What on earth to wear to black tie events?

[ballroompink]

I have a couple of work-related black tie events (awards thingies; in London) coming up this month and am panicking about what to wear. I have a few occasion dresses that have been sitting the the wardrobe since before the pandemic but now having a wobble about what will look good. What would YOU wear to a fancy do this season? Please give me some ideas! I love a dress but so much of what is in the shops seems so casual or tent-like and just not smart enough? Also, I don't wear black as it really washes me out.

Have you tried ASOS?

I have but everything seemed so 'young' (I'm only 37!). My existing dresses that I am debating wearing are both from Ghost - the Aggie in Aqua and the Annabelle in Lilac - but I feel like they are very spring/summer colours. Maybe I'm overthinking!

There is loads of occasion-wear on sale at the moment

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/list/further-reduction/clothing/dresses

Any particular loves or hates to help us narrow the field?

I definitely don't think those two Ghost dresses are too spring-like for September, especially with long sleeves.

@Defiantly41

There is loads of occasion-wear on sale at the moment

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/list/further-reduction/clothing/dresses

Any particular loves or hates to help us narrow the field?

Sadly most of those are way over budget for me - I could probably spend £150 max! I prefer midi dresses - knee length don't seem to suit me (I have a long body and short legs). Not black or white - I am a summer colour palette and tend to wear blues, greens, pinks, etc. I just feel clueless about what looks stylish for very smart events now as I very rarely go to them!

Following OP, as I am in the same boat. I’m considering hiring a dress via Hurr - has anyone used it? Not sure I can manage heels anymore though...

@ballroompink, for black tie you could absolutely go floor length! There's nothing more elongating than a floor length evening dress with an empire waist or natural waist. So elegant. I wish I had more black tie events to attend. Unfortunately, most of the weddings and such I've been invited to recently have been irritatingly wishy-washy on dress code with words like "festive" or the dreaded "semi-formal." Maybe look for inspiration from films or television and go for a similar look. To start, the ladies of Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel provide loads of sartorial inspiration!

How about hiring a bit of Vampire’s Wife?
www.mywardrobehq.com/the-vampire-s-wife/floral-satin-dress/P3635

Or a leftfield suggestion - Ghost dyes really well. You could always change the colour of one of your dresses to something deeper.

I’m not a big fan of Cos but I recently panic bought this dress for a hen night, and have worn it loads over the summer, dressed up for a wedding, down for holiday etc. Think it could work for black tie with the right accessories (sorry I know it misses the no black brief)
Looks better on than on the model too, the top sits higher and it skims nicely. Plus sale..

www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.satin-slip-dress-black.0973800001.html

How about a pink ballroom dress?

Are you going to something on the 13th? I am, see you there if so!!!

Tkmaxx have some really lovely stuff in at the moment, especially if you can stretch to the gold label section.

No not the 13th! Has anyone bought anything from Reformation? Have spotted some nice stuff in their sale.

Ah! Well have fun at yours!