Could you do Black Tie at less than a fortnight’s notice ?

[BikeRunSki]

Last week I was told by work that I could, in fact should, go to the industry awards ceremony that we were initially told we could not attend (public austerity).

I am not high maintenance at all and my wardrobe is largely outdoor wear, denim, fleece and hi vis (I’m in the construction industry), with a couple of smarter office outfits. Days in the office were rare enough before lockdown, since I spend most of my working time on construction sites. I do have a beautiful black tie dress, but it’s more than 20 years old, and despite being bias cut, it really doesn’t fit very well after 2 dc and lockdown!!

It’s been a bonkers week of ordering and returning dresses, bra fittings, realising that there appears to be global shortage of nylon tights and cursing my size 9 feet.

My mother is horrified that I can’t do black tie at the drop of a hat. Could you?

I have to say my heart would really sink at a black tie invitation, I'm far happier in jeans.

Yes but until Covid I had to frequently attend for DHs job.

Have you tried TK MAXX?

Yes although I probably wouldn’t be 100% happy with my look as most of my dresses are old and no longer fit perfectly (lockdown weight gain). But I could muster something up

ickoffamilydrama

I'd be alright for black tie but I've got a couple of work events that require cocktail dress coming up and I have nothing 🤦‍♀️“

Banging the drum for charity shops again. Couple in our town bursting with high-end evening stuff for a tenner that looks brand new/worn maybe once.

I’ve got a frock and jacket.
Thank you to the MNer who previously punted me at Otrium.
Ive borrowed shoes, and will work on getting my own in time/sales etc, but my enormous feet do not make this easy.

I was more curious to know if I was unusual in not being prepared for such sartorial eventualities.

I think even if I’d been to the type of uni where formal wear was a thing (Red brick Earth scientists tend to be more about Goretex jackets and walking boots!), the chances of me fitting them 30 after graduation are very slim. Unlike me!

@HighNetGirth

Have you tried TK MAXX?

Yes, I bought soap!

Banging the drum for charity shops again. Couple in our town bursting with high-end evening stuff for a tenner that looks brand new/worn maybe once.

I am a huge fan of charity shops, but the small rural selection locally didn’t really have much.

Yes I could though it would be a cocktail dress rather than ballgown.

Also I would have to diet ferociously to get into it but I could do that in two weeks.

You mention bras - do you need a specific bra for your dress? If so I would pick another dress tbh.

I have an acceptable pair of heels tho not fabulous. But I have friends I could borrow from I am sure.

Is it super posh fancy black tie or will an LBD work?

You mention bras - do you need a specific bra for your dress? If so I would pick another dress tbh.
All my bras are too small. I was waiting for John Lewis to reopen, but my nearest one was closed down instead. The new frock I’ve got does not need a specific type of bra, other than one that fits properly and s not a sports bra!

Yes, not because I need it regularly but because I have ball dresses and shoes from years ago. I'm terrible for getting rid of things but sometimes it pays off!

I live not too far from the OP, and we no longer have any good department stores - Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis have all gone. The charity shops aren't particularly brilliant round here either.

I used to go to a lot of black tie events before DD was born, but no longer have any black tie clothes, and unlike what feels like most mumsnetters, we have been to very few weddings, the last one being 11 years ago.

I'm glad you found something @BikeRunSki. Do you think you might be up for an award?

Yes I have a few long dresses (and I'm not high maintenance 🤣)

I could do it for midday!

I can barely do “smart” at the drop of a hat.
I have one good coat and a funeral outfit.
Shoes are a nightmare.

On the one occasion I had to do black tie, I hired a dress.

I would need to order something (just had w baby so nothing fits) but could do that on two weeks.

The good thing about black tie is it doesn’t really date, so as long as you stay the same weight, you will always have everything you ever got available so once you have done it once you are always prepared. I could do easily do a week of black tie every night and never wear the same thing twice in normal times…but in a way, OP, your experience is more fun and you will feel more special on the night because of all the effort you have had to put in! Have fun!

Op I’d try boohoo or ASOS - next day delivery, they’ve all got their party frocks in now.

ASOS do size 9 shoes, very reasonably priced. If you are size 9 and wide foot then simply be, yours, evans and new look all do a wide fit in a 9.

Thank you for sharing my rural-slightly-older person pain @RampantIvy! If you live when I think you do, I went to the little lingerie shop in your/my nearest little town (the one with the slightly rude name and grammar school). The last who runs it is awesome!

I have a construction project shortlisted in 2 of 16 categories. 8 finalists per category. So…. We’ll see! I’ve gone f

Had no idea that you could hire frocks like this! www.hurrcollective.com/listings/solstice-satin-trimmed-gown
Thank you for the info.

Usually, yes. Because DH hosts an annual black tie charity dinner.
But although I have a couple of options, the last one I attended was 2019 thanks to tiny baby and then covid and I'm now pregnant again so probably wouldn't fit into anything I have suitable in my wardrobe!

If my hair was washed I could do black tie with about two hours notice, I never throw fancy dresses away for this exact reason

If you live when I think you do, I went to the little lingerie shop in your/my nearest little town (the one with the slightly rude name and grammar school). The last who runs it is awesome!

It has a brilliant reputation. My hairdresser sings its praises, as does everyone else.

Good luck at the awards.

Not sure. I went to a wedding about 3 years ago and thought I had an appropriate outfit and then realised that everyone else of my age had morphed into "grown up" outfits. They were all in nice jackets with classic frocks underneath and decent court shoes, and I was in a Cos dress with an asymetric hem, and wedges from Fly. It's rather knocked my confidence about the suitability of the smarter end of my wardrobe!

I couldn't go to a black tie at short notice. My weight has fluctuated so much in adult life, anything I have for special events wouldn't fit.

I have been invited to a black tie event for New Years. Like you OP I've been ordering a range of dresses so I'm not panicking closer to the time. Also, practising walking in heels around the house!!

It has made me realise two things. One is I need to sort myself out and secondly I need to be more prepared for special occasions. I love the charity shop suggestion and will make my aim next year to start a small collection of outfits for all occasions.