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Original poster

Black tie event -this Friday, please help!

36 replies

Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 14:04

I've been invited to a black event on Friday and have nothing suitable to wear (I only found out it was black tie this afternoon)
I can shop tomorrow, but my budget is less than £50 for the whole outfit, including shoes (I'm trying to lose weight, so definitely don't want to spend loads for a dress I'll hopefully grow out of in a month)

I am an Apple shaped size 16 in my 30s
I've never gone to a black tie event so I don't even know what type of dress is suitable.
Please help!

I have a Debenhams, M&S, TKmax, New look, and H&M nearby. As lol as Sainsbury's and Tesco.
Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 14:17

And shoe wise, I can't wear heels.

OP posts:
wishingforalotterywin · 13/02/2019 19:02

As you will see from other threads there's a hot debate about whether black tie means a maxi (full length) or knee length/midi (cocktail).

The answer is it probably depends on how formal it's likely to be. The safest bet would be a plan dark coloured maxi or midi, glammed up with sparkly or embellished heels and a clutch and either earrings or a necklace. You might be ok with a smart jumpsuit

Is this an annual event if so do you know anyone who's been before.

wishingforalotterywin · 13/02/2019 19:04

Sorry just read re heels, that's ok pretty ballet flats etc fine, no one will pay much attention- possibly they look better with a midi.

thefirst48 · 13/02/2019 19:08

I've worn a knee length dress and a cocktail dress to a black tie event. I think heels are a must too. I'm tall and hate wearing heels but I will wear them if needed.

Icedlatte · 13/02/2019 19:10

If the event has happened before search the name of it on Facebook, you might find photos from a previous year to give you an idea.
As a pp said, the best/safest option would be a dark coloured, simple full length dress

wishingforalotterywin · 13/02/2019 19:10

You might be lucky in tkmaxx but if not for your budget I'd prob look in Quiz in Debenhams and get inexpensive coordinating bag/shoes from the others. Your bag will end up on a table and no one will notice your shoes so spend the most money on a dress

Tavannach · 13/02/2019 19:11

Something like this?

Black tie is a cocktail dress or a maxi dress.
White tie is more formal and is maxi dress.

Icedlatte · 13/02/2019 19:12

Was also going to suggest quiz in Debenhams

OlennasWimple · 13/02/2019 19:26

Are you certain that you don't have anything suitable in your wardrobe?

If not...

How about:

this in purple (if you don't mind your arms and shoulders)

This peach (if you like lighter colours and can sort out the bra situation)

This navy if you want full length (not much left in the budget for shoes...

Mauve pleats

Love this hi/lo hemmed dress

Nude pink knee length chiffon

Have you got a TK MAxx near you? Might be easiest to go and have a rifle through their racks for a dress and shoes?

Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 20:23

Thanks for all the tips/ideas!

I have looked online, but no sign of photos unfortunately. I will have a look in tkmaxx and quiz tomorrow morning.
I had seen that nude dress Olenna, and I like it, but not sure if it’ll work with my rather large waist. Hopefully they’ll have it in stock in the shop for me to try it on!

And I think you’re all right, a darker dress will look smarter. Does the dress have to have “structure” instead of being a soft t-shirt-like fabric?

Do those types of dresses tend to be sleeveless? And do I wear a scarf/shawl to cover my arms? I don’t want to freeze!

OP posts:
Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 20:28

I saw this one on Debenhams, but I don’t know if it’s suitable
www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_61252+280429_-1
(not sure it would suit me anyway but it looks great on the model Grin ) I think I have to dress quite conservatively, so I think I will need something with a little less cleavage.

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SpiritedLondon · 13/02/2019 20:34

I quite like the Curve range at ASOS and have a couple of their dresses. If I was trying to look high end on a budget I would keep it quite understated and chic. I quite like the one shown because it covers the tops of the arms. ( although possibly too low cut for your taste? ). I have only had a quick whizz through though and I imagine even next day delivery is cutting it fine.

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-kimono-pleated-maxi-skater-dress/prd/8991404?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=9579&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=11&gridsize=2&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=603

Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 20:43

That is pretty, Spirited, but I’m not sure about how low cut it is, and if I wear a strap top under, it might lose its classy look.
And if I wait until tomorrow after looking at what’s available in town, it might not get here on time!

OP posts:
wishingforalotterywin · 13/02/2019 20:47

Like the Debenhams one. Soft fabric ok unless it's too lightweight.

Good luck shopping! Fingers crossed for a tkmaxx dress rail bargain!

MoltonSilver · 13/02/2019 20:55

Your budget is so tight. Is there anyone you could borrow a dress or shoes from so you dont need to buy as much?

SpiritedLondon · 13/02/2019 20:57

Booksandpens. They do it in purple too which looks nice. Have a look at the ASOS site because they do free returns. I’m a 16 with big boobs and I would wear that dress.... I reckon you could fix it with a small stitch if too low. In any case if you see something else there order it and have it as a back up plan. Nothing like having to shop with an impending event and a tight budget to bring on the anxiety.

Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 20:59

Unfortunately not. I don’t know anyone my size and I’d be terrified of ruining someone else’s dress!

OP posts:
GivemeGinandTonic · 13/02/2019 21:05

The key with black tie is at least knee length, not too much chest on show and thick straps or more (no spaghetti straps). This time of year is great to buy, navigate to the sale section of any major website like high st stores or ASOS and the like, pick dress, knew length, style and colour. You’ll get loads and loads of options of reduced lovely frocks that were Xmas do season.
You’d be better given the timescale to order with next day delivery with the likes of Asos etc and order a good 3/4 that you like for Friday am delivery and use the easy sending back route for those that don’t suit.

Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 21:07

Oh, the purple is nice! And I saw a pretty pink dress too, but probably too pale to work for black tie.

www.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-design-curve-midi-dress-with-crop-top-and-3d-embellished-collar/prd/10891611?clr=rose-pink&SearchQuery=&cid=9579&gridcolumn=1&gridrow=2&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=57

OP posts:
PatchworkElmer · 13/02/2019 21:28

I have nothing helpful to add, but JasonGideon I love your username!!

Original poster
Booksandpens · 13/02/2019 21:29

These are the 2 dresses I have, but I don't know if they are smart enough. (Obviously, I'll be ironing them before wearing them, unlike in the photos Grin Blush )

Black tie event -this Friday, please help!
Black tie event -this Friday, please help!
OP posts:
PatchworkElmer · 13/02/2019 21:39

I think that the second one is fine!

Fingermoose · 13/02/2019 21:45

The second one will be fine. Add some jewellery, maybe a sparkly bag and whatever flat shoes you like. Could you get your hair and makeup done on Friday so you feel more glam?

GivemeGinandTonic · 13/02/2019 21:47

Second one is absolutely fine, DIY up hair do and some costume jewel earrings you’ll be looking fab!

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