Black tie nightmare - help!

[Ansjovis]

I am really not known for my fashion sense and now I have a black tie dinner to attend - not a good combination. I'm 35, petite and pear shaped. I don't want to look either like I'm trying to look younger or older than I am.

I've come up with these options - naturally I'll need to get the length taken up but can I have some other opinions please as to how these would suit a 35 year old? And if, as I suspect, I have completely gone down the wrong track, does anyone have any recommendations please?

www.johnlewis.com/jolie-moi-lace-bodice-pleated-maxi-dress/dark-purple/p4345149?size=10

www.johnlewis.com/gina-bacconi-keana-jersey-maxi-dress/p4249351 (probably all wrong for my body shape but I really like the colour!)

Second one is amazing and I would think perfect for your body shape as it will add volume and interest to your top half which is the trick for pears. Possibly easier to have altered too.
Absolutely stunning dress

I think they both look ageing, sorry.

What about this?
www.johnlewis.com/chi-chi-london-cecilie-flared-midi-dress-navy/p4925164

What colours suit you?

Whilst they are both beautiful dresses they also have a slight touch of Mother of the Bride about them. At your age (oh to be 35 again!) I reckon you could get away with something a little more exciting.

When you say you are petite, what actual size are you? And what is your colouring?

Also not sure what our budget is. This one might be a bit high price-wise, but the neckline will draw attention up

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-beaded-mermaid-one-shoulder-gown-deep-blue/p5613668

Thanks for the feedback so far, to answer questions @Palavah I tend to suit jewel tones, the colour of the second dress I posted is probably my most flattering colour.

@CrazyPomPom I am a bit of an odd size - 8 on the top and between a 10/12 on the bottom. I'm fair with dark brown hair and blue eyes - don't have any children so definitely want to avoid mother of the bride!

I agree they're a little ageing, the one from Pp is lovely!

Bit boring but if you had a gorgeous metal or sequin belt it would give it a lot more definition and glamour.

www.johnlewis.com/ghost-jess-asymmetric-dress-navy/p4899370

How about one of those multiway dresses - they come in every colour and you can experiment with how you want to wear it. Very versatile and comfortable too.

victorialou.co.uk/multiway-dress-colours/

Also, if it's like the one I had, they have no actual hem so a good dressmaker can just take the excess off with some high quality dressmaking scissors.

Jump suit? www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-strapless-jumpsuit-light-navy/p4917399

Thanks for the tips & feedback, much to ponder here. Might just order a couple and see if anything looks even remotely good on. Don't want the guy I'm looking to impress mistaking me for his granny!

I’m nearly 70 and even I wouldn’t wear that first one (the colour is lovely though).

I'd try and clarify what other women wear (if it's a repeat event), black tie can be anything from cocktail dresses to full length gowns.

Ageing. Could you try something shorter?

No black tie is floor length

I’d rent if I were you. No need to have a dress you won’t wear stuck in your wardrobe. (I rented last time I went to a black tie event). Lots of people don’t wear long to black tie, you only need long for white tie in my experience.

You say you are petite. Would a long midi work? I think this would be fine for a corporate event www.whistles.com/product/snake-animal-dobby-dress-32591.html#cgid=Occasion_Dresses_Clothing_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=snake-animal-dobby-dress-32591&pos=3

@stripedbananas

No black tie is floor length

Not necessarily

This is insanely gorgeous

www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/satin-long-dress-emerald_xs/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASoJSPzQWyV1TDlk-vFu7QoWagwXe1bXBAEB8h6nh0Kx6m78WMFBjPoaApdlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

@stripedbananas

No black tie is floor length

Do you mean black tie is always floor length, or never floor length?

Either way, I definitely find it varies according to the event. Some stuff you can go either way for, others like a ball everyone is in floor length really, and some dinners I have been to a more casual black tie is mainly knee length options.

This one

lux-fix.com/shop/the-lexi-teal-one-shoulder-maxi-by-worth-a-million

This really pretty www.monsoon.co.uk/artisan-summer-beaded-floral-dress-purple-14868494.html?dwvar_14868494_color=LILAC&quantity=1 you may need to get it shortened though

If you suit bright yellow this is a bit special www.monsoon.co.uk/kate-sequin-slim-maxi-dress-yellow-84011414.html

What kind of black tie event is it? Mid week corporate and you shouldn’t go floor length.

Weekend charity ball, floor length is much more acceptable.