Clueless and need a dress for black-tie event

[SugarMiceInTheRain]

Hello stylish ones, please help me! I've been invited to a black tie awards ceremony, which, whilst exciting, is absolutely terrifying to me as I never get that dressed up! I own a few dresses but they're almost certainly not formal enough eg 50s style ones with big petticoats and one mid calf length one I've worn to a couple of weddings!

Does black tie mean I should be wearing a full length gown? This presents issues as I'm only 4'11" and most of them will be way too long. Also need to keep the budget low if at all possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to look? In addition I'd prefer my shoulders to be covered but realise that may be an impossible ask.

You can absolutely wear short/mid-length to a black tie do, and big petticoats sound glamorous! If you'd prefer to wear something you already have then can you accessories differently to make them less daytime-weddingy and more evening-sparkly? What colour/fabric are they?

I've got a black sequinned short-sleeved shift, just above the knee, which I've worn for a couple of midweek work black tie things with heels, chandelier earrings and statement lip/nails. Didn't feel under-dressed at all.

That's good to know that something I already have might work. I have a black knee length dress with laser cut hem and sleeve edges which I could probably accessorise nicely. I'd completely forgotten about it! Certainly finding some accessories to go with it would be less hassle than trying to find a new dress. Thanks palahvah.

That sounds great - good luck!

Black tie doesn’t necessarily mean floor length - you’ll see lots of women in knee length, midi etc. The 50s style has ones will depend on fabric whether or not they’re formal enough. If yours are all casual fabrics, then I’d recommend Lindy bop - they have some great evening looks for less than £40.

With stuff like this if you google the award ceremony you might be able to find pictures from previous years. That will give you a clue as to where to pitch yourself clothing formality wise