in NYC

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

Dh’s work is very generously paying for me to go and stay with him for a few days while he is over in NYC working for 3 weeks in March.

There is a formal dinner on one of the nights that partners are invited to. This sort of thing fills me with dread at the best of times, but this time I don’t know anyone apart from dh, it’s in a city I don’t know and I have no bloody idea what to wear.

Any suggestions? It’s black tie, I’m 5’8” size 12 with cracking legs from the knee down, shoulders to knees is a bit of a disaster area that doesn’t need highlighting!

[Tentomidnight]

Is this suitable? Vivienne Westwood, also in silver..

[SenecaFalls]

I think that dress will be perfect.

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

math I’ve also ordered the second one you posted. Thank you so much. I don’t think I can return that, but I’ve shown my dsis and she happy for me to wear that to her wedding in November as it fits the colour scheme!

[OldPony]

That teal dress would look stunning on you.

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

This is me. This was last summer and I’m about 1/2 stone lighter than this now. So pale and dirty blonde basically.

[cod]

I’ve been to these and Americans, contrary to what you might think, are pretty rubbish at dressing up

[NewBallsPlease00]

I should say I travel a lot for work and have worked in fashion

[NewBallsPlease00]

You need to look elegant and groomed but yourself- think Kate wins let red carpet rather than Kim kardashian!
I would go British design so Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, even Victoria Beckham, or more budget friendly look at whistles and Somerset by Alice tempered at JL.
You must wear colour
You need to wear long but could have higher front
You should have some kind of shoulder strap
Based on your figure of go for a more structured fabric rather than light silk
How close to event to you land? The jet lag can be hard in terms of looking best- can you fly business and snooze, and also get an express facial as well as hair and nails in the city
What is your colouring, and hair length?
I'm good at dressing people...

[mathanxiety]

With a shape as described, and for the occasion, I think you should consider a long dress with a gathered or pleated skirt, or A line, and avoid the mermaid and column looks. This would most likely mean looking for a dress with a defined waist. I would look for some ruffle or bow or other interesting detail around the shoulder/neckline too, to balance the hips.

www.neimanmarcus.com/Milly-Vena-Silk-Chiffon-Keyhole-Midi-Cocktail-Dress/prod205620032_cat48730734__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat48730734%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D480%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod205620032&xbcpath=cat48730734%2Ccat17740747%2Ccat000001%2Ccat000000&cmCat=product

www.neimanmarcus.com/La-Femme-Cap-Sleeve-Ruched-Chiffon-Gown/prod206280309_cat48730734__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat48730734%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D840%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod206280309&xbcpath=cat48730734%2Ccat17740747%2Ccat000001%2Ccat000000&cmCat=product

These are from Neiman Marcus, in the US.

www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306634682&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524447176583&R=888585436397&P_name=Parker+Black&N=306634682&bmUID=m3ObKsL

www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306634682&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524447152287&R=191371884990&P_name=Halston+Heritage&N=306634682&bmUID=m3O0vBU

From Saks Fifth Avenue.

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

I hadn’t looked at that teal one. That’s lovely, it’s long but it doesn’t look long iyswim. My poor credit card is being destroyed, at least they all do free returns.

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

That pink Stella McCartney one is lovely. I like the VB one too but not sure if it’s dressy enough? I can’t wear anything to floaty from the waist down - I have enormously wide hips but then stick legs. Dress that are floaty from tummy down make it look like I’m smuggling a rubber ring under my dress.

I hadn’t considered that wearing strapless while sitting down would probably make me look naked wouldn’t it? Although that would probably be right up Prince Andrews street! I’ve decided not the strapless one now (before it’s even arrived) as all the bolero/ cover ups just scream ‘I’ve misjudged the dress code and trying my best to still fit in.’

I’m actually quite excited now! Thank you so much everyone - with your help I’m going to look lovely, now I just need to practice my anecdotes and my best tinkly laugh.

[OlennasWimple]

Shows off your legs and a shoulder

Victoria Beckham LBD

[OlennasWimple]

I wouldn't wear strapless for an event where you are mostly going to be sitting down...

Does teal suit you?

Fly the flag for the UK with a Stella McCartney?

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

Do you think clazone? I’m quite happy showing my shoulders and would feel a lot more self conscious if I was wearing something showing too much leg or boob.

I can’t think of any bolero type jobbies that would suit. Any suggestions? Or is there such a thing as fake straps?

[mathanxiety]

Lovely dress.

I would get an eveningy shrug or bolero to go with it.

[calzone]

I think going strapless is quite brave if you aren’t 100% sure what others will wear.

[GreenTulips]

If you have £1000 to spend - book to see a consultant at your local department store and see what suits you!

Friend did this and her choice was amazing

[DontCallMeCharlotte]

I think the red Alberta Ferretti shown above is divine.

[Swimminguphill]

Love that dress!!

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

I’ve just ordered this www.reiss.com/p/sequin-embellished-midi-dress-womens-ricami-in-gunmetal/?category_id=11000&gaEeList=W%20-%20Sale%20-%20Dresses#&gid=1&pid=1

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

Ideally I don’t want to spend more than 1k for everything - inc hair and nails. I’ve got some nice bags and jewellery so don’t need to worry anout that. I’d like to wear heels but not too high as I tower over dh otherwise!

[Oblomov18]

Definitely nails and blow dry. The dress will be secondary.

[OlennasWimple]

What's your budget, OP?

[Tablefor4]

Ok - in that case you need to up the ante (Brits accept more lax). I think long, and as high a heel you can manage. Remember you are sitting down, so consider what suits you and looks interesting from the waist up. Pick a nice bright colour, perhaps in a jewel tone: emerald, shocking pink, red, peacock blue

Any good jewellery you've got you can wear/borrow?

[WhatWouldFlopDoToday]

It will be about 50% European and the rest American/ Canadian. Blow dry and nails definitely a good tip, I wouldn’t have considered that.