which dress for black tie event?

[bonnieweelass]

This one from boden, which is lovely on and shows off my nearly 3 stone weight loss perfectly:

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/j0378-blk/womens-black_ivory-alma-ottoman-midi-dress

Or this one I've ordered from Monsoon which is a gorgeous colour but not sure yet if it fits (cos not arrived) and not sure if it would be too light (event is start of March so not sure if weather still cold)

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_26.1/6494483208

I ordered a boden jumpsuit that had loads of great reviews but looks horrible on so I've decided to stick with a dress instead. Don't really have the budget for any other outfits.

Shoes - I have black shoe boots and gold court shoes. Which is best do you think? Again not really got any budget left.

I'm a size 16

@thenightsky black tie is cocktail dresses, you definitely don’t need a full length dress! You would for white tie.

OP, sorry but have to agree with everyone that the first one is too casual, I think the second one from Monsoon could work though!

Charity shops, eBaying, dress agencies or just getting a loan from a friend who has the same dress size/body shape are all perfectly good solutions. There'll be something out there for a tenner.

I could wear a belt possibly with the dotty dress but unfortunately my boobs are now visible. Could get a camisole for underneath but it still sags...

Looking at the pictures from last year's ceremony, there were some midi dresses, jumpsuits, black trousers and sparkly tops worn. Lots of ill fitting dresses tbh

OP, go and check out Debenhams evening wear section, they have loads and quite a few of them are under £80 I only came across them last week as I've got a really swish black tie event to go to in September.

OP when you say black tie event, what does that mean to you? Because of people wore nice tops with black trousers last year then I'm inclined to think this isn't a black tie event, which would mean your choices could be appropriate

milienhaus Oops. Sloppy reading of the OP on my part!

Can't you cancel or return the monsoon dress you have ordered? I agree with most so far your choices are too casual. What size are you? We are all expert bargain hunters!

It is described as a black tie event but the pictures show mixed attire. I saw some long dresses and some casual looking t shirt style tops. The majority of dresses are knee or above the knee in the photos. There's a few shawls. My friend attended two years ago and wore a plain Boden midi red jersey dress. I might actually ask her for tips

I am a size 16, a loose size 16, but not yet a 14. (Bloody diet plateau!)

The spotty dress is an 18 and was already a bit loose when I bought it and that was a stone heavier. The Biden dress is a 16 and the blue dress has been ordered in a 16.

I am 5ft 5 in height but long body, short legs. I'm not good in very high heels either!

Could be dressed up but also used again

Could be shortened for further use

very elegant and cheap but if not as formal as normal black tie it could work

Lovely and elegant

Black tie events can cover such a broad spectrum - men have it so easy! I'd suggest you ask your friend who has been.
Do you know anyone who could alter the 3rd dress for you? It's lovely and from what you've said suitable for the event. The first two look too much like work dresses

If you look for Monsoon, phase Eight, Karen millen on ebay there are thousands of cocktail dresses. You can try on in shops to check your size first

I did wonder if it could be altered but I'm not sure if it would ruin the design?

well the blue dress has arrived and doesn't suit me at all, so I'm sending it back. As I got it discounted for £60, I could use that £60 for another dress.

Would welcome recommendations. Not a fan of ASOS sorry. I really like Kate Middleton's style if that helps with recommendations, although I am a bit shorter and chubbier! Size 16 please.

I also tried on the dotty dress again but with a camisole for the saggy boob area and I'm not sure it looks right. I keep thinking that camisole bras under dresses are for older women. I only bought it in November I think it was and I've lost nearly a stone since then. Don't have the receipt to return it and I'm not convinced its the right dress to wear either.

urrrrgh I'm now very stuck as to what to wear!

Any particular reason you don't like ASOS? They stock multiple different brands and seem the best place for you to find something at a good price

their stuff seems too young to me and whenever I've ordered something from there in the past, it has never fit properly, regardless of size or brand so I rarely shop there now. Cannot remember the last time I did.

Hmm, odd because I've had such good experiences with their stuff! Do you have any idea what style you're looking for? Because if you have an idea of that I'm sure people can help you find something lovely and in budget

www.isawitfirst.com/products/velvet-knot-front-maxi-dress-burgundy-jl32507?variant=21258171711606&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-onjBRDSARIsAEZXcKaSQJiEI_LEhun4mOxq1e1XHpQrg5alEyBiAnTF6cFT2OI5CSGcTRYaAnX9EALw_wcB

The black one could be dresses up and then definitely wearable again.

ooooh that last black one looks lovely!

What about this www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100018178.html

Ah just seen that it’s not super formal. I’d go with the black jasper Conran one above- beautiful dress!

So the men wear dinner jackets and bow ties but the women go casual?
Not being rude just curious.
I go to a lot of black tie functions and whoever said black tie is cocktail and white tie is long earlier in the thread is incorrect it's usually a mixture of both but certainly more dressy than the dresses you've shown.
But if you've been before you will know best.

www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/midi/products/bolero-prom-twofer-dress?variant=796910452740

Scarlett & Jo have some gorgeous dresses in, I got a long one last year for a formal event and got loads of complements! I've linked one in for you, but there's loss of choice.

Sorry but both are awful