What to wear to black tie?

[Housewifehustle]

Help! My daughter's school is having a Leaver's Ball and the dress code is black tie. What are some examples of dresses that would be appropriate for this type of event? Thank you!

Try these: John Lewis have the first two. The yellow one is LK Bennett.

Slightly more exciting: LK Bennett for the pink midi one. Then Needle and Thread (fantastic dresses) and then Self Portrait. All are beautiful for black tie. Add jewellery and silver shoes and off you go.

I thought black tie was cocktail (ie knee-length) dress?

If it’s a school ball then cocktail dresses might be more popular than evening gowns. Your DD would probably be best asking her friends what they’re planning to wear.

Sorry, presume this is for her, not you?

Isn't it a typical prom dress type thing?

That ombré blue dress was one of the first I saw and wondered about. How interesting that you picked it, too! @PresentingPercy

My daughter is still deciding on her dress but, yes, my plea was help for me. I do wonder if I can get away with a cocktail length dress?

You can absolutely wear a cocktail dress for black tie.

Yes. Cocktail length is fine which is why I included a couple. However the blue ombré one is slightly more casual than the yellow one and would be totally wearable. The cocktail length dresses would be more versatile if you have a wedding or the races coming up. So a multi tasking dress. White tie is obligatory long dress.

At my DD's leavers balls most mums were in full length gowns, mine was navy with straps. A few wore floral per una wedding guest type but they were the exception. Alas Debenhams my go to has closed

Thank you everyone!

'officially' it's full length I think but in practice depends on the event.

Leavers ball doubt will be very strict ! Probs lots of things.

Asking friends is a good idea.

No: white tie is full length.

I've tried a few long dresses on now and the full length feels fabulous. I'm still looking for the right silhouette but I am loving playing dress up.

Did you try the ombré one? It really is something to look forward to. An end to being drab!

@PresentingPercy Yes, I did! In the end I needed a different neckline but it is a beautiful dress.