Formal dress / ball gown help please!

[NellChambers]

I've been invited to a black-tie evening dinner in October.

The last formal 'event' I attended was my graduation a few years ago - I've grown a little bit and the dress I wore sadly is too snug for my liking.

My understanding of black tie is either a ball gown, cocktail dress or LBD. I feel that a cocktail dress or LBD would be innappropriate however.

Whilst I have previously posted for dress help (which I have bought since) I don't think the low back would be very appropriate.

I'll be wearing pumps (rather than risk killing my feet in heels).

Thanks!

Bump!

The black tie affairs I used to go to were insistent on full length gowns. There are plenty of these gowns around, and they don't have to be puffy ballgowns.

Are there no stipulations on the invite, OP?

What size are you? What colours do you like best? What kind of formal event (who will be there)? Are you trying to present a certain image (fashionable vs elegant vs sexy etc)?

I agree that the last few 'balls' I have attended have had plenty of cocktail dresses. If it is an annual event try and find photos on on line of previous events to get an idea of how formal it is.

Budget?

Ralph lauren

Brambleboo no stipulations regarding dress. The invitiation simply says 'black tie'.
Racecardriver I'm a 12. I love light and navy/dark blues, light pinks, mint/light and dark greens and mid/dark reds. I like ivory but that's out, obviously! I prefer bardot / strapless or flutter / floaty sleeves. It’s a ball / social evening for a society of which my OH is a member. I’m going as his plus one. I like to be elegant with a little bit of flair.
Lucked my budget is up to £150 (though I'd rather not spend that much!).

If the right dress though I am prepared to spend £200.

Check on eBay- I am currently searching for one as we are going on a cruise. You will not need to spend £200 (more like 20-30). I use search terms like- evening dress, formal dress, long dress, ball gown, prom dress, and have found loads. I also searched ‘Kate Middleton’ (oddly) and came up with loads of options.

The other option is somewhere like TKMaxx which often have loads in if you want to try on before buying.

Have you tried Coast?
Something like this
www.johnlewis.com/coast-jade-embroidered-bodice-dress-navy/p3649407?size=12

There are others too if you go to their website

Debenhams do some nice evening gowns

I quite like this comes in a choice of colours and can be worn multiways

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_008020311787_-1

I've been to a few black tie dinners and tbh the dress code isn't that strict for women. It's very easy for men but for women black tie seems to range from full length ballgown to just a nice dress. I tend to opt for just below the knee dresses or skirts with a silk or lace top.

It has been a little while since I've had to find something but I used to pick up some nice dresses from House of Fraser and TKMaxx. Coast, Phase Eight are obvious options, Debenhams (Coast do some items only at Debenhams), John Lewis and even H&M (although you will have more luck online - sort by highest price dresses). ASOS is worth a look, and maybe Next too.

Try Monsoon too

Tk maxx - generally have all sorts of formal wear In store - best to go and try on as some are us sizes and don't translate easily online

There are some lovely ones here.

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/categorylist/maxidresses/all

How about this Ted Baker outlet dress ? Navy and in your price range

I just love this dress Sadly its more than you wanted to spend ..